Vicci Martinez is no ordinary hero. She doesn’t wear spandex. She doesn’t have a cool nickname. She doesn’t bend steel or shoot lasers out of her eyes (that I know of). She’s not a hero because she got to be on network television. She’s not a hero because she came from a small town and has achieved international notoriety.
That’s not a hero. That’s a celebrity. And there’s a difference.
Since she was young, Martinez has passed on opportunities to become a celebrity. After an appearance on Star Search, for instance, at the age of 16, she walked away from offers that would likely have launched a whirlwind musical career.
Time and time again, Martinez has walked away from opportunities that most people would jump at. She prefers to play her music to small crowds in dive bars, rather than play someone else’s idea of music to thousands of fans. Like all mythic heroes, she prefers her own road to the so-called road to riches and success.
“I love the idea of ‘enjoying the ride.’ I feel like in the last few years I have finally come to terms with enjoying my own ride. Now that I’ve made the commitment to myself, to enjoy my ride … everything seems so effortless,” she says. “In a way, I think it has set me up to be ready for whatever may come and to welcome it with open arms.”
That’s what makes Vicci Martinez the mythic kind of hero – a real f-ing hero – a legend, versus the flavor of the week. She’s proud of who she is. She’s proud of the Tacoma she grew up in – the dirty port and garrison town where love seeps from the people, and grass grows from cracks in the sidewalks. She’s proud of who Tacoma helped her become, no matter where she ends up. That’s why we love her. And that’s why she’s our hero.
WEEKLY VOLCANO: Who is your hero? Who do you look up to, and why?
VICCI MARTINEZ: I love and miss my father. I feel his attitude toward life and others was so attractive … he is my hero.
VOLCANO: If you were a superhero, what would your power be? It has to be like an actual superhero. Nothing like “Make all the children happy forever.”
MARTINEZ: To fucking FLY!!!!!!! C’mon, don’t you wanna fly!?!! Or breathe under water.
VOLCANO: What really makes a person a hero?
MARTINEZ: Nothing. … I think people see a little of themselves in me. I’m just being me. Everyone just wants to be accepted, right? Just be yourself.
VOLCANO: What do you love most about Tacoma?
MARTINEZ: “T-town Tacoma, it’s not Tucson, Arizona. If you don’t like the aroma … then go the fuck away!!” (lyrics by Angi Donovan). I love this place. It’s small. It’s perfect, and it’s filled with Love! People who are here can’t leave. That’s a good thing.
VOLCANO: What wrongs would you use your superpowers to right in Tacoma?
MARTINEZ: I guess I would try to make everyone excited about LIFE! I know we live in gray rainy city sometimes, but it’s all about where we are at every moment. Just make the best of every moment …
Vicci Mhttp://www.weeklyvolcano.com/entertainment/guides/2011/08/BEST-LOCAL-HERO-2011-Vicci-Martinez-tacoma/artinez / Illustration credit: Lance Kagey
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