Peach Martine
Interview conducted on April 6, 2022
by Dan Locke
Miami-based artist & songwriter Peach Martine is back today with her fiery new single, “Romeo and Juliet.”
“Romeo and Juliet” is a pop-punk fantasy. Pairing grungy, high-energy production with Peach’s striking vocals, it’s an untempered, in-your-face anthem that makes you want to scream at the top of your lungs. “‘Romeo and Juliet’ is the perfect song for your chaotic yet awesome love story,” Peach says of her new single. “It’s loud and high energy, with the same wit and flirtatiousness in the lyrics that keeps a relationship’s flame alive.”
At just 19-years-old, Peach has already captured the hearts of millions with her clever, vulnerable songwriting that tackles the highs and lows of being a young woman in today’s world. Highly influenced by her hometown of Cleveland — the ‘Birthplace of Rock N Roll’ — Peach grew up listening to artists such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Dolly Parton, ABBA and The Beatles, as well as modern mainstream acts like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey, all of which have influenced her unique sound. She plays multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, electric bass and harmonica. At just 16, she was invited on American Idol where she astounded the judges with her original song performance and landed a golden ticket to Hollywood. Still in high school at the time, she decided instead to hit the road with High School Nation, which gave her a glimpse into the life of a touring musician.
You are a Miami based singer/songwriter/film composer by way of Cleveland. What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Cleveland, Ohio but I moved to Miami Beach, Florida when I was 13!
Since you are from Cleveland, tell me what you know about the birth of Rock and Roll?
Cleveland is such a fantastic city with important music history and a music-loving culture.
How did you first discover music?
Hearing it on the radio and TV!
How did you start to write music?
I’ve always written music since before I can remember. I would pretend to “write songs” before I even knew how to write the alphabet.
You play the piano, guitar and violin. How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
Yes! I still have my first electric guitar! It was a gift to me from a family member.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
Honestly, I don’t really care as long as it sounds and looks nice, haha.
How would you describe your music?
It’s alternative-pop-rock. It’s very theatrical and vulnerable, heavily influenced by classic rock.
What was your first live performance like?
I can’t remember! It was probably a school thing or a talent show or something. It was most likely a piano recital.
You have been making music for years. Tell me about the day you made your first video “Unlike Me”?
Wow! What a deep dive into the past! That was only my second song and video I’ve ever released, and I think I was probably only nine. One of my mom’s friends shot the video and it wound up somehow getting the attention of some pretty significant people in Los Angeles.
Tell me about your American Idol experience?
Such an adventure! It was nothing like I expected it to be! I was invited on, and made some very talented friends! I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who’s serious about being a singer, but it was an exciting opportunity!
What was it like touring with High School Nation?
Such an incredible learning experience! My experience with High School Nation made me fall in love with touring.
What, in your opinion, makes a good songwriter?
I think a good songwriter says things that no one’s ever said before. I think anyone can write a good song, but a good songwriter has a little something that makes them special.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I think my first song I wrote that actually had verses, a chorus and chords was about horses! I think I was maybe four or five and I made my siblings listen to me sing it.
What is your process of writing your music?
I start with the lyrics, and once I have a good idea of the lyrics and melody, I come up with chords.
You are releasing the song “Romeo and Juliet” on April 8th. Tell me about the song?
“Romeo and Juliet” is a super chaotic love song. It’s very uptempo, high energy and flirty and honest.
What is your favorite track on your upcoming album?
I have NO idea! They’re all in production right now, all written and recorded, so right now I love them all equally, but I’m sure once I hear them all finished, I’ll have a favorite.
How did the “True Story” Facebook partnership come about?
I worked with an amazing team to make the most amazing music video possible, and I’m so thrilled that Facebook loved it enough to premiere it.
How was it to work with Will Weske as a director?
He had such amazing ideas and really brought my vision to life in such an artful and aesthetic way.
Do you always do your own hair and makeup?
Yes!
Digital vs. vinyl?
Personally, digital, but I know a lot of my fans prefer vinyl, so my EP is available on vinyl too!
What song from the past has been stuck in your head? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Lately I’ve been enjoying “I Can See For Miles” by The Who. It’s a perfect example of the sound I’m aiming for. It’s anthemic, theatrical, meaningful and super unique.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus is going to affect the music business in the future?
Unfortunately yes, but hopefully that’s temporary. All the cool rock venues in Miami have closed down due to Covid, but I’m sure new, even cooler venues will start to pop up! Also, Covid caused TikTok to blow up, which has completely turned the music industry on its head.
What did you do to stay busy during COVID quarantine?
I posted on TikTok, wrote a ton of new music, and spent a lot of time running outside and going to the beach!
Did you discover or rediscover any new hobbies?
I used to be on the cross country team in high school, and since my gym was closed, I rediscovered my love of running outside and on the beach.
In the past, if a musician stopped doing music they found a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants… If you could no longer do music, what would you like to be doing?
Can I say ghostwriter? I love writing songs for other artists, but I adore being onstage. I guess if it couldn’t involve music at all I would say a poet, a baker, or maybe a food critic.
What is your happy place?
The beach!
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you so much for having me! I hope you LOVE “Romeo and Juliet” on all platforms April 8th!
