10 Quick Ones with MARTIN STRANGE of Strange Karma – February 2017

To quote the bands bio on their website: “The story of Strange Karma begins, as most rock and roll stories often do, with a single moment and a spark that turned itself into a raging inferno.  This spark took place inside a tiny little bar in New York City with our lead singer Martin Strange.  After a few drinks, Martin would take to a table and begin belting out the lyrics to Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” to a crowd of fascinated bar patrons.  Once his impromptu performance was completed, Martin’s path became clear – he knew what had to happen next.”  After pulling together a band and recording some songs, these guys are gaining fans and momentum show by show, continent by continent – as they are on the rise in Australia as well as the U.S.  We got lead singer Martin to hit us with answers for our 10 Quickies…

 1. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Music got me in to music it sucked me in and it didn’t let go. I have been influenced like most people of my generation, MTV, radio, old records that the older crowd would introduce me to.  When i was really young I didn’t pay any attention to it, I just knew that I liked it. There were many moments that made me want to be involved in music. One that comes to mind and that sealed the deal was in New York 1997. Hanging out at  Cafe Wha, with a bunch of Uni students that dragged me to see local musicians playing Rock N Roll. I have never really seen and felt anything this cool, these cats were the business. I remember walking up the stairs walking out the door looking into the street having my hair stand at the back of my neck.  Decision was made.

2. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Cream, Led Zep , Purple, Queen , Hendrix and many more lol.

3. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

John Lennon cause you can’t go wrong with a Beatle like John. His musical instinct was just amazing.

4. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

Powerful, Dynamic, Melodic and  Diverse.

5. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Working really hard and seeing it all grow and evolve to a very powerful force that moves people like nothing else.

6. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Paul, his cooking is amazing I’ll settle as the Sous chef, the helping hand.  Ha ha or Jason might step up and say let’s just go to a restaurant. Fuck it let’s go… It all depends where we are in the country. As for picking up the guitars, back in the early days it was all about the drink 1st than it was on, neighbours from Hell.

7. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

I never really thought about it. I’m happy doing what I’m doing.

8. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

No, we have always done the best we could with what we had I wouldn’t change a thing. Only looking forward to the future .We are in charge of our own destiny nobody else .We have done all the hard work took all the risks ourselves. You can only give your best shot.

9. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

There are many amazing records that I would love to sit in on and learn from.  The one that I’m going to mention is Division Bell by Pink Floyd, it’s truly an amazing album, beautifully recorded and well thought out. It’s a dear album to me and it has influenced me a lot. I have been toying with some sounds and new ideas because of this album. It will be interesting what will come of it on the future Strange Karma recordings.

10. What, for you, is the meaning of life??

Never give up on your dreams. Make it happen.

11. BONUS – tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The album is a great representation of the band, our whole musical career depends on it. So, do yourself a favour and get this record and make your own mind up. Let it take you to the Moon and Back, to the Dreams that are vivid and the big blue sky’s. And  yes  It does  have a surprise somewhere on the record.

STRANGE KARMA LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

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Category: Interviews