THE INTERVIEW:
Dez: So...what are your influences?
Martin: mmm, all music really, I will listen to main stream music a lot, liking Fray, Snow Patrol, Amy Winehouse etc at the moment but then I may switch to the more obscure for inspiration, ever heard of Scott Walker? Anything melodic and that has a passion, I really do not like most pop, manufactured bands etc, I think one can tell when a song is perfromed by its writer and there is a feel and magic you dont get from performing singers with all that PR and glitz behind them. There is a realism when something comes from the heart you can only create when you own the piece. Recent events show that even the record companies are trying to 'fabricate' the singer/songwriter, just look at James Morrison, I was so dissapointed to find out that he too is a creation, a talented one but never the less still a creation of PR and writers.
Dez: So...is the 'boy band' a thing of the past?
Martin: Unfortunately never will be, the largest demographic of record (download) buying public with respect do not care about content, they actually want the bubblegum stuff. I do believe that the singer songwriter is coming through strong again, the more informed and mature listeners are beginning to see where the real talent and work is coming from and seem to want to reward that by supporting it, that is great. Just hope the record companies pick up on that.
Dez: So, does that mean you want to get signed?
Martin: You know, I just love writing songs, I dont really need a record contract, that might be seen as some as a lack of ambition, it isnt, its just that I dont NEED it! Would be great of course to give up the day job, but I dont feel ready yet anyway, my songwriting has a long way to go before I can compete. If people wish to pay me a living fine, but I dont want to exploit those who support me and my music. Im not good looking enough, not drug depandant or arrogant enough to be interesting, I guess Im too normal, too honest, but Im happy here.
Dez: So, what is there for the future?
Martin: 2007 is my year for concentrating on honing my songwriting skills, studying the craft. In the latter half of the year I will then be finishing off an album which I hope to record 2007/8. It has to be right though, I wont settle for one or two reasonable songs and a load of 'fillers' If I am going to do this its got to be to my best. I hoped to do an album sooner but then realised I would just be rushing it, I have time. Of course when you are not famous or even fully pro you need a day job, and mine is hectic, plus all my other activities mean time is tight.
Dez: cheers and good luck, looking forward to the new songs.