Joe & Martina – Easy to Love

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) We are deeply rooted in classic country with a healthy dose of old school pop rock and just a sprinkle of modern gloss.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Merle Haggard, The Judds, Tom Petty, The Eagles, Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, Reba [McEntire]…the list goes on forever.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) Every song is different. Sometimes it starts with a melody or a guitar part… Sometimes it’s a lyric idea.

Q) Joe, you and Ben Watts lent a hand with production for your new EP, but how much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

Joe: Ben’s role in co-producing J&M is to basically be that unbiased ear I can throw ideas at, and I know he’ll always shoot me straight. He’s also an incredible recording engineer that has a lot of sonic ideas that really make things pop.

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP Easy to Love?

A) The whole EP kind of centers around the bar scene. We started touring together before we were even married, so our love story literally happened under those neon lights. I think this EP tells a bit of that story. From where we were before we met each other (“Rhinestoned,” “Hangover”) to falling in love (“Easy to Love,” “Brighter Than Neon”).

Q) What tracks hold a special place in your heart with this EP?

Joe: “Brighter Than Neon” still hits me pretty hard. I just love everything about how it turned out.

Martina: “Easy to Love” because it showcases the raw and true emotion of our relationship.

Q) What songs challenged you the most when songwriting for Easy to Love?

Joe: I’d say “Easy to Love” was the hardest to finish. Most likely because we were a group of guys trying to write a song for Martina to sing. We really had to get out of our own heads and try to think, “What would Martina say in this situation?”

Q) Any chance for an upcoming tour to promote the EP?

A) No formal “tour” at the moment but we just wrapped up a West Coast run where we opened shows for Jon Pardi, Thompson Square, Chase Rice and more. We also did a few headlining shows as well. We plan to continue playing out wherever we can as much as we can!

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) The first arena we ever played was Selland Arena in Fresno, CA. It was for the CA FFA state conference which made it even more special because of our love and appreciation for agriculture and future of it. It was also the arena Martina saw her first concert at which was Garth Brooks in the 90’s. Talk about a full circle moment!

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Considering our long friendship and writing collaborations over the years, I think collaborating on a track with Luke Combs would be a ton of fun.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) Super into Dustin Huff, Ashland Craft, Lainey Wilson, Charlie Worsham, Luke Combs, Jon Pardi…We are really drawn to artist that take old school country into a new and exciting place. I think all these artists do that.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) When we can’t get out on the road it’s not only a way to share our music, but also to give a glimpse into our lives and connect with our fans on a personal level.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thanks you for sticking through the highs and lows of this crazy beautiful journey. It’s not always easy, but with you right beside us it makes it worth it.