My Vicci Martinez Experience

August 7, 2011 by Christina 11 Comments

by Christina R.

Vicci and Christina at the After Party - New York

If you were to tell me two weeks ago that I would be going to NY to see Vicci Martinez ,on the last stop of ‘The Voice” tour, I would have said “Yeah Right!” Then out of the blue a very good friend, whom I never met ,but work with from CA bought me tickets to the only venue that sold out! I told her she was crazy! She then turned around and said to me, “it feels like the right thing to do at the right time.” I am still not sure if she knows what kind of gift she really gave me. I am from NJ and most of you will probably laugh when I say I have truly never even been to NY! That’s insane right?! So now I had 2 tickets to NY and my mission was to meet the one and only Vicci Martinez. I contacted Vicci’s managers and even one of her friends that follows our army on twitter. I asked them all if they thought I had a shot at finally meeting the singer who changed my life. To my surprise I had 3 almost Yes’. So for the next week I continued to contact these wonderful people until a few days before the concert when they gave me a definite YES! So now I had tickets to NY and after show passes to meet my hero Vicci Martinez. The day before the concert I even got a lucky Direct Message on Twitter from Vicci telling me that she was happy that she would finally get to meet me. For once in my life everything was lineing up perfectly, so perfect it was still hard for me to believe.

Vicci and some of the Final 8

Now its Friday night and “Baby I was afraid to sleep” for I may wake up and it be all a dream. Fast forward to Saturday, now I am on my way to NY to hear 8 of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. And I was going to finally meet my hero. I get to NY with no problems, head on into ‘The Beacon Theater” to grab my passes, and then head for the concert hall. I have been to many concerts before, but there was something so special about these 8 amazing singers. They took stage and I was blown away. I have never seen and felt so much love in my life. There on stage in front of me was a family. I have never felt as much love and positive energy in my life as there was up on that stage and throughout the audience. The concert was amazing, it wasn’t like “other” show tours that just send their singers out one by one. They each complimented one another throughout the entire show. One of my favorite highlights was when Vicci and Bev came out with buckets for drums and played them while Casey sang! Vicci sang her 3 most popular songs from the show. “Rolling in the Deep”, “Jolene”, and “Dog Days are Over.” She danced her little 5’1 butt all over that stage! She was running around doing her famous “War dance” and connecting with the band and the crowd. For the last performance of the night all 8 finalist came together and sang Micheal Jackson’s famous song “Man in the Mirror.” Once again they showed the audience just how much they really do love each other and how much of a family they have all become.

Bev, Vicci and Christina at the party

As the show was closing my sister ,whom I took with me, and I proceeded to the “After Party.” At first we weren’t sure where to go or what to do, but them I got in contact with one of Vicci’s managers, Miki. When I met Miki she welcomed me into her arms with one of the warmest embraces I have ever gotten. She took us into the bar and grill and was still awaiting word on Vicci’s arrival. We talked about the web site and Twitter page that myself and Val had created. Miki told me that we were doing an amazing job and that it doesn’t go unnoticed. I had the biggest smile on my face as we talked about Vicci’s career and how she got to the point that she is at right now. I learned that she never had a “real job”, singing is all she ever knew and thats what she was. I met some of Vicci’s friends and we chatted about how I found out about her and about what the goals were for the web page Val and I created. As I was waiting for Vicci to arrive one by one the top 8 were filing into the after party. I got to meet each and everyone of them, take pictures with them, and even get in a word or two. I couldn’t believe how down to earth they all were. They never turned down any photo or autograph opportunity. I was blown away! Finally the moment I have been waiting for since I first saw ‘The Voice”, Vicci “freaking” Martinez walks in the building. People surround her very quickly asking for photos and autographs. She took a few then told us that she needed to get her Tequila. I walked up to her and said “Wait! I’m your Army leader!” she turned and looked at me and said “Christina?!” All I could think was, “wow she remembers my name.” She then put everything and everyone aside for a moment and shouted “This is the girl that made me a freaking website and twitter page!!”

