At just 23 years old, Marttein is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new voices in Argentina’s music scene. Born and raised in the neighborhood of Saavedra, Buenos Aires, the artist -whose real name is Martín Olivera– brings a fresh perspective to Spanish-language music, combining emotional depth with bold experimentation.
His debut album, Marttein (2024), is a powerful introduction. Blending indie rock, hip hop, R&B, and electronic elements, the record explores themes of identity, youth, and urban life through poetic and cinematic lyrics. Each of the nine tracks feels like a short film, capturing the uncertainty, intensity, and contradictions of a generation growing up in a rapidly changing world.
Music runs in Marttein’s blood. He grew up surrounded by art -his grandmother was a pianist, his grandfather a poet- and his family’s music collection ranged from Joy Division to Queen. These early influences helped shape a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. For Marttein, the city of Buenos Aires is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, full of shadows, stories, and emotions.
The album also comes with a short film titled Marttein, una película argentina, which brings the music to life on screen. The film follows a character wandering through the surreal nightlife of the city, encountering strange figures and memories. The narration, voiced by award-winning writer Mariana Enriquez, adds a haunting layer that connects the visuals to the music’s deeper message: the future is already here, and it’s full of questions.
Before this debut, the musician had already been building a strong artistic identity. With early releases like Antro (2017), Guerra (2018), Némesis (2019), and the Romántica EP (2021), he showed a commitment to storytelling, detail, and originality. His work blends music, film, and literature in a way that feels both personal and universal.
With a strong debut and a growing following, Marttein is not just a rising artist: he’s a sign of where Argentine music is headed. Honest, experimental, and deeply human, his voice is one of the most promising to emerge in recent years.
Text: Antonella Lopreato
