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Doug Martsch
Background information
Birth name	Douglas G. Martsch
Born	(1969-09-16) September 16, 1969 (age 55) Twin Falls, Idaho, U.S.
Origin	Boise, Idaho, U.S.
Genres	Indie rock
Occupation	Musician
Instrument(s)	Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion
Years active	1988–present
Labels	Up, Warner, Sub Pop

Doug Martsch (born September 16, 1969) is an American singer and musician. He is best known for his distinctive vocals and guitar playing style in the band Built to Spill.

Career

Martsch's first band was Farm Days, with Andy Capps and Brett Nelson in the early 1980s. His second band was Treepeople, with whom he released three albums and two EPs. He has been the lead singer and guitarist of Built to Spill since 1992. With Built to Spill, he developed a reputation as a preeminent indie rock guitarist; his guitar playing style blends rock, pop, blues, and folk. His influences include J Mascis, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Caustic Resin, Mississippi Fred McDowell, David Bowie, and Neil Young.

In 1994, Martsch formed The Halo Benders with Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening and released three albums.

In 2002, Martsch released his first solo album, Now You Know, to critical acclaim. In 2011, he contributed to a tribute album to The Smiths entitled Please, please, please... with a cover of "Reel Around The Fountain".

Personal life

Martsch was previously married to Built to Spill co-lyricist Karena Youtz, the sister of former Built to Spill member Ralf Youtz. They have a son.

References

1. Quick, Quentin (February 17, 2018). "Built to Spill's Doug Martsch uncovers the story behind 'Keep It Like a Secret'". SF Examiner. Archived from the original on Feb 17, 2018.
2. AllMusic profile of Built to Spill
3. "Lil B, Built to Spill's Doug Martsch to headline Modest Music Fest". Spokesman. September 25, 2018.
4. "Special in other ways – an Interview with Built to Spill". 8 September 2022.
5. "Doug Martsch - You gotta move - Page 2 of 2". September 2002.

External links

• Ear Candy EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Doug Martsch at SeattlePI.com, November 10, 2006
• Martsch interview at CityPages.com, September 6, 2006
• Extensive interview with Martsch on public radio program/podcast The Sound of Young America, June 17, 2006
• "Martsch Is GOD": An Interview With Doug Martsch at PopMatters.com, October 15, 2002
• Short review of album Doug played and sang on with Boise Cover Band

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• 1969 births
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• American rock guitarists
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