A Conversation with Martha Goddard
Martha Goddard
Martha’s deep connection to singing and songwriting can be traced back to the beginning of a journey that is profoundly personal. It was as a socially anxious child that Martha first discovered the healing power of creating, and began using music as an escape and a remedy. Martha has channelled this therapeutic outlet and carved out an ethereal, sparkling, alt-pop niche. For those who like Kate Bush, Caroline Polachek and Sharon Van Etten. Martha’s music will appeal to anyone who looks at life through an existential lens.
NSG caught up with the Liverpool native to talk about her life, music and career so far.
NSG: Good morning Martha and how are you, what have you been doing so far and how’s that going?
Martha: Hey hey, I’m good thank you. Sometimes excited, sometimes a bit overwhelmed! But that’s the way life should be. I’ve been writing songs since I was a teenager and joined a band when I was 21. I’m still in that band now and they’re like family to me: Hushtones! More recently I’ve delved into a more personal solo project. It’s been a dream of mine to peruse this since I was a kid and it finally felt like the time was right to share and that’s what I’m going to chat about today 💕✨
NSG: Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Martha: I grew up in Liverpool, just off Penny Lane. This obviously meant my childhood was full of The Beatles. I went to the same primary and secondary school as John Lennon which at the time meant very little to me. Yoko Ono even visited my classroom when I was about 5 and I was completely oblivious to who she was or what it meant. Now I have a full appreciation for the Beatles and their importance in the world. I saw Paul McCartney at Glastonbury last year and sobbed with joy! It was amazing to think of how loved he is globally, and he’s just a bloke from around the corner from me!
NSG: How did your journey as a musician begin?
Martha: I had piano lessons when I was a young teenager which I enjoyed but never felt I was particularly skilled with. It wasn’t until I started having singing lessons that I had an “aha” moment. It felt sooo good, and I wasn’t half bad. This gave me a confidence boost which was dearly needed as I was such a shy little girl. It was shortly after that I started attempting to write fully structured songs. (They were horrendous but we all have to start somewhere). I kept writing and listening to artists that inspired me to try to improve my craft. The process is so therapeutic I couldn’t ever stop now. It’s definitely my passion in life.
NSG: You have just released your new single “VOICES” I must say it’s a beautiful song! Wanna tell us all about it?
Martha: It’s a song about the voices in your head that tell you are not good enough. There is always someone out there who is better than you, more talented. But it’s important to do the things that you love simply because you love them, and I truly believe this. I wrote the song and made a very basic demo on logic during lockdown and it was the first proper song I’d made using the software. I immediately played it to an old fling at the time, and they were distinctly unimpressed by it which was really upsetting for me. Mainly because the song felt like such a representation of my soul. It wasn’t until last year that I randomly played it to a friend and they told me I should do something with it. I remembered how much of myself I’d put into it and thought “Yes, it definitely deserves to be heard“. If you love the art you make then chances are someone else will too. Anyway, it ended up on Radio 1 so big raspberries to that old fling!
(Martha Goddard)
NSG: How would you describe your sound and who have been your biggest influences musically?
Martha: I would describe my sound as ethereal alt-pop. I’m an independent artist and I think my music does fall under the indie category but it doesn’t quite fit. I think my music can be a bit wonkier… but it’s still pop! I’m a huge fan of Kate Bush and have been since I was young. She’s probably the most inspiring artist in my life. When I was about 10 used to sit in front of the tele and watch an old video tape of her music videos on repeat. Just in complete awe of her.
NSG: To date, what has been your biggest WOW or defining moment as an artist?
Martha: Getting played on Radio 1! I never expected that to happen at all. I’m hoping the rest of the wow moments are in the future 😉
NSG: What is your dream as an artist?
Martha: For making music to be my job. I’d love to find my audience and be able to keep recording and writing without having to do other side jobs! I hope this is something I can achieve but it’s tough out there. Being able to create and share my music at all adds such a shine to life so I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.
NSG: Name three artists we should be listing to
Martha: Caroline Polachek, Billie Marten, Weyes Blood
NSG: If you’d not have become a musician what other career do you think you’d have pursued and why?
Martha: When I left school I went straight to uni to study psychology so I guess something in that field. Before that, I’d always wanted to go into art or music but at 17 I suddenly thought I should be sensible and do something more career based. I love psychology and still find the human psyche one of the most fascinating things, but I think I appreciate it in more of an artistic way than a scientific one. Academia is wonderful but I don’t think it was for me.
NSG: How is the rest of 2023 looking for you?
Martha: Exciting! I’ve got a stint of shows in and outside of Liverpool. And maybe something else exciting that I’ll be announcing soon 😏
NSG: Thank you so much for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Martha: Listen to my new single Voices!
Thanks for having me 😊
Catch Martha live at her upcoming shows
22/09 Manchester Peer Hat – Gustaffson Support
28/09 Liverpool Jimmys – Evol Road to Stockton
29/09 Chester The Live Rooms – Evol Road To Stockton
30/09 Stockton The Social Room – The Gathering Sounds Festival
You can follow Martha on social media on the links below
