Impossible To Hold
Nova Scotia songstress Christina Martin is currently on tour in Europe
in support of her latest release, Impossible
To Hold. Recently we spoke with her about her past, present and future.
What are your roots?
I’m French Canadian. My French Canadian parents moved to Florida to have
me and my brother Alexander, but they spoke English to us when we were very
young. We always heard French spoken
around us, and most of our extended family is French Canadian. My grandfather’s
ancestors (on my mother’s side) are from Normandy France, and that’s about as
much as we know for sure. Both of my parents were born and raised in Saint
Leonard NB.
Where do you
currently reside?
I live in Port Howe, Nova Scotia! It’s a rural community in Cumberland County.
When and why did
you start playing music?
I took piano lessons as a child, and at an early age I remember writing
my own music (not lyrics), but I kept this to myself. I quit music for many
years, and started writing my own songs around the age of 19. After my father
passed away, I began travelling to places like Austin Texas and Germany, and
wherever I travelled it seemed there was an opportunity to get involved with
music. So, I started to sing and play in bands, and work on my own material,
until the time came in 2007 that I made music my main focus. At that time I was
living in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Are they the same
reasons you do it today?
I think so. I love writing, and I love the freedom to express myself
with music and lyrics. Thought the music business has its challenges, I find it
extremely liberating and exciting, always changing, and I stick with it because
it allows me time occasionally to write and create and express myself freely.
How have you
evolved as an artist since that time?
My voice is stronger, which just comes from years of touring and singing
at thousands of gigs, and I feel more confident in following my instinct. I’m
not as afraid to make mistakes, and I make mistakes regularly. I think much
more about the performance when I’m writing and recording, and how the music
will feel and sound to the audience.
How would you
describe your sound today?
I feel like it could be described as a cross between Eurythmics and Tom
Petty and The Heartbreakers. But perhaps that is just wishful thinking.
What are the
challenges involved with the vocation?
Sometimes I wish I had a job where the market was predictable and
routine familiar every day, like owning a local café making nourishing and
delicious baked goods and coffee for people, in a calm and cozy atmosphere. In
the music business, after you’ve made the music, there seems to be so much
other ‘stuff’ you have to spend your time doing, and the trick is finding out
how to earn a living, and find resources to invest in the business. I do find
it challenging to keep up with the technology and social media trends. I find
it a challenge to stay healthy and positive. I find it challenging to be both
the manager AND the creative force. I
find it challenging to find resources to execute all my dreams. But I do the
best I can, surround myself with great partners, and keep on dreaming and
scheming!
What are the
rewards?
Making something that might help someone else...freedom of expression...I
get to work with my family and friends...travelling and learning about other
cultures.
What have been some
career highlights?
Sticking around this long....working with my family and friends... and
my endorsement with Duesenberg Guitars in Hannover!
Do you have a
favourite track from the new recording?
Depends
on the night - and whether I’m playing the song with the full-band or not. I’m
fond of Impossible To Hold because it
reminds me in part of the icons that inspired me to perform, so it reminds me
of my intent. I also have fun performing the more ‘ROCK’ song of the bunch, Foreign.
What has the response
been like so far?
So far
nobody has completely ripped it apart. There’s still time!
Is your creative
process more 'inspirational' or 'perspirational'?
Bit of both!
What makes a good
song?
I think a ‘good song’ is a song that makes you feel something. It should
produce some kind of a response, good or bad, sometimes makes you want to
dance.
What are your
thoughts on the current state of Atlantic Canada's music scene?
I’m not really up with the ‘scene’. Although I think there are artists
doing really well in the world, who are based in Atlantic Canada. I do work with
a great company that helps artists realize their dreams and goals, called The
Syrup Factory, based in Halifax, NS. It’s great to find a company based in Atlantic
Canada that supports musician’s career development. There seems to be more and more support for
artists based in Atlantic Canada.
How can this be
improved?
I’ve always felt that there was a lot of support for artists based in
Atlantic Canada. Compared to the rest of
the world, we are really fortunate. I’m
not sure how it can be improved, because right now I feel a lot of LOVE and
support from my home province and Canada.
What do have on tap
for the rest of 2018?
I’m
coming home in April after 45 tour dates in Europe. Then I’ll be touring my new
album Impossible To Hold across Canada, and will tour Japan for the first time
in Fall 2018! I’m excited to be showcasing this spring in Halifax during the
ECMAs, and at CMW in Toronto with my band. I’m also promoting the work of CAMH
at all of my Canadian tour dates, to raise awareness and engage people in the
conversation about mental illness and addiction.
