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.
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 43: Faith Hill 31 July 2008, 1:36 pm Faith Hill performs and talks about her future in this remarkable career-spanning edition of "Artist Confidential." The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Faith Hill can be heard all day on Monday, 8/4 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 42: Trisha Yearwood 31 July 2008, 1:33 pm Trisha Yearwood and a small band of musicians rock Studio A at XM's Jazz at Lincoln Center studio. Trisha answers audience questions and weaves together with a beautiful mix of songs, old and new. The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Trisha Yearwood can be heard all day on Monday, 8/4 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 41: LeAnn Rimes 23 July 2008, 2:29 pm Nearly everyone remembers when LeAnn Rimes broke onto the music scene and what song she did it with. "Blue" was a runaway hit when LeAnn was 13 years old. It made her the youngest artist to ever win a Grammy award and the first Country artist to win the Grammy for Best New Artist. Now at the ripe old age of 25, she's sold over 30 million albums, is fully established as one of Country music's leading ladies, and has no plans to slow down. She's been kind enough to visit XM several times over the years, and XM is happy to have her in a brand new Artist Confidential! She talks about her move to an album of all-original songs (the 2007 album, Family), where she wants her career to go, and singing on Kenny Chesney's tour this summer. And of course, she'll sing some of her hits exclusively for the XM Nation! The full one-hour Artist Confidential with LeAnn Rimes can be heard all day on Monday, 7/28 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 40: Randy Travis 17 July 2008, 3:18 pm Born in Marshville, North Carolina, Randy Travis has been one of the most distinctive Country artists for nearly 25 years. The 1980's established Randy as a return to traditionalism in Country music with hits like "Forever and Ever, Amen." In the late 1990's, Randy shaped his musical focus to include Gospel music as well. In 2003, Country and Gospel blended in his CMA Song of the Year, "Three Wooden Crosses." In addition to music, Randy Travis has over 40 TV and Film credits; but music is always first in his heart. Randy Travis joins XM for a special Artist Confidential - he plays requests from the SuperFans in the audience, discusses his life in music, and tells all about his latest project, Around the Bend, which was just released in stores and via download. Randy Travis - a modern country legend, on Artist Confidential! The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Randy Travis can be heard all day on Monday, 7/21 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 39: Night Ranger 9 July 2008, 2:49 pm Night Ranger formed in the early 1980s with five guys from the San Francisco Bay area. Their uncommon blend of pop melody with a hard rock edge earned them a large fan base quickly - and in 1984, the song "Sister Christian" alone gave real meaning to the term "Power Ballad." This year marks the 25th anniversary of Night Ranger, and they're set to release their first studio album in 10 years, called Hole in the Sun on July 15th. Join XM's George Taylor Morris for an Artist Confidential with Night Ranger, as they talk about getting back to the studio, what it takes to keep a band going for decades, and why they keep up such an intense tour schedule (proving you can always "Rock in America"). You'll also hear exclusive performances of some of their new material before you can buy it, along with some of their hits you know and love. The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Night Ranger can be heard all day on Monday, 7/14 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Artist Confidential Green Room Episode 38: Foreigner 2 July 2008, 4:49 pm When they formed in 1976, the band consisted of 3 British musicians and 3 Americans that inspired the name: Foreigner. The band charted major hits starting with the debut album in 1977 and continued for 10 years. The list of hits reads like a who's-who of dashboard anthems: Cold As Ice, Feels Like the First Time, Head Games, Jukebox Hero, Urgent, I Want to Know What Love Is, and many more. Foreigner is still rocking millions of fans on tour more than 30 years later, and they talk about their journey through Rock & Roll history with George Taylor Morris on a brand new Artist Confidential. They'll play some of their hits, a brand new song they've included in a Greatest Hits anthology that's coming out on July 15th, and tell some exclusive stories about a band that's sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. The full one-hour Artist Confidential with Foreigner can be heard all day on Monday, 7/7 on XMX Channel 2, and you can listen to it for free by signing up for a free trial of XM at xmradio.com/podcast
Photo Album
ople
have been really in to the band over the years, which is nice to see
that the records have meant something to people.