Hiya Martin Yates, 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’m from Birmingham originally, not that you can tell from my accent anymore.
I got into music as soon as I was old enough to understand live music. My first memory of music is watching live Whitney Houston videos on YouTube which set my path.
Later on I became more interested in songwriting after hearing Adele’s “21” record which made me comfortable to write from experience. From that moment I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
What’s the live music scene like in (Birmingham) right now?
The live music scene is still building I think. I love going to shows in Birmingham and have made a lot more effort to go to listen to local bands and artists. We just need more recognition to the talent we have in this city.
Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Naomi Dawes and Kitty Bella. Very good friends of mine. They’re insane.
Whats your thoughts on all this talk about Indie poo going round the socials at the min?
I think people should enjoy the music rather than criticize the people making the music. It comes with the territory sometimes but if a band or artist sounds familiar or reminds you of an artist from awhile ago then I don’t see the problem with that if it’s inspiration based
What’s the biggest thing you hate having to do to showcase your music?
Awhile ago I would have said content creation, but I’ve grown to make the content my own and not spend too much time overthinking it.
At times it can feel like you’re begging people to listen to your music but I think that’s the industry we’re in now. There’s so many artists trying to grab people’s attention so you just have to cut through somehow which I think works when you are 100% yourself.
What are your ambitions for the band?
In the near future I’ll be releasing my second EP which has taken around 2.5 years to make purely because I wanted a different sound which was hard to find. I’d love to tour next year and venture out into the United States for shows
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
I never know how to answer this fully because there’s so many elements to the industry that didn’t exist when I first started out.
Everything is visual based now rather than just listening to the music which I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not but it’s a lot of pressure. Streaming royalties is still an issue that hasn’t been addressed in the way it needs to be. That’s the first point of action in my opinion
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
As cliche as it sounds, trust the process. I become frustrated during the making of my second EP because I couldn’t initially figure out the sound I wanted but it always comes together, if you believe in what you’re creating, it will always come together
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
I listen to what I’ve always listened to. Duffy, Plan B, Whitney, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Dusty Springfield. The icons
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
I think the worst experience on stage is always when I can’t hear myself which happens more often than I’d like haha.
A funny moment was a couple of years ago I was doing the last song of my set, and the chords happened to have a similar arrangement to “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan and all of a sudden I burst out into the chorus of “Ain’t Nobody”. My band were looking at each other like “what is going on?”. They cracked up laughing and we finished the set with “Ain’t Nobody”
Got any fun, funny stories from life on the road?
Getting me onstage is a job in itself. When we get the stage call 10 minutes before I always panic and say “I’m not going on, it’s different this time”. I’ve lost count how many times band members have had to physically push me on stage haha!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
I do! “Through It All” carries a simple message of giving everything to a relationship and never receiving the same amount of commitment in return. It’s heavily inspired my Motown and 60’s Soul music. I almost wanted it to feel like a 60’s girl group records. It’s energetic and a foot-stomper. I’m really proud of it.
What was the recording process like?
This process was wild and probably the most fun. I connected with musicians from all over the world on this one. The drums were recorded in Nashville, the brass in Buenos Aires, the bass in New York and guitar in London. It felt like a collaboration piece which I love.
Shout out to my mixing/mastering engineer Andrea Lepori. He’s so patient with me even when I’m changing things last minute and always delivers.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I don’t think so. I’m so proud of the sound we’ve created with this.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
There’s a lot of exciting things coming up over the next 6 months so stay around for that. It’s gonna be fun.
FOLLOW MARTIN HERE
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