Mornington Peninsula singer songwriter Marty Nelson-Williams has been writing, recording, collaborating and touring nationally & internationally for more than 30 years.
He has opened for the likes of Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys & Bonnie Raite, as well as local legends John Butler, Things of Stone and Wood, Ed Kuepper, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach, Shane Howard and many more.
He is one of the prime movers in the burgeoning & vibrant original music scene on the Mornington Peninsula, an hour south of Melbourne Australia.
“a beautiful songwriter, musician and community activist, with a voice i love”
Wally De Backer (aka Gotye)
Passionate about music, community and caring for the natural environment, he is also a co-founder with the Mornington Peninsula Shire of the Mornington Peninsula Music Network, runs a monthly showcase series featuring local and touring musicians called Peninsula SongRiders Club and manages Arts & Culture at Peninsula Hot Springs.
Recorded releases include : The debut solo record "Here & Now” (2011); "The Seed" EP (2016), numerous records with his band of 13 years Cousin Leonard ; as well as a collaborative world music project "Water - an Australian Story”(2004) made with Peninsula Hot Springs featuring Chris Wilson, Nicky Bomba, Kutcha Edwards & many more.
“The Seed EP” is a collection of indy, alt-folk, rock textures and colours, that pays homage to the spirits of Bon Iver, Michael Franti, Iron & Wine, Bill Withers & Neil Young.
The Seed EP is spearheaded by a title track that is a call to unity and re-connection, mankind and mother nature, returning to each others arms to begin again.
He has been touring overseas to the UK, Switzerland and New Zealand regularly since 2004 with his band Cousin Leonard.
He is a proud & loving husband and father to 3 daughters, and cherishes the simplicity of life & love, as well as the need to work more closely with mother nature!
"Marty has been a mentor and music peer of mine since we met and has been responsible for encouraging and inspiring countless musicians, writers and performers to share their stories and art with the world.... a true artist who is proving to us all that if you stick to your guns and speak from the heart you will transcend fashion and become an artist who will stand the test of time." Tash Parker
