Doug Martsch

Who is Doug Martsch?

Doug Martsch is an American musician. A native of Boise, Idaho, Martsch is best known for his distinctive vocals and guitar style in the band Built to Spill. He has also worked with Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening in The Halo Benders. Martsch's first stint in music was playing guitar in his high school jazz band. His first band was Farm Days, with Andy Capps and Brett Nelson in the early 80's. His second band was Treepeople, with whom he released three albums and two EPs. Martsch has been the lead of Built to Spill since 1992.

With Built to Spill, Martsch developed a reputation as a preeminent indie rock guitarist. Martsch's guitar style blends rock, pop, blues and folk. His influences include J Mascis, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Caustic Resin, Mississippi Fred McDowell, David Bowie, and Neil Young.

In 2002, he released his first solo album, Now You Know, to critical acclaim.

Martsch is a vegetarian. He is married to Karena Youtz, the sister of former Built to Spill member Ralf Youtz.

In 2011, Martsch contributed to a tribute album to The Smiths entitled "Please, please, please... " with a cover of Reel Around The Fountain.