We have anxiously anticipated new music from Portland songwriter Jeffrey Martin for what seems like an eternity. In an environment of constant busyness and overbearing distraction, we often overreact and forget the beauty of music is how it slows us to focus on what matters. The art is an anthesis of the paper gods we worship. In this, Martin is a humble prophet. His songwriting is authentic and bright in what feels like a flash forwarded life. On “Paper Crown”, he contemplates confidently the unknowing we all share, but are afraid to admit.
The artist explains:
“This is a simple song that fell out of a complicated moment. We are in this mad race of technology and progress, and the pace of it can feel dizzying at times. Paper Crown is a hopeful reminder that contentment is found in all the little ways we step outside of the rat race. It takes vigilance and courage to not be consumed by the machine we’ve created: vigilance to keep your heart elevated above the noise and courage to acknowledge everything you still don’t understand. It’s staggering how much posturing is built into our society. Everything from how we dress, to the titles we give ourselves at work, to the books on our shelves, the paint on our houses, the cars we drive, the degrees we earn— all of it to maintain the illusion that anyone has the first clue what is really happening here. And yet, in the privacy of our aloneness, most people feel desperately lost. Completely bowled over by the sheer amount of what they don’t understand. Paper Crown is an attempt at celebrating that unknown, as opposed to fearing it and trying to hide it away.“
While we only feel like it has been forever since we last got music from this generational talent, we know it came at the perfect time. For readers who are unfamiliar with Martin, you will find an honest contemplation of the important manners of life, sung with earnestness and unmatched grace. His latest album, “Thank God We Left The Garden” is a perfect introduction to a modest songwriter who continues to explore meaning and Truth at the highest artistic level possible. Take some time to slow down and enjoy.
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