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Martin Erdman started his music career in the mid 1950s when he helped his Mum & Dad set up their retail record and radio store in
Sydney's Rose Bay. At the back of the shop Martin built his first recording studio, using a home assembled kit-set tape recorder and a couple of microphones. It became a popular spot for local bands and songwriters
to make demo tapes, which Martin then transferred to lacquer discs (erroneously referred to as 'acetates') which could be played on any 3 speed record player. (cassette recorders had not yet been invented!)
In 1965, Martin opened his own record shop at Rocky Point Road Ramsgate, naming it World of Sound. He rebuilt his studio adjoining the record store. By this time his equipment had grown to a mono
Ferrograph tape recorder and a stereo two track valve Revox plus another couple of mics, and he continued making demo tapes for Sydney bands and songwriters.
Martin's first commercial recording emanated from
Rocky Point Road in the mid 1960s - four songs by Nev Nicholls' Country Playboys on an 'extended play' 7" 45 rpm disc which was released by RCA Records on Martin's new World of Sound record label.
By 1968 the World of Sound Record Shop had become widely known for it's service and Martin devoted more time to his
recording studio, setting up the Du Monde record label, which has now become a legend in the Australian music archives. Looking for artists to record on his new label and now armed with a 4 track valve recorder,
two Revox machines, more mics plus a proper mixing desk, Martin recorded demo tapes for over a hundred and fifty bands via a promotion with a Sydney radio station, the 'New UW New Sounds of 69'. The best of these tapes
were played every Friday afternoon on 2UW by Ward 'Pally' Austin and culminated a year later in an all day concert at Sydney Showground
.
Early releases on the Du Monde label were by Ozzie bands and singers
including Flake, King Fox, McPhee, Samael Lillith, Clapham Junction, Donnie Sutherland, The '69ers, Elm Tree, Harry Young & Sabbath, Galadriol and many, many more. Whenever possible, Martin favoured recording
original songs and most artists were inspired to write for the recording session - and many came out with great songs - King Fox 'Unforgotten Dreams', Harry Young 'The Wheat in the Field', McPhee 'Sunday Shuffle' to
name just a few from that era.
After being in retail at Ramsgate for 9 years, Martin sold the shop and his recording equipment (keeping the names World of Sound & Du Monde Records and in 1973 took up position
as a staff producer with Festival Records. During his time with Festival, Martin worked with a wide variety of Ozzie talent and produced dozens of singles and albums. He produced Australia's first ever
million selling single, which went 'gold' in the USA and Australia. The song, still popular today, was a 'rock' version of 'The Lord's Prayer' by Adelaide's Sister Janet Mead. He recorded Peter Allen's original
version of 'I Still Call Australia Home' and was responsible for recording many live albums at the Sydney Opera House, including the Rolf Harris concert in September 1973 which was the first variety concert held
in the new Concert Hall.
Martin, with CO-writer & director Stewart Smith, produced a children's theatrical event 'The Adventures of Iskybibble' which had it's premier season at the Sydney Opera House in
1975. Martin produced the Gold Award album by John Waters & Jackie Weaver of songs from the show 'They're Playing Our Song', and the 1982 Australian Cast record album of the Rocky Horror Show. He won a
Gold Guitar for Queensland band Buckskin at the Tamworth Country Music Awards in 1980 by producing their original instrumental 'Panning For Gold', and has many other awards to his credit.
In November 2004 Sister Janet Mead & Martin Erdman were awarded the
Golden Gospel Award for their contribution to Australian gospel music.
In 2007 at the age of 70, Martin still has the music bug buried
deep inside. During his entire career he has always worked exclusively with Australian and New Zealand artists, and whenever possible has always promoted Ozzie music. With the creation of his 'Ozzie Songs &
Music' (a registered Australian business name) Martin is exploring the benefits of publicising and promoting Ozzie songs & music via the Internet.
Setting up ozrecords.com seemed a logical next step.
He hopes that his new Internet site will assist Australian recording artists and songwriters (who often have difficulty in gaining recognition) by opening new markets around the world to sell their music.
And
now ... in 2008 Martin has created another web site called CD Ozzie designed to help Australian Independent Artists sell their CDs to a world market. Visit www.cdozzie.com for dozens of great albums.
For further information contact Martin Erdman by
e-mail: martin@ozrecords.com
or phone Sydney (02) 9437 3323
(from outside Australia dial +61 2 9437 3323) |
