Based in their current home of Berlin, Meagre Martin are a three-piece band formed around the songwriting of Boston ex-pat, Sarah Martin. Since relocating to Germany in 2017, Sarah recruited bandmates Max and Freddy, and Meagre Martin quickly established themself on the city’s vibrant music scene. Along the way, they caught the ear of the local label, Mansions and Millions, who recently shared the band’s debut single, All My Thoughts.

Described by Sarah as a song, “about the pervasive feelings of grief and how we internalize it”, All My Thoughts is also in some ways an exploration of the after-life, not as some other place we go to but as an echo of loss travelling with those left behind. As Sarah explains, “we continue to reference grief and the ones we’ve lost for the entirety of our lives…grief can shape the way we move through the world after those people are no longer here to advise us“. Musically, the track shuffles in on a rather wonderful bass line before heading into an almost cosmic-country vibe, as Sarah’s rich vocal coalesces around choppy guitars and shimmering synths as she sings, “In all my thoughts I listen for you, ’cause I can’t stop thinking of you”. This sort of dream-pop-induced Americana is having a bit of a moment courtesy of the likes of Sun June and Lomelda, and while it’s only one single, Meagre Martin already sound like a band ready to make a real splash.

With more material coming fast on the horizon, I recently spoke to Meagre Martin about swapping America for Germany, the band’s future plans and why making music is, “mostly impulse”.

FTR: For those who don’t know, who are Meagre Martin?

We’re a 3 piece band of buds based in Berlin making wiggly air together. we’re from all over (mostly the US) but found each other here in Berlin

FTR: You recently shared your new single, All My Thoughts, what can you tell about the track?

The track is kind of based around dealing with loss and grief, and the idea of a person staying with you even after they pass away. How I still kind of bounce ideas off of my friend Manny and try to speculate what his advice would’ve been or how he would’ve cheered me up.

FTR: You made the move from Boston to Berlin back in 2017. How does being a musician in Germany
differ from being one in America?

Well one of the biggest differences is financially. There is so much funding/support from the Government here that just straight up doesn’t exist in the US. There’s been so much talk recently about how the percentage of middle-class artists/musicians is dwindling (especially in the US) because we just cannot survive in this economic climate/music industry without financial backing from inherited wealth or being from a different class bracket. Also how the Music Industry has been shifting, where artists just are not getting paid for their labor. It feels as though the playing field is a bit more level here in Germany, where we stand a fighting chance to have the same opportunities as those with more financial backing.

FTR: You’ve signed to Mansions & Millions – how did that come about?

We’ve been lucky enough to be quite involved in the Indie music scene here in Berlin, and through that we became friends with folks like Anton from M&M. Originally, we were always pestering Anton for advice and he was always happy to help out. As the music developed more, Anton was impressed and inspired by what we were creating and the energy we had, so he wanted to help it grow as much as he could. We were so flattered and excited when Anton offered us the signing and of course we jumped at the opportunity to work with one of our close friends.

FTRL Why do you make music?

It’s like a sickness. We’ve got no choice, it’s mostly impulse. We can all physically feel when we’ve been away from music for too long, so we’re pretty constantly drawn to create. For me, it’s also an important tool to connect with people, and also a soapbox to talk on. I’ve always been inspired by how music has been such a huge tool in so many social/political movements, and I look to that when I’m creating.

FTR: Who are some of the influences on your songwriting?

Fleetwood Mac, Big Thief, Snail Mail, Cate Le Bon, Mac Demarco, and Lomelda, just to name a few.

FTR: What about influences outside of music? Do you have other creative outlets outside of music?

Well, I think most of the things we like to do tie into music on some level, but I think we all really enjoy making/being involved in the visual content. For example, making the video shorts that went along with “All My Thoughts” and the lyric video. We made that in Freddy’s room the night before the single was released and it really fit into everything so well. I think we all in our own capacity play with film/video creation.

FTR: What can people expect from the Meagre Martin live show?

You can expect a few probing questions such as: “who here prefers dark chocolate to milk chocolate?” or “how y’all doing tonight?”

There will also be a lot of smirks, giggles, of course some good old-fashioned rock’n’roll.

We’re just having a good time up there doing what we love, so we’re always hoping it rubs off on you as well.

FTR: What’s next for Meagre Martin?

We’ve got a show coming up July 12th with Mamalarky in Berlin, some new music, and several festival slots coming up this summer and into the fall/winter. We’re really looking forward to connecting with more people and sharing the music we’ve made together.

All My Thought is out now via Mansions and Millions, with more music on the way later this year. For more information on Meagre Martin visit https://linktr.ee/meagremartin.