North Lake Travis Log | Wednesday, May 25, 2011 |
Whether it is playing a show, hanging out and collaborating with Texas musicians or competing on a reality TV series, John Arthur Martinez has always stayed true to his roots. Along with Todd Snider, Terri Hendrix, James McMurtry, Bruce Robison and others, Martinez gained experience on stage at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos. After some coaxing from a good friend, Martinez opted to try out for TV’s “Nashville Star,” which sent his music to households across the nation. The Marble Falls native took time between his busy schedule to answer some questions from the LOG.
LOG: What’s the first song you learned on guitar?
My uncle gave me a good chunk of bills when I graduated from Marble Falls High. He told me to buy something that I didn’t need. I bought a guitar and started learning the songs of the Eagles, America, and Fogelberg. I can’t remember which was the first for sure, but it was either “Lying Eyes” or “Horse with No Name.”
LOG: What did you grow up listening to?
Everything from Hank Williams to the Beatles, from Willie Nelson to Rueben Ramos, Seals and Crofts to James Taylor and Santana.
LOG: What kind of impact did your parents’ music have on you?
My mom loved Hank and his work is my model for songwriting. My dad played drums in Tejano and country bands around Austin, including a show with Freddie Fender.
LOG: You have a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and English with minors in speech and philosophy. When you were studying in college, did you ever imagine becoming a working musician?
Not really. At that time in my life I thought I’d be teaching creative writing and coaching tennis at a college or university.
LOG: How did playing regularly at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos affect you as a performer?
Meeting the owner Kent Finlay was life-changing. He influenced my songwriting and my soul.
LOG: You auditioned and eventually won second place on USA Network’s “Nashville Star.” What was it like having your performances and music critiqued by judges?
I was completely against it at first, and I told my wife that I didn’t want to do it. But calls from the buyer at Hill’s Cafe, a note from an encouraging fan and a Broken Spoke parking lot pep talk from Charlie Robison convinced me to give it a whirl.
LOG: Do you feel like you grew as a musician through that process?
Live television will test your fortitude as a performer. So, yes, I could feel my confidence growing as I reached the finals.
LOG: Your last album, “Purgatory Road,” has a strong emphasis on the songwriting aspect of country music. What made you decide to focus on that aspect of the music?
I’ve always placed an emphasis on the songwriting, but this album is perhaps a little grittier than the previous. Ironically, I do more outside material on Purgatory Road than on any previous release.
LOG: What are some of your favorite songs to play live?
By outside artists, I love playing “You Can’t Out Drink the Truth,” “Fire and Rain” and “Utopia.” From my own writings I can really sink my teeth into the spiritual aspects of “Lone Starry Night” and “What Good is I Love You.”
LOG: What do you think attracts people to your music?
I try to keep it real. If I’m doing my own autobiographical compositions, that’s easy to do. But if I’m playing someone else’s song, then I try to make it my own.
Source: http://northlaketravislog.com/2011/05/25/catching-up-with-john-arthur-martinez/