Rock On Request Magazine

[Kari]

www.rockonrequest.com/id48.html


Marty Casey Interview

Apr 27, 2008

Christina Avina of Rock On Request Magazine sits down for an interview with Marty Casey of The Lovehammers.



(URL Edited by admin per Christina's request)

[ycrney]

Thanks Kari for posting the link to the interview, Lots of very interesting stuff discussed.

[lhfan4life]

I agree, very, very interesting interview.

[RockToe]

Yikes, that was a Public Relations Train Wreck ... He probably shouldn't have been so "honest".
I'm sure quite a few fans were left feeling more than a bit unhappy.

[lesley]

Thanks for posting the link. I enjoy his honesty, frankly. Trying to break down some of the fan/rockstar dynamic into a more real and personal interaction between people is a tall order, but I can understand why he wants to try.

Great to hear they’re pursuing an aggressive indie label!

[bostongirl]

I think that no matter what a public figure has to say someone is going to interpret it in a bad light. It is the nature of the beast. There are a couple of things that I really enjoy about honest interviews like these with Marty rather than the ones with the same old questions and same old answers.

First, he says what is on his mind in an honest and polite way. Secondly, if someone asks him the same question two weeks later, you may get a different answer. I believe it is because his frame of reference is different or something else is different. I like that level of fluidity in a person. He evolves with the circumstances that surround him. I always get a kick out of poiticians who criticize another because they changed their position on an issue. Well, the world is a dynamic place. I worry about those who don't. I am glad he does not worry too much about being politically correct for the fans, if that is even possible.

I was happy to hear that they are working on a deal with an aggressive Indie Label. It is time for them to move forward in a big way. I was disappointed to hear that some of his solo songs are going to sit on the shelf for a while. But most importantly, I was really happy that he told us what is happening.

Just one fans opinion,
Boston

[rachael]

Cutting Edge Marty Casey, Yes he is!!
Thank you for another great interview~Ready to Rock and Roll here~~

[jillywilly65]

Wow that was a long interview but very informative to me.
It always drove me Nuts that right after Rockstar he wasn't
marketed and made a household name and now I know why, that's because they dropped the ball on him.Wow he had to get himself home after the show?! That totally sucked! No wonder in a way, the window , while it was open, shut and he has had to start over again almost!
Also when I meet him, to be real, not a stalker..that will be hard.
Also I would love to hear those 30 solo songs.Let me listen to them Marty and get back with you on which ones would be a Hit for you.haha
Good to know he has his grove back and good to know he doesn't want to spend the next decade singing "Straight as an Arrow" over and over.Guess what I am ready for new stuff too.
Good stuff all in all, like I said very informative.Thanks for posting this link to check it out!!

[RockToe]

I guess I'm the only one who finds it odd that such a large percentage of the interview is dedicated to Criticizing his fans, and telling us what he wants. Especially ironic since the interviewer initially stated that LH is so "Fan Friendly." Honestly guys, would you ever say that to people who came out to see you ... usually long distances...usually on a work day?

On a side note, wasn't it really awkward when at the close the interviewer told Marty to ask her a question.

[jillywilly65]

I think maybe it's just about how each of us perceived the interview. In the past we have asked Marty "how can we be better fans?" and I think this is an instance where he tells us.Treat him like a person and not an object. He is serious about his craft and loves that when we see that part of him evolve. OMG! He is Human! haha, and not a god.I didn't take anything as hurtful or derogatory or offensive.I still say it was very informative all around.

[Cheza]

I didn't take offense to anything he said either, Jilly. I sorta understand what he's saying about being sick of one's self. Back when we used to do promotional shots for some of the theatrical productions I was in I got really sick of seeing my face as we went over the shots trying to decide which ones to use.

However, I would like one pic with each band member...since I don't have any...then we can talk music all night long and move that fandom into the next stage of friendship .

[lhfan4life]

When i first listened to the interview and heard him say that, i will admit i felt a little let down, but after thinking about it for a while, i don't necessarily think he was trying to put down anyone. I think what he was basically trying to say is those fans that do get to see him alot and have tons of pictures and encounters with him already should feel like his friend. And really do you take pictures with your friends EVERY time you see them?? No, of course not. He wasn't saying he doesn't want to take pictures with fans, obviously he knows there are always going to be people who are having their first encounter with him, but those of you that have seen him a million times he feels he shouldn't always have to take a picture with you, i guess.
And as for him being tired of looking at himself, i can understand that, it would get tiring when you are in the public eye to constantly be looking at pictures of yourself. You are your own worst critic. And as much as he likes the fact that he has so many of us adoring fans, he wants to be thought of as more than hot or gorgeous or whatever. I am excited to see and hear this new Marty. We just need to go with the flow.....

[bostongirl]

Not to beat this to death but.....

I went back last night to listen to the interview again thinking that I may have missed something. I did miss him saying that he has 30 solo songs ready to go but does not want to release them right now ( will need to have a serious talk with that boy).

In terms of his comments about the fans. I do admit when I first heard it I did not catch everything he was trying to say, but the second time I was really paying attention. I did not hear one word that was trashing fans. Quite the contrary. What a compliment. Marty Casey, songwriter, performer, rockstar, feels so close and comfortable with his fans he wants to move the relationship to friendship.

