About

Martin Bandzoumouna, also known as "Martin Bandz", is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose music is shaped by a lifetime of diverse influences and a passion for authentic storytelling.

Raised in a suburb of Chicago, he began his musical journey performing Alto and Baritone Saxophone in Symphonic and Jazz Bands. His early inspiration came from his parents' love of legendary artists such as Kool & The Gang, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Koffi Olomide, and Youssou N'Dour. As his musical tastes evolved, he found inspiration in modern R&B stars including Ne-Yo, T-Pain, and Miguel, alongside pop favorites like Justin Timberlake and Maroon 5. Alternative rock bands such as Green Day, The Fray, The Strokes, and The Killers inspired him to pick up the guitar and begin writing songs of his own.

In 2022, he released his first single as one half of the dance-pop duo "*67," which debuted at #2 on Spotify's Local Pulse Chicago chart. Since then, he has independently released 25 songs, including two EPs and one full-length album, earning nearly 1.5 million streams across major streaming platforms.

So far he's performed at some of Chicago's most respected live music venues, including Schuba's Tavern, Beat Kitchen, AliveOne, and Bookclub (formerly The Elbow Room). In January 2025, he performed an original single; "Radio" on ABC7's "Windy City Live" morning show reaching audiences across the Chicagoland area as well as a live studio audience.

Learn more about his process in this interview below, along with a few live songs: