About

Rocky Dakota Martin resides in Seattle, WA, via New York City and raised in Chicago. Performing, bandleading, and creating throughout the PNW, Rocky curates music rooted in the history of jazz drum set, often incorporating visual art, spoken word, martial arts/movement, or various plant life to supplement their music. Rocky is dedicated to the study of regenerative farming and various cultural arts in Seattle, including Capoeira Angola, Batá, and traditional infrastructure building methods, honoring the histories and ancestrality of Seattle’s recognized Duwamish territory. In June 2025, Rocky and Seattle-based Fourager celebrate the release of their eponymously titled debut album. Featuring Martin Budde (guitar), Jackson Cotugno (tenor saxophone), and Julian Weisman (bass), Fourager explores themes of reciprocity, friendship, community building, and self sufficiency through connecting to nature. Rocky studied closely with Walter Smith III while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, and has performed in concert with Ambrose Akinmusire, Sullivan Fortner, Walter Smith III, Ben Wendel, Lenard Simpson, Zoh Amba, Tierney Sutton, John Raymond, Todd Coolman, Wayne Horvitz, James Falzone, Apoorva Krishna, Jacqueline Tabor, Marina Albero, Thomas Milovac, Chris Bittner, and co-lead Midwest-based Heartland Trio featuring Barclay Moffitt and Hannah Marks from 2017-2019.

Rocky is currently presenting a visual art installation at the Coliseum of Art in Seattle
https://coliseumofart.com/

Rocky prepares to record and tour their self released debut album in March 2027.