The road in the Texas Music Awards has produced more surprises and great songs in the year 2010. John Arthur martinez [martinez with a small m] is nominated for the Record of the Year Category for his work «Utopia».

He was able to take time to talk with Now Public and I about his career and his work called «Utopia». The following interview was done via E Mail between Florida and Texas.

1. Where you were born and how did you get started ?[john Arthur martinez]  Austin, Texas on June 10th of 1961; I’m a late bloomer, but it was in my blood all along. My father was a drummer in both Tejano and Country bands in the 50’s, 60’s & early 70’s (the country band for which he played drums backed Freddie Fender during his tour through Austin).
 
2. What were your musical influences during your career?[john Arthur martinez]  Living so close to Willie’s studio, Pedernales, I’d have to say Willie. But I had an uncle that turned me onto Creedence. I had older sisters that were into the 70’s singer-songwriter movement like James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Seals & Crofts, Jim Croce and more. I had a very close friend that would take me to hear cool music in Austin like Asleep at the Wheel, & Commander Cody, and touring shows like the Allman Brothers, Dave Mason, & Dire Straits.  My mother had a Cuco Sanchez record I loved and Anonio Augilar. And there was a dance hall, the 281 Club that had Friday and Saturday country dances then a Sunday Spanish dance. Saturday nights I’d two-step; Sunday evenings I’d do the cumbia.
 
3. Your album «Purgatory Road» is great. What inspired you to do the album?[john Arthur martinez]  a desire to do an edgier album focusing on Hill Country songwriters like myself.  The title cut is based on the reality of the economic hardships many folks are undergoing. “What Good Is I Love You” is based on the realities of the perils of alcohol. “Closer To My Dream” is about the decisions my songwriter and I both made to pursue a musical path—two decisions which probably disappointed our families.
 
4. What can we do to recover our musical traditions as exemplified in «Purgatory Road»?[john Arthur martinez]  I believe that folks like yourself are already doing it. You’re writing about it so music fans can discover artists like myself. I grateful that the struggles of major labels who release over processed cheese has led many to discover independent releases like Purgatory Road.
 
5. It appears that you are touring in Texas. Do you have plans to go on tours in other areas of the country or even abroad? [john Arthur martinez]  I just finished a tour from Nashville through Knoxville to Manhattan to D.C. And 18 months ago I  toured Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Belize and Mexico. So I get around from time to time. But as you know Texas is a whole nother country in an of itself with many performance opportunites. So I do my share of gigs in Texas.
 
6. What can John Arthur martinez offer that the Hollywood Establishment and other «mainstream» media cannot offer?[john Arthur martinez]  A connection to the roots of music that many ignore. On Purgatory Road I have a nod to the Tin Pan Alley Golden era in “When You Whisper In My Ear.” On previous albums like Lone Starry Night I’ve offered listeners western swing things like “A Girl Named Texas.” On both albums I’ve done bilingual tracks that the mainstream shy away from.
 
7. What was your initial reaction when your received the news about being nominated for an Award by the TMA [Texas Music Academy]?[john Arthur martinez]  I was definitely pleased and I admit perhaps a little disappointed because I thought my producer, Lew Curatolo deserved a nomination, and I thought the album as a whole might have a shot. But, let me tell you there is so much great music that in the end I was grateful for the “Utopia” nomination.
 
8. What is your recommendation to those who want to follow in your footsteps and become a singer and musician? [john Arthur martinez]  Son says to Father, “Dad when I grow up I want to be musician just like you!” Wife overhears and interrupts as she looks at Father, “Son you can’t do both!” That’s not far from the truth. But seriously, I just shared this advice with an aspiring singer-songwriter: play in tune, with great tone, through well-kept equipment, sing on pitch, perform exceptionally crafted songs, and engage your audience emotionally! See it’s simple.
 
10. Where can people buy «Purgatory Road»? [john Arthur martinez] www.johnarthurmartinez.net, mytexasmusic.com, itunes, Amazon.com, Indie stores like: Waterloo Records (Austin), Cactus Music (Houston), Atkins Gifts (Marble Falls) and many, many other stores. 
 
Thank you for accepting my invitation to the interview and taking time to answer my questions. Best Wishes
[john Arthur martinez] It was my pleasure. I appreciate your interest in my music