Martin Craft

Martin James Ford Craft (b 18 January 1976) is a musician and songwriter who lives and works in London. Craft was a founding member of the Australian rock band Sidewinder. When they split up he relocated to London where he followed a career as a solo artist under the name M.Craft. He has also spent several years playing rhythm guitar with Jarvis Cocker.

Early life

Craft was born in Canberra but grew up in the UK as his father, Hugh Craft, worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs. The family returned to Canberra in 1988. Craft formed the rock band Sidewinder whilst still in school. After graduating, he studied piano and composition at the Canberra School of Music for several years, dropping out and moving to Sydney when Sidewinder were offered a record deal with Half a Cow Records.

Sidewinder

Sidewinder were formed in 1991 by Martin with his brother Nick Craft, and guitarist Pip Branson, who were joined several years later by drummer Shane Melder. They soon came to the attention of Nic Dalton, bass player for The Lemonheads and owner of Half a Cow Records. When signed Craft was still sixteen years of age so his contract had to be countersigned by his parents.