Martyn Joseph: Welsh singer/songwriter who's not just a pretty face

Tuesday 1st May 1990

MARTYN JOSEPH bares his soul in conversation with Tony Cummings.



Continued from page 3

Martyn: The album was a response to what people wanted - people said they'd loved to have something away that really represented what I do on stage. I was aware there were some favourite songs and one or two new ones. If I did go under a bus tomorrow I don't think it would be a bad way to end the story of what Martyn Joseph did on vinyl. It certainly much better than the beginning, and if it did end there I think I can just about feel it was my best shot at the time.

Tony: Now, I understand, you're doing some demos for CBS. How did that come about?

Martyn: I've been writing some new songs and at Greenbelt I met up with a guy called Gordon Charlton, who is A&R director at CBS records, he signed Bros and Deacon Blue. He didn't actually see me on the mainstage, but he saw me in a late night fringe thing singing one song and we were introduced afterwards. Gordon's a lovely guy - we've got a friendship going. He re-committed his life to God after a number of years. It's quite difficult really, because we've got a friendship it's hard to do business as well because people feel obligated. But I don't think we're like that at all, I feel that I'm trying to help him if I can, and he' s trying to help me. He's been very good and he's encouraged me, he loves 'An Aching And A Longing' he's sent it round to a few people. He's said to pick some things and he'll demo them and we'll see where we go from there - I'll take it one step at a time.

Tony: Does that mean a change of musical direction?

Martyn: I think I need a good producer to come along and define a certain style of sound. The nearest it's come was when I took it into my own hands and produced 'An Aching And A Longing' which was, of course basically what I do live. I need to take more in my own hands, instead of people saying 'I've got a good keyboard player' It's for me to say 'it sounds absolutely fantastic, but it's not me'. But I do enjoy a variety of styles. Gordon's been to a band concert, and it really surprised him. He's really not sure where to place me and that really backs up what I just said. He's asked me to demo these songs with just a voice and a guitar so that he can go to a producer and talk, and we can come up with what we feel is the closest fit to what my particular likes are.

Tony: What about lyrics? If you did sign to a major wouldn't there be pressure on you to amend your lyrics?

Martyn: He hasn't mentioned it once, only to the point where he said I write very sensible lyrics. He sees absolutely no problem whatsoever. I can't change. I'm not going to suddenly start writing lyrics that will become commercial, because that's just as pointless as singing glib Jesus lyrics all the time. I don't really see myself as someone that will be a singles success. I see myself as someone who will sell albums because he is a good songwriter. I don't see myself as some sort of pop act, but more like what Tracey Chapman's done really - that type of thing. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
About Tony Cummings
Tony CummingsTony Cummings is the music editor for Cross Rhythms website and attends Grace Church in Stoke-on-Trent.


 
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Reader Comments

Posted by Leanne in Stoke on Trent @ 10:31 on Jun 4 2013

This seems an unnecessarily rude and personal interview, with an unnecessary focus on Greenbelt festival. Granted, the festival has been a big part of Martyn Joseph's career, but he can hardly be expected to answer criticisms of it - why not more about the journey of faith that led him there? Martyn's responses are as gracious as ever despite the intro suggesting otherwise!



Posted by Kevin Walker in Essex @ 22:52 on Feb 11 2013

I was an artiste signed by Ears & Eyes, my name is Kevin Walker and I played with John Pantry and Martyn Jospeh in years past. My Album was called In the Dusk which was years before it's time . I was sad to hear about Kevin Hoy. Anyway I am still out there and just about to release another album if anyone is interested? Kev Walker



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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