Growing up in a musical family, the multi-talented Aidan Martin was set to follow in these music foot steps.
Aidan recorded his first album, Inside Out, with brothers David Georgiades and Benjamin Georgiades.
In 2014 he collaborated with Jorik Pienaar and André van der Merwe with the release of the much-anticipated single ‘Refugee’, which was shared worldwide at the end of 2016, and marked the beginning of the creation of the album with the same name.
What followed were singles, No Kind Season, Never Forget You, Waning Hypnotized Illusions and the African Blues hit Get Together.
He has recently released two versions of Get Together.
You have described your music as “AfroRock/PurpleBlues/Rhythm&Soul/Freedom/Changeling” – what is this exactly?
Aidan:
“It’s a mix of all kinds of music that has influenced me. I’m not bound by one genre. Also keeping in mind that “Rock ‘n Roll” as a genre is in itself an amalgamation of various genres. Personally I feel that getting to a place where you can create and express music in your own ‘style’, is the goal, and sure it’s a culmination of years of listening and playing that lead you there.”
Looking at your music background, it was inevitable that you would follow a Music career – but was there anything else, career wise, that you ever considered pursuing?
Aidan:
“I never knew what I wanted to do, still don’t. Somehow I’ve ended up here. I always had a gut feeling that I was not made to sit in an office and to work for the big man. Fighting for consciousness, mindfulness and freedom of creation is not the easiest of career paths… but I have been led here and there’s no going back now.”
Inside Out was your first solo album – what were you trying to achieve with this album; the message, the music, as everyone’s first taste of who Aidan is?
Aidan:
“Well it was quite a challenge. Couple of things annoy me about that album but that’s always going to be the case. I booked the studio time and then basically had to get the job done. It took a couple of months. I think it has a live vintage feel to it. I love the guitar sound Lanie Van Der Walt got at Wolmer studios. All in all I think it’s a good first attempt at composing and writing. ‘Inside Out’ was the last track I recorded
and I was quite pleased with it, especially the ending. Farka Toure’ Blues also stands out for me, I got Ravi Laloo on Tabla and Lanie van der Walt played Double Bass. I just improvised the whole thing. Other tracks like ‘Weather Girl’ and ‘Feel So Good’ are great to play live and I still play them. I was listening to a lot of Black Crowes, Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin. You can hear the Southern twang. But I’m over that now. I think it’s a good reflection of where I was musically. I also like the album title as that’s what I do when I play or write music. It’s like therapy.”
What is it about blues and rock that speaks to you?
Aidan:
“Well as I said I don’t just listen to those two genres. I started out listening to Grant Green and Wes Montgomery. But of course bands like Zeppelin and Hendrix had a major impact early on. The raw energy is appealing.”
Why was Refugee so different for you from Inside Out and so revolutionary for you?
Aidan:
“Different yes, revolutionary …. for sure as it reflects what’s going on in the world around us. I think the song speaks to the political climate in the past and present. Additionally it talks to a more personal level of where people are bound by laws and regulations laid down by leaders and politicians, thereby limiting people with their everyday thinking, career choices and opportunities that could be utilised if we did not have to adhere to such strict Visa laws etc. Musically it’s tighter, more concise and produced at an international standard.”
How did the relationship with Graham Ward start?
Aidan:
“We recorded one track with him for a compilation which never happened, yet this set the works of Refugee in motion. Musically, it was a great match as he could play a pivotal role in the rhythm section 
and I could focus on the rest. Graham has been a session drummer, recognized internationally for many years so it was great to work with someone of that caliber. From the 4th track on I would have the confidence to bring anything to the table without the band even hearing it before. It was exciting for everyone to see what we could do with a track.”
You have just released two versions of GET TOGETHER – why have you done this?
Aidan:
“Sometimes I play solo, duo or with the band, so naturally the dynamics of a song changes up. It also makes it interesting to approach the same song differently for us and the audience a like. The one is electric and heavy, while the other more African and acoustic.”
Although you have just released this single – which song of yours represents Aidan NOW?
Aidan:
“A song called ‘Leaders Mislead Us’ is where I would say ‘It’s at’ for me. I’m releasing it on the 2nd of August so be sure to keep your ears open.”
Plans going forward?
Aidan:
“Firstly I am really looking forward to releasing ‘Leaders Mislead Us”. From there we will host the album launch at Mercury – 30th of September, other acts to be announced soon.
We are going big on this one so be sure to pencil it in!
Other than that, I just want to get back in the studio. I got a whole new direction I’m moving in and as said before, this is only the beginning!”
The song is available for purchase on ITunes – Alternative Version https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/get-together-alternate-version-single/id1233247973
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