Sarah Martensen

Written by Mike Parker
Friday, 05 December 2008
Love Storm
by Sarah Martensen
Tangerine Records

Occasionally you might have a relationship that is all cool breezes, waves lapping gently on the beach, and golden-red sunsets. Just wait – if its really love you’re only experiencing the calm before the storm. At least that seems to be the philosophy behind singer/songwriter, Sarah Martensen’s debut project, Love Storm.

Ms. Martensen penned all the lyrics on this twelve-song chapbook set to music that plumbs the glories and vagaries of this thing we call ‘love,’ although she shared music credit Canadian musician Rick Rose and producer Michael Saracino. The subject matter is all about relationships as evidenced by the song titles. “Head Over Heels,” “You’re So Lovely,” “Will We Survive” – they are all snapshots; moments in time captured in words and music. There is a poignancy that pervades the lyrics and a melancholy that meanders around the edges of the melodies.

“Reminiscing” is a case in point. Jangly guitars are counterpointed by a sparse tambourine and understated bass as Ms. Martensen’s Sheryl Crow-esque vocals ponder how so many things in the present recall the pleasures of the past spent in the company of that special someone. Yeah, it’s a calm before the storm kind of song. The storm breaks in full force on tunes like “Breakdown,” “Not What a Lady Should Say,” and the island-flavored, “Sugar Talkin’,” which is included as a music video on the project. Still, it’s not a storm of bombast and fury, but more of slow brewing intensity, like the pressure in your ears before a thunderstorm finally breaks.

Sarah Martensen is a promising talent who deserves to be heard by fans of Ashley Cleveland, Shawn Colvin, and Sheryl Crow. Unleash the storm and let it rain.

http://www.sarahmartensen.com/ - Written by Mike Parker- buddyhollywood.com

Artist:Sarah Martensen
Title: Love Storm
Website: http://www.sarahmartensen.com
Style: Singer-Songwriter/Pop
Rating: 8.3 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Love Storm is the debut release from Sarah Martensen. As suggested by the releases title, Love Storm deals a lot with relationship issues. The lyrics found in the songs often take on a very reflective feel. The songs are like little snapshots of life put to music.

The release gets started with, “Head Over Heels,” a rhythmic song dealing with that special love that makes your heart skip a beat when you’re with them.

Sarah is well traveled having lived or visited the, U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Bahamas, Mexico, and Europe.

Some influences of all that travel can be found in track-2, “Sugar Talkin’” a song that’s stylistically a lot different from the rest of the songs with it’s island (Bahamas- Reggae) musical beats.

Martensen’s vocal style has been compared to singers like, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, and Faith Hill.

I could hear that comparison in the song, “You’re So Lovely,” with its hint of a modern pop-country sound like that of Faith Hill. Along with the slightly rocking vocals that evoke thoughts of Sheryl Crow that are found in the song, “Reminiscing.”

Three songs that jumped off of the release and grabbed my attention were, “Not What A Lady Should Say, “with its slightly retro guitar lead vibe. Also “Road Dogs,” features some nice vocal effects found on the first part of the song. This song is a perfect bar song that would get the crowd rowed up.

The last two melodic tracks also offer up a lot, “Maybe,” is about finding peace when dealing with the death of someone, and “Moments in Time,” deals with needing to really live your life, trying new things, and slowing down enough to really enjoy each moment of time in your life.

Sarah Martensen is a very talented artist and Love Storm works as a perfect vehicle for her to showcase her talents. - The CD Reviewer C.W. Ross

I recently had a chance to listen to SarahMartensen's music. Let me tell you that I was absolutely blown away by her soft yet powerful vocals, soulful rock tunes, and catchy fun lyrics. Sarah has a way through her music to make you feel that everything is going to be ok. I enjoy that aspect about her music. If you are looking for something new to pick up, then I think you should pick up her latest effort LOVESTORM.

And while you picking up Sarah's latest effort; you should check out this cool interview that Sarah did for Music Now on Junior's Cave. After I completed this interview, I felt that I really got a chance to know a little more about this talented singer/songwriter. - Isaac Davis Jr.

