‘A KWEAN OONTZ NOVEL’ is the debut music release of multimedia artist Chris Courtney Martin, a.k.a. KWEAN OONTZ. The artist’s moniker is a nod to their background as a writer of scripts, poetry, and prose. The release first appeared on Bandcamp on June 9th, 2023. After wide digital distribution through the “self-label” Cryptid Content Media, the project has exploded onto the scene with rave reviews. The sound has been held up to the likes of DJ Snake, The Prodigy, and the titans of the Baltimore Club Music scene-- but it is truly one that remains the artist’s own.
“With their first record, KWEAN OONTZ proves to be an artistic sensation, pushing the boundaries of sound and creating a body of work that’s truly exciting,” says Plastic Magazine’s Kat Lattimore. “This release marks an important milestone in their career, showcasing their growth and determination to be heard. From the opening track to the powerful finale, the EP captivates with its atmospheric sounds, mesmerising rhythms, and bold sonic choices. KWEAN OONTZ has carved out a space for themselves in the music industry, leaving a lasting impression with this sensational release.”
KWEAN OONTZ.’s brainchild was conceived in a home studio based out of Fayetteville, North Carolina-- a small southern town most famous for birthing J. Cole, who grew up mere blocks from where K.O. currently resides. However, the artist is adamant about maintaining their connection to their rightful home of Philadelphia, PA. With Track #5-- called OUTTA POCKET-- KWEAN OONTZ assigns the MicroAlbum’s sparse lyrics to the chant, “Philly, stand up!”
Also among the homages of ‘A KWEAN OONTZ NOVEL’ is MARQUESS MUNDAE, a Deep House track dedicated to a late friend who was instrumental in the artist finding self-acceptance.
“[KWEAN OONTZ] pays tribute to a late friend who took them to their first Pride parade, celebrating their bond and the effect he had on their life,” notes TREMG’s Madison Murray in a Pride Month showcase review. “‘Cover your tracks, the legend is back,’” a voice beckons, encouraging the listener to embrace their own inner legend and refuse to compromise on who they are. It’s a beautiful homage to a sparkling soul’s legacy that continues the loving, accepting energy that he brought to the world as an anthem you can dance to through Pride Month and beyond."
'A KWEAN OONTZ NOVEL' is a brave departure from the artist's other fields, and a necessary one. Identifying as a psychic medium, the artist has allowed a channeling process which opened up a "3rd Ear" as well as the "3rd Eye." Though a lifelong music fan and once-amateur songwriter, KWEAN OONTZ has taken up the mantle of music in response to feeling less-than-heard in their decade-long Hollywood career. That theme recurs in Martin’s poetry and prose chapbook collection, THE BOOK OF I.P. (Idle Poems)-- published by Alien Buddha Press and available via Amazon. As well as teasing another upcoming EP, fans can expect another full-length poetry and prose collection this year called SLAM POEMS FOR MY BATHROOM MIRROR…And Other Selected Works…
Be sure to check out ‘A KWEAN OONTZ NOVEL’ on Soundcloud, or wherever you get your music online.
https://soundcloud.com/kweanoontz/sets/a-kwean-oontz-novel
https://songwhip.com/kweanoontz/a-kwean-oontz-novel
More info: reverbnation.com
'A KWEAN OONTZ NOVEL' EP Cover - Watermark Intentionally Included to Promote "FREE-I.Y."
Symbol KWEAN OONTZ Uses To Represent Their Musical Persona
