Biography
Roots
Martin Fishley a.k.a Martin Melody started his singing career as a youth in his home city of Gloucester in the U.K. He started singing on Reggae sounds systems at a young age, and it did not take long for Martin to be snapped up by various artists and producers who wanted to collaborate. It was at this point that Martin and others realised he had a talent for songwriting as well as singing. Martins first song was Jump Up which was released on Solar Dub records in 1995.
Despite having his roots in Reggae, Martin has always enjoyed music of all genres and his influences and his own work reflect this. Influences include: Bob Marley, Gerry Rafferty, Queen, Gregory Isaacs, 10CC, Sting, Burning Spear, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole, and Muddy Waters.
Pressure Drop
In 1996 Martin joined the group Pressure Drop. The album Elusive was released in 1997 and their single Silently Bad Minded did well in the U.K charts, with remixes by Roni Size and Stereo MCs, and the group subsequently toured all over the world, as well as collaborating with artists such as Skibadee.
Martin recalls these days as some of the best in his musical career (so far!), as performing his songs live is one of his greatest passions.
Black Canvas
In 2005 Martin and a few other members of Pressure Drop, formed the group Black Canvas. Their album Rise was released in 2009, including breakbeat influenced tracks such as We Fear Not. Drum & Bass duo Chase & Status remixed the Black Canvas song Broken Dreams in 2010 which topped the Drum & Bass charts.
Black Canvas as it was then, dissolved in 2012, but years later Black Canvas was re-formed with several new members in the group and a brand new sound.
To this day Black Canvas continue to explore different genres and styles of music, with Martin and his songs still at the heart of the group, giving the listeners a positive, uplifting and memorable musical experience.
Solo work and Collaborations
Martin continues to record solo work, and likes to create and take part in eclectic collaborations, with artist such as Adam Freeland, Cut La Vis, David Judah, Chris Jay from Dubwise, and Iration Steppas. He also likes to perform live as much as possible, recently supporting Lee Perry with Yaksha sounds.
