Reported for the Flatiron Hot! News by Tod Shapiro and Eric Shapiro
New York City, including the Flatiron and Chelsea neighborhoods, has a well-deserved reputation as an incubator of creative young talent in tech, media, fine cuisine, architecture – and of course, music! And here at Flatiron Hot! News we’re always interested in hearing success stories from our ever-growing corps of Flatiron expatriates … so when we heard that the up-and-coming singer-songwriter Alex Martin did, in fact, have a strong New York City connection, we jumped at the chance to have him come to NYCSCC’s offices and talk a little bit about his latest efforts, and how Flatiron and its environs and his time living here may have helped influence his budding career. Alex, quite literally, ran away from LA to live here with his grandmother when he was 15, worked and attended high school here, and was in the neighborhood to help promote the release of his upcoming new LP.
Alex Martin in the media!
Alex is one of the founding members of 718 Entertainment Group, and is the creator behind “Black Sheep” (which received 7,000 streams in its first week on Soundcloud). His debut EP “New California” was released this past February. Alex doesn’t shy away from sharing the story of his challenged childhood. Forced to start fending for himself at the tender age of four, Alex emancipated himself at 16, worked three jobs to finish high school while living alone, and earned a prestigious college scholarship. Upon starting college, where he received a substantial scholarship based upon his talent and efforts, he declared a music and biology double major and studied abroad in London and taught music to underprivileged kids.
We had the great pleasure of meeting with Alex at NYC Seminar Center’s Chelsea/Flatiron HQ at 6th Avenue and 23rd Street. Alex spent some formative years in New York City before college, ultimately moving to the West Coast to pursue his fame and fortune in the form of a musical career and a soon-to-be-released second album featuring his latest musical efforts. He is a true New York soul at heart, and has roots in the neighborhood, having spent lots of time in in the Flatiron District, Madison Square Park, and Union Square in his young life!
Here are some interesting excerpts and comments from his discussion with Eric Shapiro for the Flatiron Hot! News, and some links (here and here) to a couple of songs he played live especially for Flatiron Hot! News and its local followers.
What music do you listen to lately?
I am influenced by music with strong jazz Influences; it has helped extend my talent. I majored in music in school, but basically I am at heart a street performer – my influences include the Beatles, Zeppelin, Queen …
How do you describe your music, and who and what has influenced you?
Soul, pop, alternative rock with influence of funk are part of my inspiration … I’m also looking for pop appeal … with a Sublime and ska influence …. The Beatles, Sublime, and Stevie Wonder are among my favorites …
How has your experience growing up in NY and then living in LA influenced your lyrics and overall vibe?
Moving back and forth between LA and NY has had a big role in my development … My mom is from Italy and is Catholic, so she is “European”; my Dad is American-born … So I have a lot of European influence that mixes with my American background. The East Coast- West Coast dynamic is part of my taking in of pop, ska, rap, rock and reggae … I don’t believe in boundaries, no boxes – I very much try to be fluid, allow my creativity to take me where it wants.
How does Flatiron and NY and your life story influence your sound?
I always found myself revisiting the Flatiron District creatively, personally and professionally. Growing up, I would perform at the farmer’s market at Union Square then walk up the street to see a movie. More recently, I had a girlfriend who lived there, so I used to spend a fair share of time in Madison Square Park. Funny story, actually–I bought the shades that are on my EP cover right in front of the Flatiron Building! So yeah, the Flatiron District has always been a place where my goals lead me – I can recall going for lots of job interviews here–it’s just a “hot spot” for interaction, communication, meeting and networking.
NYC Theater News
Singer/Songwriter Alex Martin Discusses New Music, Flatiron and Chelsea Roots
Reported for the Flatiron Hot! News by Tod Shapiro and Eric Shapiro
New York City, including the Flatiron and Chelsea neighborhoods, has a well-deserved reputation as an incubator of creative young talent in tech, media, fine cuisine, architecture – and of course, music! And here at Flatiron Hot! News we’re always interested in hearing success stories from our ever-growing corps of Flatiron expatriates … so when we heard that the up-and-coming singer-songwriter Alex Martin did, in fact, have a strong New York City connection, we jumped at the chance to have him come to NYCSCC’s offices and talk a little bit about his latest efforts, and how Flatiron and its environs and his time living here may have helped influence his budding career. Alex, quite literally, ran away from LA to live here with his grandmother when he was 15, worked and attended high school here, and was in the neighborhood to help promote the release of his upcoming new LP.
Alex Martin in the media!
Alex is one of the founding members of 718 Entertainment Group, and is the creator behind “Black Sheep” (which received 7,000 streams in its first week on Soundcloud). His debut EP “New California” was released this past February. Alex doesn’t shy away from sharing the story of his challenged childhood. Forced to start fending for himself at the tender age of four, Alex emancipated himself at 16, worked three jobs to finish high school while living alone, and earned a prestigious college scholarship. Upon starting college, where he received a substantial scholarship based upon his talent and efforts, he declared a music and biology double major and studied abroad in London and taught music to underprivileged kids.
We had the great pleasure of meeting with Alex at NYC Seminar Center’s Chelsea/Flatiron HQ at 6th Avenue and 23rd Street. Alex spent some formative years in New York City before college, ultimately moving to the West Coast to pursue his fame and fortune in the form of a musical career and a soon-to-be-released second album featuring his latest musical efforts. He is a true New York soul at heart, and has roots in the neighborhood, having spent lots of time in in the Flatiron District, Madison Square Park, and Union Square in his young life!
Here are some interesting excerpts and comments from his discussion with Eric Shapiro for the Flatiron Hot! News, and some links (here and here) to a couple of songs he played live especially for Flatiron Hot! News and its local followers.
What music do you listen to lately?
I am influenced by music with strong jazz Influences; it has helped extend my talent. I majored in music in school, but basically I am at heart a street performer – my influences include the Beatles, Zeppelin, Queen …
How do you describe your music, and who and what has influenced you?
Soul, pop, alternative rock with influence of funk are part of my inspiration … I’m also looking for pop appeal … with a Sublime and ska influence …. The Beatles, Sublime, and Stevie Wonder are among my favorites …
How has your experience growing up in NY and then living in LA influenced your lyrics and overall vibe?
Moving back and forth between LA and NY has had a big role in my development … My mom is from Italy and is Catholic, so she is “European”; my Dad is American-born … So I have a lot of European influence that mixes with my American background. The East Coast- West Coast dynamic is part of my taking in of pop, ska, rap, rock and reggae … I don’t believe in boundaries, no boxes – I very much try to be fluid, allow my creativity to take me where it wants.
How does Flatiron and NY and your life story influence your sound?
I always found myself revisiting the Flatiron District creatively, personally and professionally. Growing up, I would perform at the farmer’s market at Union Square then walk up the street to see a movie. More recently, I had a girlfriend who lived there, so I used to spend a fair share of time in Madison Square Park. Funny story, actually–I bought the shades that are on my EP cover right in front of the Flatiron Building! So yeah, the Flatiron District has always been a place where my goals lead me – I can recall going for lots of job interviews here–it’s just a “hot spot” for interaction, communication, meeting and networking.