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An Interview With the Musician STEPHEN MARTINES On His Latest Music, Biggest Inspirations and More!
Posted On 15 Nov 2018
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On his new single, “Sounds Like Whiskey,” Stephen Martines taps into the vulnerability and mistakes that heartbreak often encompasses. His voice, smooth and aching, belts effortlessly over the soulful chords of the explosive chorus. The singer taps into the frustration and pain that comes with trying to let go of someone you love but are unable to find the words to tell them how you feel. A cool mix of pop, country and a hint of soul, the track houses everything that country music listeners love, from late-night phone calls in the dark to regrettable memories that are often times alcohol-induced, it’s the perfect song to kick off the often chill and more emotionally-inspired fall music season. Martines’ vocals remain the star of the show, but it’s his unique way of telling a story that takes center stage on this track, making “Sounds Like Whiskey” one of those melodies that linger in your mind long after the final chord fades out.
Connect with Stephen Martines Here:
https://twitter.com/stephenmartines
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Martines often moved from place to place with his mother, the constant moving found him seeking solace and stability in athletics and the performing arts. Shortly after losing his father in 1994, he joined the Air Force to move his life in a more positive direction, only to find that this didn’t ease the pain of loss the way he was hoping it would. It became clear, after an injury ended his soccer career, that it was the creative arts that helped him work through many of his emotional battles.
Soon after he moved to Hollywood and began modeling and acting, appearing in many popular shows including Burn Notice, The Vampire Diaries and General Hospital, and working with musicians like Mark Shulman (drummer for Pink) to try to find a sound that fit him. Eventually that road led him to the Nashville songwriter’s community and the creation of Red Rose Records, a creative home that has allowed him to finally discover his own sound. His last single, “Just Like a Kiss” – co-written by Brett Young – received consistent airplay on country radio, solidifying him as one to watch in the industry. “Sounds Like Whiskey” is already gaining traction, chosen as “Pick of the Week” on “The Iceman,” a Nashville-based internet and terrestrial radio program. Martines’ persistent drive and passion for country music has made it clear he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.
Learn more about Stephen Martines in the following All Access interview:
Thanks for your time today!
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Well, thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and your readers! Your support and interest is gratifying, and it’s my pleasure to provide some insight into my music.
Where does this interview find you now? Is there music playing in the background?
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Ironically, the interview caught me right before rehearsal. We are gearing up for the Country Smooth Festival this coming weekend. October 20-21 in New Orleans. Yeah, I’d say there’s music playing – LOUDLY – in the next room, with my band working their tails off!
Now that we are on the back end of the year, how do you think 2018 has treated you and your career?
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2018 has been a great year. From a personal perspective, every year watching my little girl grow and develop is golden for me. As for my music career, we are happy with the traction we’ve made. A long road ahead but excited to be on this journey!
What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it? Or did you already reach it?
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One goal I had this year was to reach mainstream radio. We aren’t everywhere but we have attained that dream to a degree. Not to mention moving closer to the top of The Iceman’s Top 40 New Country Artist chart and being featured on his nationally-syndicated radio show – a program that has launched a lot of careers. Certainly unexpected but a solid confirmation that we are heading in the right direction. We’ve been honored to be “Pick of the Week” and the like on more than several programs this year, and are grateful for every mention.
Growing up, how important was music to you?-
Music and Sports – those were my outlets, no doubt. Music, however, was my true coping mechanism – my source of inner peace. It’s all-consuming and captures you on both an intellectual, emotional and visceral level.
Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?
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In truth, it’s been a passion of mine since I was a little boy. When I made the transition from soccer to the military and then into television I recognized that doors were open to pursue many creative avenues. But after several failed attempts at music I decided to put it on the back burner until the time was right. It wasn’t until my move to Nashville that the flame was re-lit. The real ignition came from the birth of my daughter. I want to set an example for her that chasing dreams and accomplishing them on any level is, in fact, attainable. Persistence, dedication, preparation and determination are the base elements; find your talent and develop it. The decision to finally pursue music at a higher level, overall, wasn’t all that difficult. It’s a part of who I am at my core, and I needed to explore it in order to know I can truly do it. My success is determined in-part by the work I’m willing to put forth, and I’m incredibly proud of what we are doing and believe we are on the right path.
