Last updated 05-01-2004
A French version and a Spanish version
of the interview are also available.
Alec Eiffel: Could you summarize for us the story of the Martinis?
Joey: One day Linda and I were hanging out and decided to use a four track
recorder that we had for a while. It was borrowed, anyway we started writing
songs, just putting down ideas. One of the songs that came from the 4 track
actually made it on a movie called Empire Record Store. We later re-recorded
in a real studio with Matt Wallace for the soundtrack album.
Linda: Joey and I starting writing music for fun - then we decided to start
getting a bit more serious about it- Then we decided not to be so serious
anymore and that's when the fun began.
Why did it take so long to get a record deal?
J: We turned a couple of deals down because we thought that they were not
good enough. So we just took our time. Took a lot of breaks. I started doing
other things and kind of just gave up for a while until an engineer we
worked introduced us to a label called Guapo whom later changed their name
to Distracted Records.
L: I really don't know. It's just the way things turned out.
How would you compare the new album Smitten with your previous self-released CDs?
J: It's a lot poppier and quirkier.
L: Really great production, wonderful songs and a devoted Record Company
behind it. The previously released CD was more like a demo that we offered
on the Web.
How do you typically come up with a song and work together?
J: Linda writes most of the songs and sometimes I butt in and help out.
I add textures and sometimes help out with the bridge if there is one.
L: Something will pop into my head and I'll transfer it onto a 4-track
recorder with my voice, either humming or singing words( if I've got some)
along with the guitar or piano. Then I'll take it to Joey ( in our home
studio) and We'll re-arrange it, add to it and twist it around until it
becomes a proper song. I'd like to put words onto some of Joey's
Instrumentals one of these days. He's got so many amazing and ambient pieces
of music that should be heard.
Your lyrics are usually quite dark and emotional, and often reflect a
difficulty of being and finding a place in the world. Why is it so?
L: I think that happens because songwriting is sometimes a catharsis for me.
It's a way to purge my emotions creatively. It can sometimes be a diary for
me or a way to act-out another person's situation. It's really quite
therapeutic.
Does your classical training play an important role in the way you compose?
L: Yes, I think it does. I think it has a lot to do with the way I come up
with melodies and the way the other instruments weave in and out of each
other - sometimes I imagine a guitar part to sound like a cello or a string
part. Perhaps Elevator Music should be our next stop.
Joey, during the Pixies years you did not talk a lot to journalists. Was it
your choice, a way not to expose yourself in the press?
J: It was my choice not to do any more press because most of the questions
were about the songs and I thought that Charles had a better shot at
answering them since he wrote the songs. Plus I got sick of being taken out
of context.
Having been part of a band as important as the Pixies can be a curse as much
as a blessing. Do you think Joey's past as a Pixy helped or hindered the
Martinis?
L: You're right about the Curse and Blessing. Right now I'm taking it as a
Blessing. In the past it wasn't always that way. It was hard for me to
comprehend why people would be comparing me to artists I thought I sounded
nothing like. People's expectations were hightened ,because of Joey's
past. I felt a lot of pressure from that - especially since this was my
first band. Then you have the disgruntled Pixies fans who would come to the
show and decide they didn't like it, because they wanted the Pixies to get
back together so desperately. Now, I just take everything with a grain of
salt. It is what it is.
How do you intend to promote the album, now that the Pixies are reforming
and Joey is going to be on tour for several months?
L: I guess we'll have to rely on the fact that we've made a really great
album and people are going to spread the word .
Do the Martinis plan to tour one of these days?
J: Yes.
L: One of these days.
What is the story behind the Pixies reunion? Until recently it seemed that
this would never happen.
J: Everything is just great.
You two have roots in the Philippines. What is the place occupied by the
Philippines in your lives?
J: My dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair.
L: Filipino culture has always played a big part in my family. My father was
from Pampanga in the Philippines - most notable for it's Great Cooks! So,
rice was always a staple in our home, as well as really Great Food. We have
many relatives who live in the Philippines as well as a Medical Mission that
my Mom is a part of. Some of my Father's ashes are there - So I will always
have a connection to the Philippines.
What are you listening to right now? What's the latest record you've bought?
The latest concert you've seen?
J: I'm just lazily listening to music. In my disc changer I have Os
Mutantes, Ennio Morricone, Norah Jones (my daughter loves listening to her),
Grandaddy and Air.
L: This morning we listened to Josh Groban and in about an hour I'll be
watching the Wiggles.
Are you internet users? If so, which use of internet do you make?
J: I use to keep in touch with friends and family.
L: Mostly e-mail and sharing pictures of our daughter with family and
friends
Have you already surfed on AlecEiffel.net site (please answer frankly!)?
J: Not yet.
L: Yes, Very nice site.
Some "readers" of AlecEiffel.net are musicians... can you please tell them
about the gear that your mainly use in studio, and on stage?
J: In the studio I usually use 2 guitars, a Les Paul gold top and an ES-345.
That usually covers most of the tones I like. I have a Marshall JCM 800 and
a Fender Vibrolux. I try not to use any pedals.
L: Usually I bring my own Shure microphone because I don't like smelling
other people's breath on the Club microphones. Fender Telecaster and Fender
Deluxe or I borrow Joey's Vibrolux too.
To end this e-interview, do you have a message for the readers of
AlecEiffel.net?
J: Stay healthy.
L: Enjoy Your Stay!
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Last updated 05-01-2004 |