Please state the names of all the band members and the instruments
they play...
Jon, Vocals. Paul, Drums and backing vocals. Dean, rhythm and backing vocals. James, bass. Tim, lead guitar and backing vocals.
How would you describe your style of music?
A new wave of alternative indie brit rock, with some epic undertones for good measure.
What would you say are your musical influences?
The Cribs, We Are Scientists, Hope of the States,
How did the band form?
Jon, James, and Tim were in a band previously, which didn’t work out. They knew Dean through his girlfriend and discovered he played guitar, which rhythm. After trawling a number of musician classifieds for a drummer, they happened upon Paul. After meeting him briefly after he finished school (and assuring him they weren’t grooming him), we all got together and wrote “Smile”.
Introducing... Martell
Of all the songs you have written, what's your current favourite and why?
Dean: the group vocals of “Isabelle” because they get everyone moving. Paul: “Isabelle” makes people dance and be happy, which is one of the many reasons we write songs. James: “So Near but So Far” because we don’t overplay it. Jon: The chord change in “This is Where the Story Ends” is genius. Tim: The beginning of our set has an intro that builds and builds, exploding into the riff of “Red Light”. Great start.
What's your most memorable gig and why? Getting through to the regional semi-finals of Surface Unsigned Festival or supporting Flamboyant Bella on their homecoming gig at Remix in Hitchin.
What's your fan base like?
Our fans are a pretty eclectic bunch. We’d like to think that there’s something for everyone who likes a good melody, a dance, and a performance.
What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever done / sent to you?
We have an online stalker from South Africa, and a fan on Facebook who offered to be our mother and have all of us live with her.
Name one unusual fact about each of you?
Dean: I can’t drink beer because I’m allergic to wheat. Jon: I have “This is Martell” tattooed on my shoulder. Paul: I met Atom Willard once, drummer for Angels and Airwaves and The Offspring. James: I snogged Keeley Hazell at a New Year’s Eve party in Birmingham. Not really. Tim: I always put the right leg of my trousers on first.
If you could record a collaboration with ANYONE - who would it be and why?
Dean: Conor Oberst. He’s a genius.
What's the band's ultimate ambition or what's your dream?
To do this for a living.
Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?
We’re playing with 2 members of Supergrass (playing as Hot Rats) at Hertford Marquee in June and we’re rather excited about it.