What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career?
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Honestly, I knew the road would be exhausting. Sometimes unbearable. I learned that from the television world. That said, I’m blown away by the overwhelming welcome we’ve had into the country music scene. It’s only the beginning and I do understand I have a long way to go in order to prove myself. I’m grateful for the doors opened thus far and country music fans are opening their arms a little.
What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?
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Nothing too unexpected. Being under an independent label is like being a small ship at sail in an extremely large body of water while left alone to find your way to land. I welcome that challenge. We welcome that challenge. I won’t stop until we get there, and I believe we will! We’ve been fortunate along the way to receive help and advice from a number of people willing to give of themselves, whose motivations are nothing more than to see us succeed. That’s humanity, that’s love. I’m blessed.
How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today?
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Much of my music (most of songs I’ve written personally haven’t been recorded yet) is a direct reflection of me, my hometown (St. Louis – and where I currently live) and my experiences – both good and bad. We’ve only touched the surface of what my music reflects upon. I cannot wait to share the deeper parts of me and allow that vulnerability to push its way through to the fore. I sit with every song presented to me to ensure I can create a story within the lyrics that represents who I am as a person.
I would love to know more about what it was like breaking into the music and movie business when you first moved to LA? Was it intimidating to just put yourself out there?
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My story is lengthy, but in short I was blessed early-on after moving to Los Angeles. As they say, being at the right place at the right time is everything. The first month or so was awful, to say the least. I got through it; I fought through it with no Plan B, and it was intimidating as hell! I was in my early 20s and on my own – truly alone – for essentially the first time since the passing of my father, and in a city where I knew no one, on top of it all. But again, I was persistent. I was determined. Not to get tangential, but a thought I hold dear to my heart: “Nothing can stop a determined and persistent man with a dream.” I repeat that to myself almost daily. I can’t allow myself to fail. Fear of failure is my driving force.
What was the first acting/singing job that you got? How did you first get connected to Pink’s drummer, Mark Shulman?
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My first acting job was a children’s movie called “Kraa! The Sea Monster.” I can’t believe I even mentioned it – but we all have to start somewhere, right? From that came “General Hospital” and “Justice” with Charles Durning and Jim Belushi. I was introduced to Mark Schulman from my very first manager, Toni Benson, when I mentioned music was something I just had to pursue. After turning down an offer at Hollywood Records, I found myself in the rock scene – that’s where my sound felt the most comfortable at the time. Mark and I hit it off and produced a few solid tracks, but it came at a time when rock music as we knew it was dwindling and pretty difficult to market – so I stepped back from all of that and remained focused on my acting career.
What was it like getting involved with the Nashville songwriter’s community?-
There I was on the couch in Los Angeles with a buddy of mine, Brian, watching the CMAs, when I suddenly get this revelation and asked him if he wanted to move to Nashville with me – because I decided right then-and-there to go. He says “Sure!” The next morning we packed up and left LA for Nashville. I had no idea what was in store, I just knew Nashville was the city soon to be on Hollywood’s radar. But more importantly, country music had been a part of my life for years – I loved it. A genre I wanted to pursue ever since Garth Brooks took the world – and me – by storm. It was another fortunate scenario where I met some amazing people pretty quickly who were able to provide an outlet for my songwriting. The Nashville music/songwriters community is very defined, no doubt! I admire all songwriters and their craft. Their work ethic, talent, constant dedication and desire to succeed is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced in my life. An ocean of talent wrapped in a small town… It’s an astounding group of individuals down there.
How did that change or help you find your country sound?
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It changed everything for me. It gave me direction. More importantly, being in the middle of it all taught me about the artist I wanted to be. The storytelling in country music is infectious and defines the genre.
What was the inspiration for your newest track, “Sounds Like Whiskey”?
