In our 94th instalment of “Stumbled Upon”, we meet Christina Martin from Canada, and chat about her varied and eclectic influences, playing SXSW and Austin City Limits and her latest release, It’ll Be Alright.
Musician:
Christina Martin
Website / Social Media:
www.christinamartin.net/
Facebook
Genre:
Pop/Rock
Members & their roles:
Christina Martin – Vocals, Guitar, Songwriter
What music or artists inspired you?
Tom Petty, Annie Lennox, Tina Turner, Roy Orbison, Shawn Colvin, Paul Westerberg, David Bowie to name a few. I grew up listening to a range of music, and being influenced by music videos on Much Music and later MTV. I would say I always dreamed of being strong front person and entertainer like Annie Lennox or Tina Turner, and having a band comparable to The Heartbreakers or Wilco.
How did you get started?
I played piano and wrote melodies when I was a child, but nothing serious, until I moved to Austin Texas at the age of 19 and started writing my own songs. The first serious band I joined was the Young Heart Attack in Austin, our first gig together was at SXSW. I played the role of one of two backup tambourine singer/dancers. That gig didn’t last long, and I started writing and performing my own songs, with my first legitimate solo gig opening for Wilco at their surprise show kicking off the Austin City Limits festival in 2002. I’ve been playing and touring ever since, and mainly tour with a guitar player and bring a band on tour when I can rummage enough dough.
How would you best describe your live show:
I’m candid with my audience interaction, and if you don’t react to my music or stories, then we probably won’t be friends.
What shows do you have coming up?
I have shows in Germany, Netherlands, UK and Canada coming out.
Keep an eye on Facebook for more dates.
Tell us about your latest release:
It’ll Be Alright is my strongest work with Dale Murray. We really took our time with everything, and developed the songs with my band before committing to tracks in the studio. Although I have many influences from Townes Van Zandt and Paul Westerberg, to Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison, I would say that sonically my rock and pop influences shine through on this album. The songs have a steady rhythm throughout. Creating memorable guitar licks and strong, simple messages lyrically was important. I wanted to the album to have a bigger sound that would sound similar to what we do with the full-band. I also wanted the songs lyrically and emotionally to resonate with people.
Where can I get your music?
iTunes
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Listen to ‘Stumbled Upon’ on AU Radio , Mondays at 8:30PM, Thursdays at 3PM and Sundays at 10AM (AEDT), or the playlist of past ‘Stumbled Upon’ artists on Soundcloud
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