Wow. Veritably true talent and amazing skills, Sarah Martensen is simply an independent music diamond in the rough.

Such a pleasant listen with moving musical drama of this intensity should not be passed over.

Sarah manages to capture the precise emotional moments in every song with ease. She simply blows you away with the effortlessness of her voice. Songwriting laced with passion and warmth. Wow. - Catsask.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Nick Pavlica

Tel. 905.468.0877
www.sarahmartensen.com

'LOVE STORM' THUNDERS WITH POTENTIAL

A ‘Perfect Storm’ of Radio-Friendly Singles
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO (07/22/08) - Love Storm is the debut album from singer and songwriter Sarah Martensen that is quickly gathering positive praise. The Niagara Falls Review calls the album “…a professional package,” and says of Martensen, “she's a petite singer with a booming voice.” However, Sarah is not only an exceptional vocalist, but also a gifted songstress with addictive melodies and well-crafted lyrics. Love Storm transcends genre and style and has all the elements to deliver a 'perfect storm' of radio-friendly singles wrapped in a torrent of talent.

Although it is a self-released/debut album, Love Storm has vaulted Sarah onto the list of candidates to be selected for Toronto Exclusive Magazine's Music Awards. With a very distinct sound and masterful blend of many different genres, Love Storm contains twelve tracks that strike like lightening. In the age of the single, it's unusual for fans to love every song on an album, but that is just what Martensen hears from her fans regarding Love Storm. Martensen has pulled her inspiration for the songs from many different areas of her own life and experiences. Whether it is writing about old friends, ex-lovers, or the beauty of her family, Sarah does not box herself in stylistically. The tracks find a home with many listeners due to her uncanny ability to convey common, yet clever examples of the human experience.

Martensen is not afraid to team up with music veterans. While she wrote all the lyrics and most of the melodies on Love Storm, she collaborated on compositions with Niagara music pro Rick Rose (Desmond Child/SonyTree Nashville) and the up-and-coming talent of Michael Saracino. Together, Martensen, Rose and Saracino have given the CD slick production, and a market-rich sound. In addition, Rick Rose was executive producer and Saracino was the producer and engineer behind the project. The three combine their talents perfectly in Love Storm.

Love Storm has something for almost everyone. With comparisons to the work of Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, and Faith Hill, it pulls many genres together and melts them into something familiar. Even within songs, many styles coalesce, such as in “Sugar Talkin'” which features a Hendrix-style guitar with Reggae drum loops and a touch of Disco. Acoustic ballads such as “Did I Push Too Hard” reveal a more sentimental melodic side of Martensen. “Head Over Heels” with a steady back beat and funky vocals will even keep Hard Rock fans happy. “Not What a Lady Should Say” has a retro kick with a slight 80's feel and the consistent addictive melodies and guitar licks which pervade the entire album. “Did I Push Too Hard” will soon be featured on Promo Attack's Compilation CD which is handed out at major concerts and events. Love Storm thunders with potential and a 'perfect storm' is building on the horizon.


Love Storm is now available via: iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon.com

Find out more at www.sarahmartensen.com

- David Erik Dream Star Music

Date:
8/12/2008 5:27:48 PM
Status:
Selected
Response:
RATING SCALE
"1" Indicates the Lowest Score
"5" Indicates The Highest Score

Recording Quality/Production: 4

Lead Vocals: 5

Musicianship: 4

Lyric Writing: 4.5

Music Composing: 4

Melodies: 5

Song Arrangement: 4.5


Dear Sarah,

Thanks for submitting the material for the evaluation.

I enjoyed listening to the songs. Your voice and songwriting are both very strong. You scored very well
on the evaluation.

To give you insight to the scoring scale above, the majority
of artists score in the 2.5 to 3.5 range in the various categories.

When someone sees 4, 4.5 or 5 as their score in a category, that tells them, to me, they are in the professional league and have strong potential. It's a validation from a pro, letting you know you are doing a fine job.

I don't give out 4's and 5's easily, so any of those you see, you have earned. Well done!

Eugene Foley
- Eugene Foley / Foley Entertainment