Page 109 - Port Douglas Magazine 42

Marty ventured to various venues across the
U.S., honing their sound together. When they
returned to Port Douglas in 2016, they officially
launched Lady Valiant. That same year, the
couple celebrated their love by tying the knot in
Port Douglas. (Interesting sidenote: They opted
for a carefully curated playlist instead of live
music at their wedding, allowing their musician
friends to relax and enjoy the celebration.)
Over the following years, Marty and Glenna
focused on honing their sound. They began with
cover gigs before gradually integrating more
original material into their performances. This
evolution inspired them to expand their music,
leading to the formation of a larger band. Now
a four-piece group, they’ve welcomed James
‘Fry’ Allen on drums and Matt Gerdes on bass,
bringing a fuller sound to their shows. They
are stepping up their performances, embracing
festival appearances and larger venues that allow
them to showcase their high-energy vibe and
electrifying chemistry on stage.
What truly makes Marty and Glenna’s
partnership special is how they balance out
each other. Glenna’s outgoing personality
complements Marty’s more reserved demeanour,
both in conversation and music. While he
may be quieter offstage, Marty commands
attention with his powerful guitar presence.
His background in hard rock, metal, and folk
beautifully pairs with Glenna’s roots in Southern
rock and blues, allowing them to craft a unique
sound while sharing many musical tastes. Their
genuine affection for each other enhances their
collaboration, making songwriting a true team
Glenna & Marty effort. Together, they blend Marty’s diverse riffs
with Glenna’s bluesy lyrics, creating a captivating
musical synergy.
LADY VALIANT Outside of their work, Marty and Glenna
enjoy the stunning beauty of their hometown,
Mossman. They love relaxing by the river and
arty and Glenna, the dynamic from his grandmother at the age of 12, a gift paddleboarding, taking full advantage of their
musical duo behind the band that would change his life forever. From that picturesque surroundings. Living in a close-
MLady Valiant, bring electrifying moment on, he spent his teenage years practising knit community, they appreciate the small-
energy to Port Douglas with their captivating diligently behind a locked bedroom door. It town atmosphere that comes with being part
performances. With Glenna’s powerhouse wasn’t until he relocated to Port Douglas in his of Mossman. After several years in the area,
vocals and Marty’s skilful guitar work, they mid twenties and met Glenna that he finally took they have formed connections with many locals
blend the soulful sounds of Delta Blues with the plunge onto the stage. who have also called it home for 15 or 20 years,
the pulse of modern rock, captivating local Glenna entered Marty’s life when she moved fostering a sense of extended family.
pubs and events alike. Their performances not into the shared house where he lived, and they
only entertain but also celebrate the vibrant quickly became best buddies. Over the next Their environment is supportive, with
cultural spirit of the region. four years, their friendship deepened, gradually neighbours ready to lend a helping hand
whenever needed. The relaxed vibe of the area is
The journey of this power couple began when evolving into a partnership, both musically and something they cherish; when family visits from
Glenna arrived in Port Douglas in 2009. romantically. It was through their mutual friend the south, they often comment on how laid-back
Originally from the Southern USA, she was and fellow musician, Shannon Hunter, that they everything feels, providing a refreshing change
backpacking along the east coast of Australia started discussing the idea of forming a band. At that they have come to love.
when her love for music led her to form a the time, Shannon worked in the kitchen at the
casual band with newfound friends. Upon Courthouse and, after Glenna’s gigs, the three With their flourishing musical journey and a
reaching Port Douglas, she discovered a thriving of them would often gather in the park to jam supportive community behind them, Marty,
local music scene bursting with talent and and so a trio band called Timber and Wood was Glenna, and their fellow bandmates in Lady
opportunities. Eager to dive in, Glenna and her born. Valiant are poised to take the local music scene
bandmates began performing at venues such as For two years, they brought energy and positivity by storm, leaving audiences eager for more of
the Courthouse Hotel, setting the stage for her to the local music scene. However, it was during their electrifying performances.
future. a transformative nine-month trip to the States
Marty, on the other hand, was not yet part in 2015 that Glenna and Marty truly found their ladyvaliant.com
of these musical adventures. Growing up in stride as a musical duo. With Shannon pursuing
regional Victoria, he received his first guitar his own path back in Port Douglas, Glenna and