Lee Martin – Bio

Lee Martin is a New Zealand singer-songwriter celebrated for her evocative storytelling, soulful voice, and genre-blending sound. An “old soul” with a modern edge, Martin crafts songs that explore vulnerability, resilience, and the quiet complexities of the human experience.

Martin's latest single, I'd Change It All (2026), has quickly gained momentum online, connecting with audiences through its raw honesty and emotional depth. The song was recently performed live on Newstalk ZB Breakfast with Mike Hosking, introducing her music to a nationwide audience and generating significant interest ahead of the release of her fourth studio album, Marlene.

Set for release in 2026, Marlene is Martin's most personal work to date. Named after her birth name, the album explores different chapters of her life through deeply honest songwriting and her signature blend of country-soul, folk, Americana, and blues influences. The accompanying album release show will take place at The Piano in Christchurch on 17 July 2026. Demand has already been strong, with the first allocation of release tickets selling out within 24 hours.

Her previous (third) studio album, Dreamers Dawn (2024), debuted at #5 on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts and was launched with a sold-out album release show at The Piano in Christchurch, followed by a nationwide tour and widespread critical acclaim. Available on vinyl, Dreamers Dawn weaves together folk, indie-soul, country-soul, blues, and Americana, showcasing Martin’s ability to transcend genre while maintaining a distinct and authentic voice.

Written and recorded over nearly two years, the album emerged during a period of profound personal change. Its songs reflect emotional highs and lows, capturing themes of growth, loss, and renewal with striking honesty. Standout track Losing Sleep features a Welsh male choir recorded in Wales, an innovative collaboration that adds depth and scale to the album’s cinematic feel.

Martin’s earlier release, Gypsy Soul (2022), debuted in the NZ Top 20, earning international radio and press attention. The lead single What If I Die was named Muzic.net’s Top Single of 2021, shortlisted for a New Zealand Cinematography Award, and playlisted on CMT Australia and Ditty TV USA. The album also marked a return to her South African roots, featuring gospel backing vocals recorded in Johannesburg.

Across her career, Martin has built a reputation as one of New Zealand's most authentic independent artists, earning chart success, international airplay, sold-out shows, and critical acclaim while remaining fiercely committed to honest songwriting and meaningful connection with audiences.

Previous releases include:

• Lost Girl EP (2019)
• I Know You're Sleeping (2008)

Influenced by artists such as Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Emmylou Harris and Zach Bryan, Martin began classical guitar training at age nine and has been performing ever since. Known for her captivating live performances, powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and genuine connection with audiences, Lee Martin continues to establish herself as one of New Zealand’s most compelling and emotionally resonant singer-songwriters.