Jason Martin is Starflyer 59, plain and
simple. Performing with a supporting cast that has steadily changed over
the years, Martin has continued to amaze critics with his talents as a
songwriter, musician, and producer. His personal version of the "Wall of
Sound" has pleased Indie fans for years (a great example being the 1997
album Americana). While not
being known for giving lengthy interviews, Martin is definitely known
for letting his music do the talking. XMFan recently had a chance to
briefly speak with Jason about all things SF 59.
XMFan: From what I understand,
The Smiths pretty much changed
your life. Jason: Yeah, they were a big
influence on me. I got the Queen is
Dead album when I was 14 years old, and basically wore it out.
XMFan: Any other influences,
musical or otherwise? Jason: My faith and my family
have always been most important in my life.
XMFan: You have released ten
albums in the past ten years with SF59. Though the styles of the songs
have changed here and there over the years, the songs are still
unquestionably "Jason Martin." Is there a method to your songwriting?
Jason: Well, I don't really have
a method. I just keep writing, and when I have 10 or 12 songs I will
record them and put them out.
XMFan: Would you tell us a little
about your new album, which will hopefully be released in December? Jason: I'm not really sure about
the exact sound as of yet, but it will be much different from the last
album, I Am the Portuguese Blues.
XMFan: Aaron Sprinkle, who has
produced albums for bands like MxPx
and Kutless, as well as
yourself, will also be producing your new album. What does Aaron bring
to the table? Jason: Aaron becomes like a
member of the band, which is definitely a good thing. We grew up
listening to the same music, so if I am trying to go for a certain thing
he understands that, and will help achieve the final goal.
XMFan: What are three bands, past
or present, you would like to see live? Jason:The Smiths,
Joy Division, and
Compulsion.
XMFan: Could you tell us the
guitar setup you are using these days for your live shows? Jason: I use a Fender Twin Amp, a
Vox V810 Valve-Tone Overdrive, and an Electro-Harmonix Memory Man.
XMFan: What's one of the stranger
gigs you have ever played? Jason: On the ramp of a skate
park, with kids doing tricks to our songs.
XMFan: Is there a story that
comes to mind that a fan may have told you about your effect on their
life? Jason: Some people
have been really in to the band over the years, which is nice to see
that the records have meant something to people.
XMFan: What is your favorite
scripture? Jason: I don't really have a
favorite scripture; it changes as to what I am reading through at the
time. I am currently reading the Book of Acts.
XMFan: As an artist involved in
the Indie scene for fifteen years, how would you sum up what you have
experienced? Jason: Personally, there have
been highs and lows and you can't make too much out of either. One will
always replace the other.
Starflyer 59 can be heard on XM Channel
31, The Torch.
XM Weekly Music Episode 37: XMU 13 May 2008, 3:08 am This week Billy Zero starts off with the cool sounds of The Vibrants from their three-song EP. Next up is an amazing band called Jacksonknife and you’ll hear two tracks from this record. Then Zero features a song from The Black And White Years on Brando Records and a song from The Lodger’s release called Life is Sweet. Next is a band called This Is Radio Freedom and a song that could be a hit called “Bombthreat.” Last up this week is Retribution Gospel Choir and a song from their self-titled release.
XM Weekly Music Episode 36: XMU 6 May 2008, 11:04 am This week Billy Zero features Tres Bien from Florida and a new song from the Dub Pistols latest release. Billy also features a great new band from Texas called The Morning Benders who are on tour with The Kooks in 2008. Next is Gospel Gossip and a song from the self-titled Jim Noir release on Barsuk. Last to be featured this week is a band called Sleepercar and we’ll hear two tracks from their release, West Texas.
XM Weekly Music Episode 35: Squizz 30 April 2008, 6:11 pm M Shadows and Synyster Gates from Avenged Sevenfold came into XM and did a “Liner Notes” special with Bodhi and Grant from Squizz - XM 48. They discussed in detail several songs off their late 2007 self-titled CD – which you’ll get to hear every word of, along with clips from each of those songs. Show contains explicit language.
XM Weekly Music Episode 33: Ethel 24 April 2008, 5:08 pm Erik of Ethel sits down with Mute Math for an all new edition of "Offsite." In this episode, you’ll hear bits and pieces of what you can expect to hear on the complete edition. Listen for the complete "Offsite" featuring Mute Math Sunday, 4/27, at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT on Ethel - XM 47.
XM Weekly Music Episode 32: XMU 22 April 2008, 2:07 am Billy Zero showcases seven artists this week starting with The Boxing lesson and Derby. Next it’s indie pop from Baltimore with a band called Wye Oak and infectious pop at it’s finest with Tally Hall. French Kicks have a new album called Swimming and Zero features track one. Last week Zero featured a song from Astra Heights and he spent some time with the record and felt it was mandatory to feature another track. Finally Zero features Pretendo whose name is a nod to Nintendo and the band features past and present members of Enon, Creedle, Rugburns, Skeleton Key and Morricone Youth.
XM Weekly Music Episode 31: XMU 15 April 2008, 1:06 am This week Billy Zero features a new band called Finest Dearest with “Naming Ceremony” and Birds of Avalon with “Measure of the Same.” South has a great new CD entitled You Are Here and Zero plays a song called “Wasted.” Miniature Tigers just released a four-song EP and we’ll hear track 1, “The Wolf.” Then it’s the debut album from Astra Heights and we’ll hear the stand-out track, “The March.” Finally, it’s another debut from an infectious duo, Jan and Dries, and their band The Black Box Revelation. We’ll hear the first two tracks from their album, Set Your Head On Fire.
Photo Album
:
9,422,086
ople
have been really in to the band over the years, which is nice to see
that the records have meant something to people.