At only eighteen years old, rock guitar phenom and recording artist Lucas Martin will release his third full-length album this year. Crash The Sun is an assault of alternative rock guitar licks reflecting the modern music of his own peer group, while showcasing a rock-educated technical skill inspired by legends like Eric Clapton and Daniel Ash, and unmatched by players three times his age. Lucas' original songs explode with the harder rock sound of Soundgarden and Bauhaus, while his lyrics express the views and concerns of his bewildered generation, like the theme of gun control on "American Dream".
Much like his music, Lucas' career has always blended the classic with the cutting edge. Growing up near Fort Worth, Lucas felt the Texas influence on rock music early, from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Edgar Winter, and Dimebag Darryl to ZZ Top, as well as the draw of the Austin music scene with legendary venues like Antone's and Stubb's. When he was only 11 years old, his Dad formally introduced Lucas to the blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan via DVD, and Lucas fell in love with the guitar.
Early advocates of Lucas' music have included Guitar Player Magazine, who ran an article about him back in 2005 when he was only fourteen and recording his first instrumental record, which featured a four-part, eleven-minute, electric guitar homage to the classic Scheherazade. He released his second independent album of original guitar instrumentals, Cut Through The Chaos, exclusively on iTunes. CNBC's hit television program, American Made, picked up a track from that album called "The Air Ship" for use in an episode about the rise of Harley Davidson.
Endorsements from international music manufacturers soon followed, including Peavey, RKS Guitars, GHS Strings, and Jeri Hart Straps. Lucas was invited to play at Antone's for their 31st Anniversary celebration with Gary Hoey, Willie Heath Neal, and Megan Mullins. He also played the 2005 Austin Rockin' Blues Festival with headliners Soul Asylum and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. He blew away sold-out crowds with two showcases during the 2007 SXSW music festival in Austin, and recorded guitar tracks for Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame legends, The Soul Stirrers, to be included on their upcoming gospel album.