One of LNJ's longtime friends, Tim Martin, gives us the lowdown on his past, present, and future!.
Tim, before we get started we need to get something out of the way. Do you promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
I promise, but why does that frighten me?!
Tim, tell us what you've been up to.
I've been writing songs and leading worship at my church for the last 10 years or so. You can e-mail me at playgtr@ptsi.net.
Tim you did a live album back in 1992 on Glory Rock Records called "Exploring New Horizons...live." That was 1992. It's now 2006! Where is the follow-up? Who do you think you are, Axl Rose?
That CD was an interesting experience. I had some big ideas about that project but they didn't seem to pan out. The album didn't sell too well. It was just me and my guitar. It was a very simple project. Several people here in Texas have been asking for an album from me but no one wants to put up the cash to back it. I would love to do it, but I want to do a quality product this time around. As far as Axl goes, what is he doing now?
You have been associated with Liberty n' Justice since 1991. You were present during some of their most embarrassing moments. In fact, Justin asked you to share lead vocals with Patrick Marchand on the 1996 album "Forever Till The End" and you turned him down. Did you ever think that band name would be still around?
I thought LNJ was just a bunch of kids wanting to do something cool for God. I never dreamed they would still be around. As for the embarrassing moments, we won't go there!
Your band I-Witness was one of the bands that appeared at the Violent Mercy record release party in Peoria in 1992. Another band on that card was Liberty n' Justice. When you guys left the stage, there were 300 people in the audience. When LNJ was done, there were 30. What happened?
I-Witness was a rock band. We were not the greatest band to ever take the stage, but we did play our own instruments. I think LNJ's jambox ate their tracks or something. That and the fact that they had skin-baring dancers at a Christian venue didn't help either.
Your best known song was called "Run To Me." This song is so anointed. Tell us about the songwriting process on this song.
I wrote "Run To Me" back in 1986 or 87. It's the first "real" song I'd written. I had just moved out from under my parents' roof and was living alone in a strange city. It was cold and snowy outside and I was really depressed because I didn't know anyone so I threw myself a pity party. I started playing my guitar and this chord progression came to me. As I played, I felt the Lord begin to deal with me and tell me no matter how alone I felt, I could always run to Him. The rest as they say is history.
You were the opening act on Liberty n' Justice's "Lost In Eden" tour. One of the shows was in Rochester, NY. The day after the show you all went to Canada. After waiting for one of the LNJ members for 3 hours, you decided you were going to leave him. Why? Who was this and what did he do?
You have to be referring to Robert Sleiger, I think his name was. He was a character. He didn't march to another drummer, but to a whole different band! We were all ready to get back to the States but, Robert had disappeared. He was off taking pictures of pigeons or something. I also remember when we went to Canada, he got out of the van in the middle of the bridge and started singing to the French tourists because he wanted to be known as an international artist! What ever happened to that guy anyway? I have many stories about him but time does not allow them to be told now.
In 2000, you played at the Liberty n' Justice reunion show. Did they change much from 1991 to 2000?
There hadn't been much of a change then. Sure there were a few personnel changes but they still had a jambox for a band. Sorry Justin, you know I love you!
Name the three highest points and the three lowest points of your musical career to date.
Three highs: Getting to write for some heavy hitters in the industry; having some of my music released on a real CD; opening for the Imperials.
Three lows: The breakup of I-Witness; Having to open for LNJ (just kidding); and not being nominated for a Grammy!
As a Christian musician do you care more about the music or the ministry?
I would have to say the ministry but they go hand in hand. Music touches and moves people in an awesome way. When you get their attention with a song, it's easy to minister to them.
When your album came out, one fan in particular was really obsessed with you and your music. He told you he would listen to your album over and over as he walked and walked and walked around Pekin's lake. Was this the first time another man had a "man crush" on you? How did it feel to know that your music could move somebody like that?
It kind of creeped me out! To have a dude stalk you is scary and upsetting. It is cool to know that my songs get into peoples souls sometimes.
You recently wrote and co-wrote two songs on Liberty n' Justice's "Welcome To The Revolution" album. Now that you have listened to it, what do you really think?
I really like the CD for the most part. Some of the mix seems a little rough but I think it's a step in the right direction. I just wish Justin would let me sing sometime!
How involved are you in your local church? What do you believe?
I'm very involved in my church. I lead praise and worship at Victory Family Church. What a great bunch of people. They really support what I do. I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, He was dead and buried and on the third day He rose again. I believe He is the ONLY way to Father God.
Which do you prefer now: performing live or songwriting?
I enjoy them both, but I've never considered myself a songwriter. So I guess performing is more my thing.
The last of Tim Martin …
last song you wrote?
"You Surround Me"
last time you listened to a Liberty n' Justice album?
About a month ago
last time you put on your black leather jacket with the fringes?
Halloween 2005
last time you performed live?
Jan. 29, 2006
last time you told Justin you did not want Leif Garrett to sing one of the songs you co-wrote?
All I said was "can't we find a 70s teen idol with a drug problem and no career to record our song?" Geez, nothing against Mr. Garrett.
For which bands have you opened over the years? Got any stories?
Not many stories. I opened for the Imperials a couple of times. They're just getting old. I opened for LNJ more times than I care to remember and those stories are endless!
What does 2006 and beyond hold for the musician Tim Martin?
2006 is a year of new beginnings for me. I've seen a lot of ugly stuff in the past year, including being divorced. I want to record a GOOD rockin' album and I'm trying to put together a new band. As long as I'm doing what God wants me to do, I'll be okay.
And finally, a Liberty n' Justice 4-ALL word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:
Mylon LeFevre (singer)
My musical hero. Let's set something up with him!
Kevin Grose (guitarist Violent Mercy and Strange-land)
Don't really remember him.
Patrick Marchand (former singer of Liberty n' Justice)
Nice guy. DID he actually sing?
Gary Manuel (producer)
I don't know Gary that well but when I've been around him he's great. He knows his stuff in the studio.
Steven Curtis Chapman (singer)
Another one of my heroes. Can I sing with him too?
Pat Lee (former drummer of I-Witness)
Still one of my dearest friends. We still actually jam every once in a while. He's playing in Kansas again, in Liberal.
John Schlitt (Petra)
Great voice for an old guy. How does he hit those notes?
Justin Murr (Liberty n' Justice)
Who? Just kidding! Justin is one person I'll always love and respect. He took a chance on me and showed me friendship when no one else would. I look foward to writing many more songs together in the future. Now, get ME in the studio pal!
Lou Gramm (Foreigner)
Awesome talent. Say what you want, Lou still rocks!
Fergie Fredrickson (Toto)
I wish my vocals were that smooth. I guess I'm too southern.