EMQ’s with MARTYR ART
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Newburgh, New York based Digital Goth Metal artist, Martyr Art. Huge thanks to Joe for taking part.
What is your name and what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Joe/JD/JoeyDiabolic/Diablo and I literally do everything in-and-related to Martyr Art.
How did you come up with your band name?
I had the shape of the logo well before the band name, which came to me while I was selecting branding for my freelance graphic design services.
What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?
I’m from the United States and the metal scene is all over the place, sometimes non-existent in certain locations.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Recently, I’ve been remastering and re-releasing my entire back catalogue. Still a few releases away from being 100% completed, though it should be all done by September.
As far as my most recent releases, “Through Soundwaves Vol. 1” and the single ‘In The Shadows of Philadelphia’ are the current go-to. “Through Soundwaves Vol. 2” (featuring covers of Buffy, Nine Inch Nails, The Weeknd and Killing Joke as well as a new original ‘The Current Subsides’) has just dropped at the end of June 2020.
Who have been your greatest influences?
So many to choose from… Metallica, White Zombie, Faith No More, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Madonna, Wes Montgomery, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Machine Head, Genesis, Slipknot, Fear Factory, Hugh Syme, Edgar Allan Poe… this list could go on forever.
What first got you into music?
Jumping up-and-down on my parents’ bed while losing my mind to “Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin on repeat, always.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I’m pretty much open to collaborate with anyone, genre is never a deterrent. The only thing that matters to me is the strength of the material. Currently collaborating on a few projects, but it’s still in the developmental phase with no release date.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I’m open to performing at any festival, though it would be great to see OzzFest resurrected and brought back to its heyday and be on that bill… it broke a lot of bands or at least allowed them to level-up within the industry.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
So far, I haven’t received anything weird as a gift… but the opportunity is still there, so for whoever’s reading this… here’s your chance 😊
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Live your life with an open mind… because something isn’t “metal” doesn’t mean that it lacks importance and/or value in the totality of your life.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Jimi Hendrix. I would have loved to hear his art evolve throughout the years.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The thing I enjoy the most about being a musician is the ability to create and vent in a positive manner. I don’t dislike anything about being a musician.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Better residuals and pay to the artists… maybe get some baseline health care for them as well.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Fear Factory – “Demanufacture”
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Depends on the auditory experience I’m going for… If I’m working in the studio, at the office or traveling… streaming; If I want to vibe-out… vinyl, cd and/or cassettes. I’ve got so much software and session files on my computer that I literally have no room for downloads… though having said that, If I really dig an independent release, I’ll go to the Bandcamp page and buy the download version of the release to directly support the artist.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I don’t have a particular gig that I favour over others, but I would say that the run of shows (from 2017-2019) promoting “Fear Faith Machines” was, to date, me at my absolute best.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I’d probably dive deeper into the realm of digital design and get into 3D world creation.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Good people and good vibes, that’s who’s on the invite list.
What’s next for the band?
In 2020 and 2021, “Through Soundwaves, Vol. 2 thr 4”, as well as complete the remasters of the Martyr Art back catalogue.
In 2021, “At The Core of Darkness I” (June).
In 2022, “At The Core of Darkness II” (January)
There are some other things happening as well, though not fully confirmed.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Streaming, Mailing List Sign-up and Merch links are all available through
www.MARTYR-ART.com
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Unknown. I’ve never had the pleasure.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Be kind, respectful and understanding of one another.
#BlackLivesMatter
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