Vicci signing a special ViccisARMY signature photo

She then stopped and talked with me as she signed some autographs for myself and the web site. I then proceeded to give her a gift I had gotten made just for her. Her own set of “Vicci Martinez Army” dog tags. She was stoked and put them on right away after reading with they said. “Enjoy the Ride” she said as she smiled at me and said “No one ever get’s me a gift I like.” I told her they came from my heart and that she has touched my soul in so many ways.

I was face to face with my hero. The singer from Tacoma, WA that stole my heart and changed my thinking. Before Vicci I was a very negative person. I never felt like anything went right for me. I never saw the positive side to anything in life. Then I leared all about Vicci Martinez. Who she was, where she came from, and her ever so positive words like “love and light.” She was the person that everyone told me she would be. She was kind, funny, and willing to do anything you asked. You can tell by looking in her eyes how huge her heart is for such a small warrior. As the night went on, and she made her rounds, I had conversations with her about her music, her life, and what’s to come. I told her how she brought over 1000 people on twitter together and how much we all love and respect each other. Viccis Army is filled with amazing people from all over the world that want to share one thing. We want to share the love and kindness that Vicci has taught us. She never once pushed me away or said she was too busy to talk. Meeting her in person was by far the greatest gift I could have ever gotten. She was just like you or me. She wasn’t some stuck up celebrity who pushes her fans away. She took time with each and every person in that room.

It was getting late and I still had a 3 hour drive home so it was time to say my goodbyes. I walked over to her manager Miki and thanked her for the opportunity to meet Vicci. She said “No, Thank You for doing what you are doing!” I asked if I was going to be able to meet up with her and Vicci again after her album comes out. She looked and me and said “DUH! You are helping us and we appreciate everything you do.” For the first time in my life I felt like I was right where I belonged. It was the greatest feeling in the world. I then walked up to Vicci and said my goodbyes.

Vicci opens a personal gift from Christina

She gave me a huge hug and promised to stay in touch. After I turned and walked towards the door I heard a voice call my name. “Christina.” Vicci said. I turned around and walked towards her as she told one of her friends to give me the bracelet that she was wearing. I said, “I cant take that!” She told her friend, “I’ll get you another one give that to Christina.” Her friend handed me her glass and took off the bracelet and put in on my wrist. I teared up as I read it. One side said “Enjoy the Ride…while the other side said Vicci. I walked over to Vicci and gave her the biggest hug ever and told her thank you. I said thank you for touching my heart and thank you for meeting me. She smiled and hugged me back twice as hard. I then left the bar and grill out into the rainy streets of NY with the biggest smile on my face. I told my sister “this made my life.” This was the greatest gift I could ever have asked for. I got to meet my hero, the person who changed the way I think and look at the world. Vicci has touched my heart and soul and I dont even think that she knows how many lives she has touched and saved. Vicci is one of the most incredible people I have ever gotten to meet in my life. She may only be 5’1, but this girl’s heart is as big as the world. She has love for all and that’s why we love her. “Live your truth!” That’s one of Vicci’s sayings…it is also what I got engraved on the box that her dog tags were in. Vicci if you ever read this I would like to thank you for being you. Just being you brightens the day of many people I know from coast to coast. We have united as one because of you. We will continue to love and help one another just as you would want us to. Thank you! Just thanks for being the one and only Vicci “freaking” Martinez!

Light & Love to you all!

Christina

See more pictures from Christina’s visit with Vicci Martinez in our photo gallery.

Dara, Nicole, Christina, Christa and Lauren in NY at The Voice Tour

Filed Under: Vicci and Her Army in Words

Vicci Martinez Super Hero? I’m Thinkin YES!

August 1, 2011 by Christina Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Just for Fun

Vicci Martinez: On Her Own Terms

July 27, 2011 by Christina Leave a Comment

Tacoma, Wash., native singer/songwriter Vicci Martinez, 26, may measure less
than 5’4″, but she’s a stick of dynamite exploding all over the country now that
NBC’s The Voice has lit her flame. I’ve interviewed Martinez about four times
now and her expansion from local celebrity to national and even international
status leaves me grinning from ear to ear upon recollection of earlier times.

