recognizable by his signature guitar style, enchanting songs, and unique voice, Martin Tielli was a driving force behind making the Rheostatics one of the most important bands to emerge from the Canadian musical landscape in decades. In his 13 years with the Rheostatics, Tielli has toured stadiums, written soundtracks, and earned the accolades of the critics and adoration from fans all over the continent.
In 1996, under the name Nick Buzz, Martin released the highly acclaimed CIRO, which united him with musical idols Jon Goldsmith, Hugh Marsh and Rob Piltch. Goldsmith and Marsh rattled his teenage cage years earlier when they played with Bruce Cockburn, and Rob Piltch was a member of Blood, Sweat and Tears.
In 2001, Martin recorded WE DIDN’T EVEN SUSPECT THAT HE WAS THE POPPY SALESMAN, essentially a live-from-the-floor acoustic recording. Long-time collaborator Michael Phillip Wojewoda, with whom the Rheostatics have recorded several albums, produced POPPY SALESMAN.
In addition to the Rheostatics, Tielli has lent his skill on guitar to a number of other premiere Canadian acts, including Jane Siberry, the Barenaked Ladies, The Waltons, Meryn Cadell, Ashley MacIsaac, Tamara Williamson, Mia Sheard, and more. Tielli’s talents range beyond the realm of music to the visual arts as well. A gifted painter, Tielli has created, among other works, the covers of all the Rheostatics’ records, and was nominated for a Juno for Outstanding Album Design for THE STORY OF HARMOLODIA.
Martin received the Ontario Arts Council’s prestigious K. M. Hunter Award for Music in 2002, and was voted Best Guitar Player in the NOW magazine 2000 reader poll. He has composed soundtracks for movies and television, as a solo artist and with the Rheostatics, including music for the motion picture WHALE MUSIC.
For more on Martin Tielli visit www.sixshooterrecords.com
