Martha Wainwright

Early Life

Martha Wainwright was born on May 8, 1976, in New York City to renowned folk musicians Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III. At just one year old, she moved to Montreal with her mother and brother, growing up in a vibrant musical environment. Martha is the sister of fellow musician Rufus Wainwright and has collaborated with her half-sister, Lucy Wainwright Roche, on the album "Songs In The Dark," which received a Juno Award nomination.

Career

Martha's musical journey began with her first release, an independent cassette titled "Ground Floor" in 1997. She gained significant attention with her 2005 EPs, "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole" and "I Will Internalize," which featured tracks that later appeared on her self-titled debut album released in April 2005. The EP "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole" was particularly noted for its boldness, with Rolling Stone praising it as a powerful introduction to her artistry. The song itself, inspired by her father, became a cultural touchstone, featured in popular series like "Orange is the New Black" and "Big Little Lies." Over her career, Martha has released several acclaimed albums, including "I Know You’re Married but I’ve Got Feelings Too," "Come Home to Mama," and "Goodnight City."

Personal Life

In September 2007, Martha married her producer and collaborator Brad Albetta, with whom she shares two sons, Arcangelo and Francis. The couple divorced in 2018, but their partnership in music remains a significant part of her artistic narrative. Martha continues to be a prominent figure in the folk music scene, known for her poignant songwriting and powerful performances.