The Martial Arts

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Martial Arts


Img_capt = The Martial Arts playing Nice 'N' Sleazy, Glasgow in 2008
Img_size =
Background = group_or_band
Years_active = 2004–present
Origin = Flagicon|SCOGlasgow, Scotland
Genre = Indie pop Synth Pop
Label = Flagicon|SWEGroover Recordings
Current_members = Paul Kelly Gregor MacKay Andy Bonar Jason Sweeney
Past_members = Sean McGrath Joe Kane
URL = [http://www.myspace.com/themartialarts]

The Martial Arts are an indie pop band, from Glasgow, Scotland.

Biography

While writing and producing his own demos in early 2004, musician Paul Kelly began governing interest from various labels, via his online releases. He adopted the name "The Martial Arts" after being invited to use some of his tracks on two compilations by Swedish label Groover Recordings. With a positive reaction to the songs, the label decided to test the water and gave Kelly the opportunity to release an EP.

Requiring a live band, Kelly recruited Sean McGrath (drums) and Gregor Mackay (bass), while he took on guitar and singing duties. The three recorded their debut EP Do It Riot Grrl in Glasgow, with Chris Gordon of Union of Knives. It was released early in 2006 and proved to be the perfect musical accompaniment to that summer, earning the band many favourable reviews. [ [http://www.metica.se/index.php?sida=kritik&r_id=2101 Do it riot Grrl: The Martial Arts : Metica] ] [ [http://www.blaskan.nu/Blaskan/Nummer49/Musik/the_martial_arts_do_it_riot_grrl.html Do it riot Grrl: The Martial Arts : Blaskan] ] Based on the overwhelming response to the EP, Groover seized on the bands potential, offering Kelly a deal to record and release an album.

"Your Sinclair" was recorded in Stockholm with Shout Out Louds producer Ronald Bood and featured contributions from members of Sweden's Grass Show and Niccokick. Released in September 2006, the album received worldwide critical and commercial recognition. Canadian channel FashionTelevision used the track 'Murry & Audree' to soundtrack features from the 2007 Versace Spring Collection, as well as that of designers Proenza Schouler. Gaining plaudits at home as well as away, BBC Radio Scotland presenter Tom Morton made "Your Sinclair" his 'Album Of The Week' in May 2007. Subsequent touring of Scandinavia saw the band recruit guitarist Joe Kane, from fellow Glaswegians The Owsley Sunshine.

In 2007, Andy Bonar and Jason Sweeney were drafted into the live set-up to replace Kane and McGrath respectively.

Discography

Albums

EPs

Current related bands/projects

*Q Without U
*The Plimptons
*The Hector Collectors
*The Second Hand Marching Band
*All My Friends
*Zapoi

References

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/themartialarts The Martial Arts MySpace page]
* [http://www.grooverrecordings.com Groover Recordings website]