In this interview, we sat down to chat with the talented singer-songwriter, Martay. With a unique and soulful voice, Martay’s music blends modern dance and R&B instrumentation, resulting in a fresh and captivating sound. In this conversation, Martay shares her musical influences, her journey in the music industry, and her upcoming plans.
Join us as we get to know the artist behind the music and dive into the world of Martay.
Hello Martay, how are you?
I’m doing well! Grateful to be here!
Can you tell us more about yourself? where are you from, what do you do?
Yes, absolutely. Well, my name is Martay and I’m originally from California, now living in the Midwest of the USA. I grew up always creating and expressing myself with and through music. Now, I’m doing it… like, really going for it with my music. It’s an exciting place to be!
How were you first introduced to music? when did you start singing and how did you know this is what you wanted to do?
I was first introduced to music by my parents! They would always be playing music in the mornings, especially on the weekends. On Saturdays my mom would get up, open the windows, and play some old school R&B or Soul music to get the day started. She’d then call us kids down to get started on cleaning up the house. Music was always around me, so I naturally found myself singing to express myself. I think it first hit me that I wanted to be a professional singer or musician at the age of 8.
Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
Like I said, I grew up listening to a lot of old school R&B and Soul music because of my parents. So, naturally, some of my influences are Etta James, Aretha Franklin… and if want to talk about new-school: I went through a Joss Stone phase. Right now, I’m enjoying a lot of Dance, R&B music.
How would you describe your style to someone who hasn’t heard your music yet?
Man, that’s a tough question! If I had to keep my explanation simple, I’d say that I have a unique, soulful voice that I like to mix with modern Dance and R&B instrumentation. Sonically, I love it. It’s my favorite music to listen to and make. I hope that doesn’t sound vain, but I have to be honest!
If someone wants to start listening to your music, which track should they listen to first?
Now, that’s a REALLY hard question! I say listen to any of my modern stuff that’s out. It’s truly the best representation of me as a well-rounded artist at this point in time.
What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
Oh man, aside from simply still releasing music after all these years, I’d say getting to open up for Snoop Dogg at the Labor Day Music Festival in Los Angeles a few years back. I won a battle of the bands (or in my case – “the music artists”) competition and ended up being one of his opening acts. That was such a fun day, great energy, great people… all in one place! I’m grateful for moments like that. They truly show me that God made me to do this and though it’s not always easy being a music artist, it’s worth it when you get to walk in moments like this and see people’s lives changed because of your art.
Where would you love to perform in the near future?
Everywhere! haha. No, but really – I’d like to perform at a few music festivals and go on a tour again. Doing both of those things would make my heart so happy!
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
Do you really want to know a fun fact? Well, I went to an all-girls high school while growing up! I wore the Catholic skirt and uniform and everything! It’s not as bad as some make it seem. Definitely shaped me as a human being.
What’s next for Martay?
Honestly, I’m just trying to fall in love with the process of making music again! And not always be so focused on how that music charts and how many people it reaches. So, with that being said: you’ll hear a lot of new music from me in this season. In fact, my goal is to put out one new song per month this year. So, here we go!! And then aside from that, I’d love to start performing live again! It’s overdue and I can’t wait to get back into the live music scene.
Martay Online