Hiya Martha Hill, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
I grew up in Scotland but have been in Newcastle since I was about 17. I have cousins from the North East who all played music and went to festivals so I moved here when I finished school to try and pursue music. I was a busker originally, then played trombone for this festival band, before starting out with my own stuff in about 2018!
What’s the live music scene like in Newcastle right now?
You know what, I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty out the loop at the moment! I had a kid like 2 years ago and I’ve really not been playing live/going to gigs as much as I’d like to. The NE has always been a great wee scene though- super supportive and accessible, loads of incredible independent musicians and venues all bigging each other up. It’s lush.
Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Ceitidh Mac, Ruth Lyon, Wolfred, Me Lost Me, Jodie Nicholson… loads!
What are your ambitions?
Not much these days! Just back to basics for me- I want to be releasing music, independently, that I’m proud of and that the people who have been following me since Day 1 like. That’s genuinely it! I used to have big pipe dreams but I love the quiet life these days.
We believe its essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to all the different types of audiences out there, what’s your thoughts on that?
I dunno. I think it’s a bit over-rated and over-saturated. It’s important to be able to connect to fans but there’s more ways of doing that than social media! These platforms aren’t there to support artists, they’re there to make money, and all the labels pay for ads which means if you’re indie then you get buried. I think old-school mailing lists, gigs, busking, flyers etc can be a lot more effective if you don’t have the cash flow!
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
That it doesn’t support or pay artists enough. We have to pay everyone else, upfront all the costs, and then often don’t see a return on that. I think it can work so well for some musicians and not for others. You’ve got to find your place in it all and work out what YOU actually want- it’s easy to be pushed and pulled into situations by the industry in the hope of some future success but I’d rather just be cracking on on my own these days tbh.
Whats your thoughts on AI generated music?
It doesn’t effect me personally tbh but I think for electronic artists and producers it must be well scary!
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
To slow down, take more care, and collaborate more.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
I’m having a big Daniel Johnston revival! We were listening to a lot of Hayley Hendrickx, Big Thief, and Bon Iver during the writing of Granite Feet as well.
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
Haha, aw mate, I’ve done some seriously depressing shows. Played in Fife once but there was a Scottish independence march happening in Edinburgh that the whole town had bus-ed out for and I literally played to just the sound tech. Was grim.
Got any fun, funny stories from life on the road?
Me and the band have always been SO far from rock and roll. I don’t really drink on tour, we eat a lot of falafel, and play a lot of chess.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes! Granite Feet! I really feel like I’m hitting my big goal with this one- which is to release music I’m proud of. This was co-written with the guitarist Jordie Cooke, who’s also one of my best pals and neighbour, and it was a dream working with him.
Lyrically, it explores the feeling of finally finding something you didn’t know you were searching for. It represents a bit of a homecoming, both in its themes and in the sound we discovered together.
What was the recording process like?
All over the place! Me and Jordie both have kids and other jobs, so we didn’t have this luxury of a month in the studio or whatever. Most of it was recorded in our houses during nap-times and stuff.
I’m pretty sure the vocals were just the guide vocals I’d done on an SM58 but we ended up loving the vibe of them and using them rather than the ‘better’ produced ones I did earlier. Then our pal Calum Howard helped with the mix and the lovely Kevin Tuffy mastered it.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Honestly- no! I love it!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Yeah we have a tour coming up end of September/start of October so please get down to that! September 24th- Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
September 25th- Green Note, London
September 27th- Hug and Pint, Glasgow
October 2nd- The Grove, Newcastle
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