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Although I didn’t write this song I knew I wanted to record it from the moment I heard it! I am grateful to have the opportunity to cut it and release it as a single. My dear friend Vinny Hickerson (Trailer Choir) presented it to me a little while back and I related to the lyric immediately. This song speaks to experiences all of us have had with a fractured relationship where one person’s heart just isn’t ready to let go, the middle-of-the-night heartaches, second-guesses and regrets. Country music more often than not hits you right in the gut; Sounds Like Whiskey carries with it the vapors of a painful breakup that still echo within me today. The song was written by Vinny Hickerson, Jay Brunswick and Josh Dunne and produced by Chuck Bonano, Johnny Scott and myself.
Are you hoping to release more new music and full album of new songs soon?
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Absolutely. Country music is a singles game right now. We are focusing on releasing several more singles over the next few months before releasing an EP. Our next release is a few weeks away. I’m ecstatic to share this one with the world!
What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms?
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Um…I need a separate education just for that! It is insane. I’m not quite privy to the nuances of this medium as of yet. I understand its importance, however, and look forward to sharing the connection with fans brought about by social media’s immediacy and intimacy.
Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?
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It is very hard. A borderline full time job unto itself. But I will say that Instagram has become my favorite way to communicate and stay in touch with fans. It has provided a more personal outlet for both them and us. It’s important, and I do my best to stay connected with them as often as I can.
Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?
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The list is quite extensive. Almost impossible to label just a few. I love all genres and garner inspiration from as many outlets as I can. I try to take or emulate what I consider to be the best qualities of a number of artists – musicians, singers – even actors – and filter them through my own abilities to produce my own sound. There are so many talented people out there – some obvious, some hidden – and you find them in the most unexpected places, too.
Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?
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Oh man… putting me on the spot huh? Music-wise, Kris Kristofferson, Chris Stapleton, Bruno Mars and Keith Urban to bake a few. On the film side – Johnny Depp, Anthony Hopkins and Morgan Freeman for sure.
If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why?
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An acoustic guitar without a doubt. Why? Because I need to get better! Lol.
If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?
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I’ll have to refrain from answering this question for several reasons – not least of which because the show hasn’t aired yet! As for a movie, hmmm…I would love a song to be placed anywhere that makes sense for the story. As both an actor and a musician, I appreciate the effect the right song has in a film or TV show at the right moment. Sometimes music – when added to the body of a film or show for the wrong reason – ends up being simply background noise. I’d want placement of my songs to have an effect, to mean something to the film or TV show. (That said, there are some great songs added to soundtracks that the audience doesn’t hear until the credits are rolling, which is an awesome way to get music out to the public!)
Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about?
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We will be in New Orleans this coming weekend for the first-ever Country Smooth Festival. Other tour dates Red Rose will be announcing in the near future. I can’t wait to get out there!
How will you be spending your fall and winter?
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Writing, producing and releasing new music. Some other irons in the fire as well. Overall, ensuring my time being daddy comes first, though.
At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?
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First, an insight to who I really am day-to-day, in my “normal” life. That regardless of any struggle, life is what you make of it and that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Maybe it’s cliché, but I know but it’s the truth. No knockdown is a permanent setback; get your ass back up and never stop trying.
I’d like to know more about how you want your music to be timeless?-
Phenomenal question! I think that correlates with perception. One person may view my music differently than someone else. I believe timelessness, longevity is personal to the listener. If my music can relate to someone on a spiritual or emotional level, then I view that as timeless, because it’s become a part of that person’s psyche in some small fashion. As long as I can affect change in a person, help put their day in a positive light, I’m happy. No message imparted by a song that truly means something to someone is temporal – it stays with us. I can still recite lyrics from probably thirty years ago that meant something to me then and still do today.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself and your music?
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I’d like to impart that my approach to music is simple: I want to put out honest music- whether it be fun or serious or wistful or sad or hopeful – that invokes a visceral reaction in the person listening to it, and I hope it’s received that way. I’m constantly working to do better, to write better, to be a better person and a better dad – and I hope that struggle manifests itself in my songwriting, my performances, my records.
I thank all of you for taking the time to read my responses and hope to see you on the road where we can raise a glass or two together!
