Zach Martin, a 22-year old musician recently moved to Lexington from Oregon and wasted no time getting involved with the local music scene.

Martin was born in Oregon, but moved to Lexington when he was young. When he turned 18, he moved back out west and enrolled at Warner Pacific University, transferring to Portland State University soon thereafter.

After a few years at Portland State, Martin ran out of money, which lead him back to Lexington where he now takes courses at UK. Martin is currently a junior majoring in community leadership and development.

To focus most of his time on his musical aspirations rather than classwork, Martin tries to get most of his assignments done in bulk at the beginning of each month. Per Martin, this routine is the most effective for him to complete his work whilst still having fun.

Martin’s passion for music is exerted as the drummer for the band Boon. Gideon Maki, singer of Boon, met Martin a few years back at an event at the Kentucky Theater. When he heard that Martin was moving back to Lexington in November, he contacted him asking to join the band.

Maki expresses himself through the songs he writes, whether they are about transformation from within, confessionals, or ballads full of hope.

“We’re all kind of like spiritual dorks trying to be cool, trying to fit in,” Martin said.

Boon’s running genre is indie dream pop, which is known to be texture oriented. As the drummer, Martin tries to incorporate as much texture as possible into their songs.

“I think the three of us would agree that there is a physical element to hearing music,” Martin said. “I want to feel like I could comb the sounds we make with my fingers.”  

Martin began playing the drums at eight years old when he discovered a drum kit at a friend’s house. After becoming enamored with the kit, his parents finally decided to make the sacrifice to get Martin his own drum set.

“It’s always been drums,” Martin said. “I have a functional understanding of piano and guitar, but it’s all drums.”

As a kid, Martin idolized Carter Beauford of the Dave Mathews Band. Martin’s appreciation for musicians has expanded since then to drummers such as Steve Jordan, Brian Blade, Howard Sure, and Eric Whittaker. When Martin is looking to “get weird” with textures, he will look to Whittaker’s music for inspiration.  

While Martin still doesn’t know where his musical endeavors will lead, one thing is for sure – music will always be a part of his life. Martin and Boon will be playing on Sunday, Feb. 5 at The Green Lantern with EZRA and Isle of Eight. 

IF YOU GO

What: EZRA, Isle of Eight, Boon

When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 9 p.m.

Where: The Green Lantern

Tickets: $5, 21+