Martinez walked out on American Idol after they asked her to transform
herself into something she, well, simply wasn’t. Parlay that unfortunate
experience with a successful stint on Star Search and you have a talented act
waiting to erupt.

Partnering with The Voice was a strategic move by Martinez’s management team
to get her flavor, style and talent out to the world in the way only she would
agree to … on her own terms.

I emailed Martinez a few interview questions and the busy gal was able to
respond within a couple of days from Sweden. She was sitting next to The Voice
contestant Beverly McClellan at a BBQ—a true testament to her spunky spirit and
enormous heart.

Thank you, Vicci, for taking the time. Rock on.

Windy City Times: A lot has changed since our last WCT interview! For one,
you were on a very successful singing competition show, The Voice, in which you
chose showstopper Cee-Lo Green to be your mentor over the buxom Christina
Aguilera. What went into making that decision?

Vicci Martinez: [Laughs] Good question. I actually was talked into it by my
managers. … They were contacted by the show and asked to convince me to at
least try out! They knew about the American Idol stuff [where they wanted me to
change my appearance to be allowed to compete in L.A.].

WCT: The Voice played host to quite a few LGBT talents in its premiere
season. There were you, Beverly McClellan, Nakia and Tyler Robinson.

How did it feel to be a part of such a groundbreaking event on television?

VM: Sooooo comfy! We were all just being ourselves and all of us were adamant
on being ourselves. [Laughs] It worked!

WCT: Did you have to fight with the powers-that-be in any capacity to be
yourself—gay and all—on television, or was it an accepting atmosphere?

VM: Nope! It was soooo accepting!

WCT: Your renditions of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Dolly Parton’s
“Jolene” and Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over” were out of this
world. Have you received any feedback from the original artists?

VM: [Laughs] I found out Florence loved the rendition, but that’s it. Maybe
they are too busy to watch a talent show…

WCT: Now that you’re through with L.A. [at least for the competition], where
are you headed next?

VM: The world! I’ve been to Sweden, New York City and Los Angeles, and I
don’t know where next. I’m living out of suitcases at the moment.

WCT: There is a tour coming up that includes other talented singers from the
show. How are you gearing up for the road?

VM: Making sure we make it a PARTY! I’m so excited to see everyone!

WCT: You’ve toured in the past, but this time will be a little bit different
(one would imagine) because of the popularity surrounding The Voice. Is there
anything extra-exciting in store this time around?

VM: It’s a BIG show, BIG production. … The sparkly pants will be out!

WCT: Going forward, are there any first-season contestants from The Voice
you’ll keep in touch with post-show and tour?

VM: [Laughs] EVERYONE! We love the f*** out of each other. At this moment,
I’m at a BBQ with Emily Valentine and Beverly Mclellan. I love it.

WCT: Anything behind-the-scenes you can share with us about being on the
show?

VM: Of course. … One time I had to have my underwear cut into a thong while
they were on me … ssshhh … I was wearing white pants and I brought black
granny panties and the stylist Erin Hirsh was like…WTF??!! So she cut them into
a thong!

The Voice tour stops by the Rosemont Theatre Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 8 p.m. Visit
http://
www.LiveNation.com .

http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=33027

Filed Under: Just for Fun

The Latest Q & A With Vicci Martinez

July 22, 2011 by Christina Leave a Comment

SW: Why did you decide to go on The Voice, after turning down American Idol a few years ago?

Martinez: The whole concept of the show was totally different. They kind of actually reached out to my management and asked me to audition, and if I didn’t like it, I didn’t have to do anything, whatever. So I got there, and the staff and the crew were just amazing. They didn’t want to change a thing about me, which was opposite with American Idol.

SW: Like they didn’t want to give you a makeover?

Exactly! As the show went on, I definitely evolved. I was asking for the faux hawk and the sparkly eyes. But it took a little bit of time for me to get comfortable.

SW: At your original audition, did you have a judge in mind who you hoped would pick you?

