The Sapperton Brothers, formed in 2014, are an Americana / Alternative Country band from the Metro Vancouver Area. They consist of three brothers, Steve Martin (drums), Craig Martin (vocals/ rhythm guitar/harmonica) and Scott Martin (lap steel/ keys) and players Mitch Lemke (guitar/mando) and Will Nutter (upright and electric bass). Their motto: Making good music about bad decisions.

The Sapperton Brothers released their first album independently in 2020 in CD, vinyl, and digital format all available from their website sappertonbrothers.com. Their live show is a mix of original music from their album, combined with some classic country covers and Americana gems.

Meet our active members below -

Craig Martin

Vocals / Rhythm Guitar / Harmonica

Craig came into the Vancouver music scene a little later than his older brothers, playing in alt rock bands in the late 80’s and 90’s (Mother, Gold Love Ball). His love for Americana and Outlaw Country started when he walked into a jam session in his brother Steve’s living room in 1997. There was a crew of guys jamming on Willie Dixon , Bob Wills, George Jones and other roots gems. Craig joined the regular jam sessions blowing on the harmonica and singing, feeling at home with a new vocal style.

Fast forward to 2014…..past different bands and projects and years of inactivity.

Craig and Steve decided to pick up where they left off, jamming on Americana classics with an edgy attitude. Craig enlisted original bass player Brent Fallis from across the alley  and the band grew into what it is today with song writing collaboration from all members and carefully picked covers

Scott Martin

Lap Steel / Keys

Scott’s musical history spans decades, playing and touring in various bands from the Vancouver Area. He has played bass for the B-Sides, Amanda Hughes and The Pride, Dog Eat Dogma and many others. Scott’s unique fretless bass playing made transitioning to lap steel easy for this seasoned musician.

He joined his brothers in 2016 after engineering a demo recording for the band and it did not take him long to start bringing out those awesome warm and edgy riffs.  He is also the bands studio engineer and has played a major role in the band’s first self-titled album

Steve Martin

Drums

Steve has played in many Vancouver bands over the decades. The Flunkies, The Strolling Clones, and Chris Houston to name a few. Steve and brother Craig have also worked together on various roots music projects since 1997.

His stick and brush work are the backbone of the band. Steve’s friendship with Ray Condo throughout the 80’s up to Ray’s passing in 04, instilled his love for rockabilly and western swing. Blending this style with truckin’ country, blues and folk you get that Americana feel that is the Sapperton Brothers.

Will Nutter

Bass

Will grew up in BC’s Gulf Islands where art and music are stitched into the culture. He had an early start
jamming and gigging locally there. He was an OG member of the Tracers, a club filling R&B/ Jazz trio.

He focused on upright bass when he attended VIU’s music program and joined the VIU big band.
After VIU he gigged with the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra for four years before he moved to Metro
Vancouver. He met Scott Martin shortly after his move and took an interest in what the Sapperton
Brothers were doing musically. He stepped in as bass player in Fall of 2021. Will plays upright and
electric bass for the Sapperton Brothers allowing both the roots and the rock to happen.

Mitch Lemke

Lead Guitar / mandolin

In 2017 Steve scooped up Mitch who was frequenting the East Van open mic/jam scene at the time. When Mitch was invited to come and jam his guitar style fit in instantly, and he became an integral part of the sound. Mitch will finger pick his way through train classics and then switch up to mandolin to bring out the folk in the tunes.

He also provides the whistling on the studio track Work Clothes On. He is definitely one of the busiest band mates when the studio sessions start.

Vince Milton

Shakers / Hype Man / Beer Angel

Vince not only plays a mean maraca, being a retired liquor store employee, he gives the band great booze advise from beer to wine to whiskey. You will see Vince at our merch table or occasionally jumping on stage to shake things up.

 

Vince is Craig’s neighbour and an original member.