There are those who want to keep things on a fan level and I think everyone would agree that is cool. But for those who want to get to know the man, he has invited you in. For those who are interested it is an amazing experience.

I am not a blind defender of all things Marty. He is just a man and has his flaws. But this time, I think he did a great job on this interview.

We all hear and read into things differently and have a right to our own opinions. I would suggest that anyone who thought that Marty was saying anything negative about fans give him the benefit of the doubt and listen to the interview again.

Ok, I am done.

[Cheza]

Well said, Boston. It is rare when an artist invites the fans into his life in that way.

[BBE]

I too was not offended by this interview. He's the only one who's seen everything that's happened to him and around him since the end of the TV show, so I think everyone should give him the benefit of the doubt here. He has reasons for what he's saying, so please take that into account.

I wholeheartedly agreed that the "powers that be", as they used to be referred to, who were involved with the TV show and record label totally dropped the ball after the show. I think they were extremely short-sighted--here was a guy who was getting MILLIONS of votes from all over the world, more than any other contestant. It doesn't take too much imagination to see that the opportunities to market the dude's music were enormous, and so was the amount of money that could be made. And who wouldn't want to make a huge pile of money??? Apparently not those folks. Maybe they have enough huge piles that they felt like they didn't need more, but that's no way to operate a business. When you've got a product that people are clamoring for all over the world, if you're a smart businessperson, you sell that product. That's one of the first things you learn in a basic economics class! It's been baffling and extremely frustrating to me all this time.

I think getting with an aggressive indie label is EXACTLY what they need to do next.

[LMC]

great interview!

=]

[Stiletto]

Apr 29, 2008 19:07:51 GMT -5 BBE said:

I too was not offended by this interview. He's the only one who's seen everything that's happened to him and around him since the end of the TV show, so I think everyone should give him the benefit of the doubt here. He has reasons for what he's saying, so please take that into account.

I wholeheartedly agreed that the "powers that be", as they used to be referred to, who were involved with the TV show and record label totally dropped the ball after the show. I think they were extremely short-sighted--here was a guy who was getting MILLIONS of votes from all over the world, more than any other contestant. It doesn't take too much imagination to see that the opportunities to market the dude's music were enormous, and so was the amount of money that could be made. And who wouldn't want to make a huge pile of money??? Apparently not those folks. Maybe they have enough huge piles that they felt like they didn't need more, but that's no way to operate a business. When you've got a product that people are clamoring for all over the world, if you're a smart businessperson, you sell that product. That's one of the first things you learn in a basic economics class! It's been baffling and extremely frustrating to me all this time.

I think getting with an aggressive indie label is EXACTLY what they need to do next. (Hmmmm, I wonder who asked that question? )

In the conversations I've had with Marty over the last couple years I've found him to be a very honest and forthright person.

If any of you have ever experienced the crush of fans who like you/love you/stalk you or even hate you or pick you apart on every little thing you do or say for an extended period of time I think you'll begin to understand how overwhelming and exhausting it can become.

I was always taught to say what you mean and mean what you say. Marty is this type of person.

I'll be a fan of his for the rest of my life. But more importantly.........I'll be his friend.

As far as those not marketing Marty??? You wait.............he/they are destined for stardom............the likes of which the great bands and artists have acheived............be patient..........

[palari]

That was a GREAT interview. He is so generous with his time and so honest with us. I love that he is candid and open. I love that he was inviting us to evolve with him.

He has grown and is in a new place, professionally, personally, musically...as a writer, as a man, as a rockstar.

We listen, we learn, we grow with him.

[ycrney]

Well said Palari! I have to say I agree with the majority here. I don't think you can fault someone for being honest and open as Marty has always been with us. And for those of you who heard the interview in a negative light, it's a shame because I feel he was giving his fans permission to take the fan, band relationship further. Should I say challenging us, that sounds more like Marty's style!

I for one, loved hearing that Marty is ready to create new music with LH and give us the cd we have all been begging for. And Boston, I'm with you, 30 solo songs and he doesn't know what to do with them, we'll volunteer to give them a listen and direct you Marty. ;D ;D ;D

Anyway, I think there was so much information to learn about where Marty has been in this business and where he is going...forward and upward...

Thank you Marty as always for sharing yourself and your thoughts with your fans. You are truly unique!


YC

[sjjo1973]

I do admit I was a little taken back to but after thinking about it, I commend him for being straight forward. I do think this is one band i've ever encountered numerous times that treat us like family and not fans. this is very rare in the music business. And I think it's the choice of the fans whether they want to stay on fan level or move to the friendship level. I know i'm a picture happy person, i love to takin pictures no matter where I go. i love having memento's of my friends, cause sometimes they make the best blackmail pictures LOL I just think it's all about the approach of how/when you take the pictures. And I agree that Marty knows the difference when a new fan approaches and wants a pic w/him.

I was very exicted to hear all the plans they are taking with the upcoming album. wow canada & LA, so cool! I'm a patient person (well not really) but i'm willing to wait til they feel like what they have is just want they want to present to us on the next album!

I'm pleased to know that despite all that happened after RS that marty/bobby/billy/dino have kept that determination to do what they love! It's exiciting to hear of all the projects marty has been involved in along the way and continues to do!

I've been enjoying this journey the Marty/Bobby/Billy/Dino are taking us on!