Introducing the new Jeff Martin

Heading to Australia this month for what was supposed to be just a holiday, former Tea Party front man Jeff Martin has decided to treat fans to a few intimate and magical shows. “It’s going to be a little different this time, there’s not going to be as many people on stage.”

Fans may be surprised to encounter a somewhat new Jeff Martin, both chilled out and a man who is very at peace with himself. “I’m just doing exactly what I want with my life,” Martin says “I’m surrounded by people who love me and it’s a wonderful position to be in.”

After 15 years with the Tea Party, Jeff Martin decided to split. It seems the rock and roll lifestyle had made itself far too comfortable on Martin’s doorstep and he opted out. “I did the big rock and roll thing for fifteen years you know, and it gets boring.” Mounting pressure for the band to conform also contributed to the disintegration of the band. “One of the reasons the Tea Party disbanded was the direction we were being pressured into, which I felt went contrary to the original idealism of the band.”

While Martin is no longer on stage making noise as in the days of old, he is still enjoying every moment of life as a solo artist. “What’s not boring about this (being a solo artist) is the connection with the audience, the intimacy. People really feel the passion of the songs much more because it’s so naked.” Martin passionately explains “There’s nothing restraining me now. There’s no pressure to be anything but who I want to be as an artist.”

Particularly in a time where pop music reigns heavily Martin feels satisfied with having full power over all decision-making regarding his music. “That is a very special thing when an artist can control his or her own destiny.” It seems this is a battle, which Martin is determined to win. “I’m not going to ever be considered a sell-out. I couldn’t live with myself.”
Martin adds, “I never wanted to do this to be famous, it just came with the whole situation. It was about expressing myself musically and poetically. It’s a beautiful position to be in when you can actually manifest it and that’s the magic of true artistry.”

Perhaps suggesting there is not much that mainstream music can offer nor inspire in people, Martin informs “I don’t really listen to a lot of pop music. I don’t really find it that interesting.” He continues, “I’m not really a big fan of the indie-rock because I sort of got over irony a long time ago.”

Martin does attribute Led Zeppelin amongst early influences. Though today he finds musical influences in world music from India, the Middle-East and eastern Europe. Poetically, Martin credits the passions in his life as his biggest influence. “As far as today is concerned, I’m just trying to listen to myself- my heart and see where it takes me.”

After deciding it was time to make personal adjustments and also becoming a father, Martin recently relocated from Canada to Ireland. “I needed to find some place both internally and externally where I could find that peace of mind and do some healing of sorts.” Martin explains: “The landscape in Ireland where I live is very remote but it’s also, it’s almost like a bit of a fantasy land in a way. You can hear yourself think and you can hear yourself feel.”
Martin is confident that the results of the transition have been positive. “The music that’s coming out of me from being in that place… as far as I’m concerned, the best song I’ve ever written in my life is The Kingdom off my solo record. That song is in direct relation to where I’m at here (Ireland).”

Martin is now headed for Tasmania leaving Perth after what he describes as a couple of “big shows” at one of his “favorite venues” the Fly By Night Musicians Club.
For those looking forward to catching one if his shows Martin promises “Stuff that the Tea Party have never played live. I think the for the fans this time it’s a bit of a special treat.”

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