André Martel

Some songs fill a moment. Others stay with you for a lifetime. André Martel writes for the latter.

Award-winning songwriter, producer, and recording artist ANDRÉ MARTEL creates intentional R&B rooted in honest storytelling, timeless musicianship, and songs that leave a lasting impact. Whether exploring love, faith, family, resilience, or the complexities of the human experience, his music is guided by a simple belief: the best songs don't just entertain—they become part of someone's story.

A Cincinnati native, Martel's musical foundation was built in the church, where he developed a love for rich harmony, soulful expression, and the transformative power of music. Long before stepping into professional studios, he was learning the craft of storytelling through choir rehearsals, worship services, and countless hours behind the piano and alongside vocal ensembles. Those experiences continue to shape his work today, giving his music a depth that bridges generations while remaining unmistakably contemporary.

Determined to refine his gift, Martel studied music at Columbia College Chicago, immersing himself in one of the nation's most vibrant creative communities. Along the way, he had the privilege of learning from Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Donald Lawrence and Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Kosine, whose influence challenged him to pursue excellence without sacrificing authenticity. While their mentorship helped sharpen his craft, Martel's voice has always been uniquely his own—blending R&B, soul, gospel, pop, and cinematic storytelling into a sound that is both timeless and refreshingly original.

That commitment to intentional songwriting earned Martel the 2023 UK Songwriting Contest Award for Best R&B/Soul Song, but accolades have never been the destination. Whether writing for himself or collaborating with other artists, he approaches every song with the same question: Will this still mean something years from now?

That philosophy is perhaps best reflected in his debut album, The Evidence of Love, a courtroom-inspired musical experience that puts love itself on trial. Through compelling narratives, unforgettable melodies, and thought-provoking themes, the project invites listeners to examine love from every angle—not simply as an emotion, but as evidence of who we are and who we're becoming. It is the clearest expression yet of Martel's belief that music can entertain, challenge, heal, and spark meaningful conversation all at once.

As a songwriter, Martel isn't chasing moments—he's building a catalog. One rooted in honesty. One crafted with intention. One that listeners can return to in every season of life.

Because when the music ends, the story should still be with you.