Martin Gustav Collective
Growing up in Austria, I founded my first band in 1994 playing bass, which has remained my main instrument ever since. From early on, I was the kind of musician who composed the music around existing lyrics. Over the years, a lot has changed: from my very first recordings on cassette tapes, to the first steps with Cool Edit Pro, and eventually moving on to Logic each stage shaped my sound and approach.
With the internet, it became easier to connect with lyricists and musicians from all over the world and turn ideas into full productions. I was never the strongest lyricist myself, but I developed my own style as a songwriter and composer. The Martin Gustav Project is where I present these collaborations a collection of songs shaped by friendship, creativity, and the joy of making music together.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
grew up in Austria and founded my first band back in 1994, playing bass an instrument that has remained my main voice in music ever since. Soon I started composing songs, usually writing the music to existing lyrics.
Over the years, my recording tools evolved: from early cassette tapes, to experimenting with Cool Edit Pro, and finally working with Logic. With the internet it became possible to collaborate with lyricists and musicians from all over the world, and that opened up completely new creative possibilities.
What you hear here under the Martin Gustav Collective is the result of these collaborations songs shaped by shared ideas, different influences, and the joy of making music together.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes both with my band and also as a solo performer. One of my most special memories is a concert during a heavy snowstorm. Only five people managed to make it to the venue, but it turned out to be the best show we ever played. The intimacy and connection with that tiny audience made it unforgettable.
Your musical influences
Thats easy :) My biggest inspirations include the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, STS, George Gershwin, Van Dyke Parks, Bright Eyes, Glen Hansard, Bob Dylan and many others. Their songwriting, harmonies, and emotional honesty have all shaped the way I approach music.
What equipment do you use?
I work with a mix of instruments and software: keyboard, guitar, and ukulele, along with Toontrack tools, iZotope, Melodyne, Logic, and various plug-ins. Over the years Ive built up a flexible setup that allows me to create, arrange, and produce my songs from start to finish.
Anything else?
I simply enjoy making music. I dont do it to please others or to chase anything I do it because it brings me joy. There are many musicians out there with far more talent, but when Im in the mood and pick up an instrument, it just feels right. Thats all I need.