I definitely wanted to work with Cee Lo. It was cool that Christina Aguilera turned around, but I definitely had my first choice, and that was Cee Lo. Just because he’s one of those guys who just does it his own way and kind of goes left-field all the time, and I feel like since the beginning I’ve done the same thing. Even though we’re quite different, we definitely bonded on that note.

SW: What was your favorite moment with Cee Lo?

I think it was when we did the Pat Benatar “Love Is a Battlefield.” It was wild, and we both were so excited about it. It was really nice to see him as excited for a performance, because during the show he’s kind of taking a seat, watching me, giving me advice, but then with this performance he was asking me advice, as far as what should we do with the dancers, do you think I look OK? I was like, “OK, Cee Lo, you don’t have to ask me, but I appreciate it.”

SW: There was a moment on the show when you thanked Adam Levine for the jeans. What was that about?

Yeah, he bought me a pair of jeans. In passing one day I was like, “Dude, Adam, those jeans look so good on you.” And he’s like, “Oh, it’s not me, it’s the jeans.” And then a few days later he had them send me to his trailer, and he gave me a pair of the same jeans.

SW: Did you interact much with Christina Aguilera?

No. I don’t think anybody did! The only interaction you had with Christina Aguilera was when she was commenting on your performance. At the end of the show, she came up onstage and gave hugs and kisses, but that was about it. But everyone else, we definitely interacted. Blake [Shelton] is amazing. Blake took us out to dinner, bought us drinks. He’s that kind of guy that just wants to have a good time with whoever he can and just makes you feel comfortable.

SW: How has your life changed since you’ve been on the show?

Well, I was on a plane today, traveling from Seattle at 7 a.m., and there were passengers on the plane asking if they could have a picture with me while we were in flight. It started because the flight attendant asked if I would come behind the curtain and take a picture with him—he was like, “I don’t want people to bombard you or anything.” But then people started seeing that and asking. I was like, “Oh my God, I just woke up.”

SW: Is your new album going to be the same kind of blues-rock you’ve been doing for years?

Yeah, [but] I think on the show I opened a new door, another side of me that I just feel like I haven’t been able to do. I’ve always played my own instruments, and I feel like in a way I’ve hid behind my instruments. I came on the show, and I was like, “They’re not going to change me.” And they didn’t try to do anything, but without my guitar there, I felt like I got way more into the music and the songs and the performance.

SW: Are you going to move to L.A. or stay in Tacoma?

I don’t know. I think I’m just living out of my bags now!

http://www.seattleweekly.com/2011-07-20/music/vicci-martinez-green-revolution/

Filed Under: Just for Fun

“The Voice” That Won Our Heart’s

July 22, 2011 by Christina 1 Comment

VICCI MARTINEZ IS
BACKSTAGE awaiting an elimination round on
NBC’s The Voice, and she’s not afraid to tell the world, “I kind of
feel like I have to poop.” “I want the people to know what it really feels like
to be on The Voice,” she says with a let’s-mess-with-the-network grin.
Pacing in skintight gold lamé pants and elfin boots, she seems to be channeling
Joan Jett and Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream—ready to rock and
make a little mischief. In a few minutes, the 26-year-old from Tacoma will run
onto a glowing boxing ring, jabbing the air like Rocky, to battle a 19-year-old
for dominance in a duet of a Pink song. Martinez will cock her head back, close
her eyes, and let a soulful solo rip as she bounces around stage in what
celebrity judge Cee Lo Green will later call her “war dance.”

And she’ll win. It was the performance of the night.

America, meet our bluesy singer-songwriter, the self-taught guitarist who
picked up the Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and “In My Life” by ear at age 12, and was in
a band by high school. She was a working musician by age 16, the same year she
came out to her parents. (“Being in a religious family, it wasn’t accepted.”)
And though she mended those relationships, she continues to forge her own
path—on national TV and off.

