Bio

 

 Dan Martin has been writing songs and performing in bands since 16 years of age, forming his first band with a group of friends upon moving to Sonoma, CA from the mountains of Wyoming. Born to a musical family, he was surrounded by song from the get-go.  Dan began in his youth gigging on the ska and punk scene at such places as the famed Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA and helping friends found and run a DIY venue known as "The Shop" in the industrial side of Sonoma in a converted warehouse space. This experience proved invaluable and gave Dan insight into the DIY music scene as a performer and promoter. As he began college, Dan took to studying drums and recording arts in Sacramento, CA. These studies led him down a path of rhythm and song-craft, and  ultimately ignited his love of early reggae and ska music and the raw energy and feel of the early recordings. In 2009, Dan began performing locally as a solo artist, refining his sound at open mics and backyard jams and creating a local buzz with his honest songwriting and upbeat feel.

      In 2010,  Dan formed The Noma Rocksteady Band to back him up, beginning as a group of friends and local musicians that got together to share in the rocksteady vibes. By 2012 the band had grown into a full 7-piece band, ready to move dance floors everywhere. Together they have played numerous venues throughout Northern California, and have shared the bill with such acts as The Melodians, Pato Banton, Israel Vibrations, The English Beat, and Burnt. Named "Best Reggae Band in the North Bay" 2020 by readers of the North Bay Bohemian!

     Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band continue to lighten the spirit and shake the dance floor with old-school rocksteady rhythms, while maintaining a unique contemporary sound. You can also find Dan playing solo style at pubs and clubs throughout the Bay Area, so keep a lookout!