Joshua Martin is a one-man artist who writes his own music. Joshua uses a combination of real instruments, computer instruments, and stock sounds to create his music. He does not play any instrument but knows enough chords to create something that sounds cool. Joshua Martin discovered at age 10 that he could write music. He started by writing lyrics then coming up with melodies. He had to memorize the melodies for many years until he was old enough to purchase a 16-track and mic. Now, his DAW of choice is Logic Pro.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Joshua Martin, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
When I was 10 years old I wrote my first song and the magical rush and feeling I experienced was other worldly. I knew I wanted to continue to write music.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
I'm great at time management. I balance my day job and music career harmoniously. I'm currently going to back to school to have a BS under my belt while balancing a marriage. It's a lot of work but when you're good at what you do and you love it, you make it work.
Your latest song is 'Quiero Tenerte Pa Mi'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
My longtime friend asked me to perform at a latin event which was being held at a community center underneath the new bridge in Los Angeles. Actually, the day I performed was the grand opening of the bridge so it was extra special. At the time, I only had one Spanish song out and I wanted to perform another Spanish song since it was a latin event. Two weeks before the performance, I sat down and wrote the song in 10 minutes. Oddly enough, I felt a strong presence in the room of my late friend. Perhaps on a spiritual level, she helped me channel what I needed to write this song.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I've got a lot more great music coming your way! Stay tuned.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I'd be working in a call center :)
How do you know when a work is finished?
This is an interesting question because I am known for holding on to a demo for weeks just in case I hear something I'd like to change. I'll literally listen to the same song on repeat for two weeks straight and by the time I'm finished, I know whether or not I need to add/remove/edit any part of the song. Then I listen again for another 2 weeks until I'm 100% sure. That's the luxury of not having timelines being pushed by record labels.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
Early on in my career I decided I wasn't going to be a touring act. I would just do special performances and be a studio artist. One day my friend asked me to perform at an event in LA which I agreed to after fighting with myself for hours. After saying yes, there was no turning back so of course I did the show, and it was amazing. The energy coming from the crowd made me better. I completely forgot about all of my problems while onstage. Nothing else mattered. It was a magical rush. Plus, I got the opportunity to meet other artists that I still keep in contact with til this day.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I don't currently have a mentor but recently started working with a producer from Bali who has been a great deal of help. I think he can easily become a mentor.
Who is your favourite musician?
My favorite band is No Doubt. I love their mix of styles and I love that they carefully and thoughtfully create music. They have song where horns become present only in one specific section of the song. The quality of their music is unmatched.
What are your plans for the future?
I will continue to release my own music and wish to write music for other artists.