Professional musician and singer/songwriter Marty Cobcroft plans to fundraise for Parkinson’s NSW with the release of his new album early in 2023.
Marty has been living with Parkinson’s for the past four years. He has pledged to donate 50 percent of his earnings from sales of any single track, album stream or physical sale of his third album and eighth latest release titled Free Bird.
“I’m lucky in the sense that the effect of my Parkinson’s is mostly felt on my lower body through tremor, dystonia and chronic pain,” said Marty. “My voice has remained clear and strong, and I have retained fine motor movements in my hands so I can still play guitar and keyboards.”
He has been a musician since he was 15 years old and is now in his early 60’s. Marty worked steadily in the pub rock scene with various local bands then throughout the ‘90’s built a career as an in-demand session singer and voice-over artist for a number of production houses.
“I can’t stand for long periods on stage to perform live anymore, but I can work in the studio. However I make sure I take frequent breaks – mostly walks – to preserve my mobility and mental health,” said Marty.
He also maintains a rigorous weekly routine of morning exercises and physiotherapy sessions.
“The consequences of not taking care of self are too much to bear. For example when my medications are wearing off, it’s like I am falling off a cliff. It is very abrupt. So a self-management routine is very important… along with taking advice from people who know what they are talking about!”
Apart from having a generous spirit which has driven him to fundraise for Parkinson’s NSW, Marty has another creative outlet – photography.
Examples of his work can be seen on Instagram here. And to sample his musical style, listen to tracks from Marty’s previous albums on his YouTube channel here.
We will publish an update when Marty’s new album is released next year. It will be on sale via Marty’s web site, as well as Apple Music, Spotify, and all leading streaming services.
