Introducing: Cinemartyr

Originally from Ireland and now living in New York, composer, guitarist and vocalist Shane Harrington has spent over a decade honing the musical and visual identity of Cinemartyr. We caught up with him recently as the band released their new track, Terms And Conditions.

Terms And Conditions by Cinemartyr

First up, could you tell us a bit about Cinemartyr?
Cinemartyr (formerly known as OST) started in Limerick, Ireland in 2010 as an experimental solo project I had going on between touring bands. After moving to New York City in 2012 Cinemartyr eventually became a full live band. Materially, it started out fairly quiet and contemplative and has since morphed into this loud, pissed off thing. It has always been an outlet for me to try and find a true voice in the music I make.

What inspires you to write music?
The push against entropy. To leave something behind even when it’ll be completely forgotten. The journey from breakdown to recovery, mental health, addiction and the things that come after all that. I’m always pushing for, hopefully, a sort of realistic optimism.

Dreams During Hibernation by Cinemartyr

Who would you say has had the most influence on Cinemartyr’s music?
Pretty much all I listened to while mixing this last album was John Mayer’s Sob Rock. Except for the track Why You No Love Me – always skip that! Film and video games are a big influence too. The environmental design of The Last Of Us Part 2, that atmosphere, has bled into some of the noises on recent output. Omar Rodríguez-López (The Mars Volta, At The Drive In) will always be an influence I think.

Death Of The First Person by Cinemartyr

What have been the career highlights with Cinemartyr up to now?
Working with Justin Pearson (The Locust, Head Wound City) to help release our last album Death Of The First Person was an absolute dream come true. Just finishing and mastering our upcoming album was a massive highlight too because it was definitely a struggle – with lots of moving parts – to get the whole thing finished. I’m always irrationally worried that the files will magically disappear, so it’s an incredible relief when it’s done.

What has been the most memorable gig you have ever played or attended?
Attended: Fugazi at The Savoy in Limerick in 2002 – my first ever live show.
Played: Playing a packed show to a room full of hammered Eastern Europeans on St.Patrick’s day in the Czech Republic. I’ve never seen so much vomit in one location.

What was the last album or song you listened to?
Kids In The Dark by Bat For Lashes.

If you could support anyone, who would it be and why?
Nine Inch Nails. I could quit music after that.

What other bands or musicians do you feel we need to be checking out right now?
Deaf Club, Ero Stratus, Sad Adults.

Suffer New York Love (Remastered) by Cinemartyr

Was there a specific inspiration behind your recent single Terms And Conditions?
Being pissed off and not being ashamed of being pissed off had a bit to do with it. I think a lot of it has to do with pushing past the anaesthesia of modern, social-media-mad, division-heavy life and trying to grab something true.

What’s up next for Cinemartyr in terms of music, gigs, videos…?
More music videos are on the horizon, including one that was shot at The Metropolitan Museum of Art here in New York. It was shot guerrilla-style, without any permission. Each line of the song is performed in front of a different masterpiece. So hopefully that doesn’t get a takedown notice. Excited for that! New album and summer 2023 will see our first ever national tour of the states.

You can discover more about Cinemartyr via their socials, which include Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. You can listen to Terms And Conditions plus more of the band’s back catalogue on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Cinemartyr are: Shane Harrington (Composer/Guitar/Vocals), Amber Watson (Vocals/Guitar), Aaron CT (Bass), and David Goldman (Drums).