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While setting a style might be important to some acts, others will embrace the tag "eclectic" without a second thought. The latter description would be the calling card for the foursome known as the Squeaky Wheels. Parma guitarist Matt Martin gave OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts the backdrop on the making of their second release, "What Goes Around...Comes Around" and how loud they are having to squawk to finally get noticed by some music fans in the state. |
| OO: |
How much musical background do you have? |
| MM: |
"With eight kids in the family, you can only image the constant chaos in the house. But, the one thing that could always bring peace and harmony to a hectic day was music, whether we were just listening to it or singing along. I saw the way music made my family feel." |
| OO: |
What musical experience did you have before this? |
| MM: |
"I'm the last original member of the Squeaky Wheels. Before this, I played with my late brother in his band, the Roger Martin Band. The reason I say he was big was because my brother had more potential than any other human being that I have ever met. Unfortunately, everyone else saw it but him. And that included Steve Popovich, founder of Cleveland International Records." |
| OO: |
Who has influenced your song writing? |
| MM: |
"Billy Joel, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, David Bowie, Willie Nelson and Dave Mathews, but it doesn't stop there. Those were just the front runners. These artists take me from one end of the spectrum to the others." |
| OO: |
In that case, what does the band sound like? |
| MM: |
"Basically, my music is the sound track to my life. Almost everything I write is from an imagined third person, an actual experience or just wishful thinking. The two cd's the band has put out are all over the map. That's the way I hope it will always be, because nothing is worse than monotony. I call it 'roof music,' something for everyone." |
| OO: |
And the dream national act to play with is? |
| MM: |
"If I had to choose one, I guess it would be Billy Joel. I have not played with him, but would love the opportunity." |
| OO: |
Anyone from around the state fit that criteria? |
| MM: |
"There are so many great bands, it's hard to choose. But, since I got to work with him when I played with my brother, I would say David Allen Coe. I'd love to get the chance to open for him with Squeaky Wheels because I like the rebellious nature of his shows." |
| OO: |
Where was the new disc recorded? |
| MM: |
"The drums and rhythm tracks were done at the Flop House in Welshfield, about an hour east of Cleveland. Then, after moving all the recording equipment to my basement, we finished the recording and did the mixing there." |
| OO: |
That was convenient, I assume. |
| MM: |
"I loved it. I had 24/7 access to everything I needed. I didn't have the added expense of paying someone to load the equipment in. The best part was that I learned a lot about studio technique." |
| OO: |
Favorite concert venue to play? |
| CD: |
"One place I would love to play is the Beachland Ballroom on the east side of Cleveland. I grew up around there and am pretty sure we could pack it." |
| OO: |
Final thoughts? |
| MM: |
"I would love to continue writing and recording music. We have a lot of great talent on this team, so it would be great to get this version of the Squeaky Wheels back into the studio. Hopefully, we will be able to make music and put it out there for people to enjoy." |
