Martin Courtney

Martin Courtney
Courtney performing with Real Estate in 2017
Courtney performing with Real Estate in 2017
Background information
Birth nameMartin Courtney IV
Born (1985-09-28) September 28, 1985 (age 39)
New Jersey, United States
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2009–present
LabelsDomino, Mexican Summer, Woodsist, Underwater Peoples, Half Machine
Websitemartincourtneyiv.com

Martin Courtney IV (born September 28, 1985) is an American musician and the frontman of the American indie rock band Real Estate.

In 2015, Courtney also released his first solo album, Many Moons,[1] followed by his second solo album, Magic Sign, in 2022.

Early life and personal life

Courtney was born as Martin Courtney IV in Ridgewood, New Jersey, the son of Martin Courtney III and Mary Ellen Courtney. He attended Ridgewood High School with current Real Estate bandmate Alex Bleeker and former bandmate Matt Mondanile. After graduating from high school, he studied at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where his focus was "mostly literature." Courtney's parents run a real estate business, which inspired the name of the band.[2] Courtney spent a short time as the keyboardist for indie punk rock group Titus Andronicus from the neighboring town Glen Rock, New Jersey in 2006.[2]

Courtney married his wife[3] in Ridgewood on October 13, 2012, following Real Estate's tour for 2011's Days.[4] They have since had multiple daughters.[5] He currently resides in upstate New York with his family.

Courtney performing with Real Estate in Melbourne, Australia in 2013

Courtney released his first solo album, Many Moons, on October 30, 2015, to critical acclaim.[6] This was followed by his second solo release Magic Sign, on June 24, 2022.

Discography

with Real Estate

Solo

References

  1. ^ Monroe, Jazz (2 September 2015). "Real Estate's Martin Courtney Announces Solo Album Many Moons, Shares "Northern Highway" Video". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Martin Courtney IV: Biography". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  3. ^ Schnipper, Matthew (2011-10-12). "Real Estate Jams". The Fader. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  4. ^ "Q&A: Martin Courtney On Marital Contentment, Guitar Tabs, And Real Estate's Signature Sound". Stereogum.com. 2014-03-04. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  5. ^ Renner, Eric (2015-10-26). "Real Estate: Martin Courtney gives nostalgia an update on 'Many Moons'". Ew.com. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  6. ^ "Reviews for Many Moons by Martin Courtney". Metacritic. Retrieved 2016-01-04.