Martin McSweeney was born in Southern California to the parents of New Orleans Natives.  His whole life he has been listening to the rich, varied sounds of New Orleans jazz, funk, and zydeco.  At a young age Martin was drawn to music, playing the piano, drums, saxophone, guitar, and singing.  On long road trips with his family he would listen to southern rock, folk-rock, and even some country.  The swamp rock sounds of CCR, driving rhythms of U2, and heart wrenching songs of Hank Williams sank into Martin’s musical subconscious. 
In his high school and college days he participated in countless musical groups, rock bands, and choirs.  It wasn’t until Martin found himself fixated on the bass lines of Bob Marley’s album, ‘Uprising’, that he decided he wanted to be a bass player.  The infectious reggae rhythms and smooth melodic bass lines of Aston Barrett changed the course of Martin’s life.
Martin studied bass performance, writing and arranging at the Berklee College of Music.  After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Professional Music in 2004, he moved back to Los Angeles.  He is currently a freelance bass player and backing vocalist for original artists and cover bands.  He teaches instrument classes as well as private lessons for guitar and bass.  Martin’s enthusiasm for teaching and learning is obvious, as he says, “it’s a wonderful blessing to have the opportunity to share my passion for studying and performing music with my students!”