“I’d tried out for American Idol the first year. I was able to go on
but I didn’t because they were already telling me how to dress—to make myself
look more rock star and Hollywood—and I was like, screw this, that’s not why I
play music. And then this show was totally opposite.” If and when she
feels like wearing gold lame pants, she can. Martinez also benefits from one on
ones with Cee Lo, her coach in all things soul, rock, and funk, who draws from
his experience as a solo artist and half of the Grammy-winning alt hip-hop band
Gnarls Barkley. Tutor and tutee are close enough that she’ll even reveal what’s
behind Cee Lo’s ever-present sunglasses. “He has these tiny, beady eyes.”

As for her own reality TV persona, Martinez says, “I was really surprised
that they’re not making people look bad. Everyone’s character and personality
was spot on.” Who wouldn’t mind being pegged as the fiery soul singer from the
Pacific Northwest? It makes our corner of the world sound so much less…soggy.
She’s proud to call Tacoma home, having just bought her first house there with
her partner—an open, airy place that has a furnished apartment for her partner’s
mom downstairs. A month after she won her first Voice battle, Martinez
is back in Seattle, fielding press calls from a park in Queen Anne where she’s
interrupted by a passerby who recognizes her (not from the show, but from middle
school). She’s on a break from taping episodes in Los Angeles, and by the time
this issue of Seattle Met runs, she may be $100,000 richer with a
Universal Republic recording contract. Or not. Either way, we’ll be
listening.

http://www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-entertainment/articles/the-voice-vicci-martinez-july-2011/

Filed Under: Just for Fun

Lastest News on Our Little Warrior Vicci Martinez

July 16, 2011 by Christina Leave a Comment

Well a lot has happened in a little over a week so let’s start with the big news first, Universal Republic is signing Vicci and we are trying to get her new CD out this fall!!! So we all took a minute and celebrated and then went..wow, have we got a lot of work to do..namely Vicci. If you have noticed it has been a little quieter than usual on FB and Twitter it has been because she has been busy writing and working with some amazing songwriters around the world to make the most amazing new CD for you.

…But of course she is taking a break to do what she loves most and play some dates as well as hitting the road with the other Top 8 Finalists from The Voice. After these shows, she will go into the studio and record so it will be a bit until you get to see Vicci live so if you have the chance to make it out to one of these shows, do so.

Thurs, 7/21 @ 7pm Suquamish Clearwater Casino in Suquamish, WA (FREE SHOW!!)

Sat, 7/23 @ 8pm (Sold Out)/11pm (Sold Out) The Triple Door in Seattle, WA

The Voice Tour

Wed, 7/27@ 8:15pm The Voice Tour-Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA

Sat, 7/30 @ 8pm The Voice Tour-MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV

Tues, 8/2 @ 8pm The Voice Tour-Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, IL

Thurs, 8/4 @ 8pm The Voice Tour-Bank Of America Pavillion in Boston, MA

Fri, 8/5 @ 8pm The Voice Tour-Toyota Presents the Oakdales Theatre in Wallingford, CT

Sat, 8/6 @ 8pm The Voice Tour-Beacon Theatre in New York, NY

Wed, 8/10 @ 6:30pm University Village in Seattle, WA (FREE SHOW!!)

Fri, 8/12 @ 7:30pm Anderson River Amphitheatre in Anderson, CA

Sun, 8/14 @ 5:45pm Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth, MN

Wed, 8/17 @ 12:00pm Two Union Square in Seattle, WA (FREE SHOW!!)

Sat, 8/20 @ 5:00pm Art & Soul Festival in Oakland, CA

(For more details click on the links below)

Thanks for the emails, posts etc., and hope to see you out at an upcoming show!!

Team Vicci

http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fr5/artist_577736?eid=A577736_9238929_37101938&fsc=66cfe2cbca2

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Recording Contract, Studio, Tour, Universal Republic, Warrior

“The Voice” That Charmed the Nation

July 15, 2011 by Christina Leave a Comment

Vicci Martinez takes the road less traveled – and it is working out beautifully for her

Fresh from her acclaimed performances on NBC’s breakout hit show “The Voice,” Vicci Martinez is glad to be back in her hometown of Tacoma. Just this past weekend she made her second public performance a week after getting back from L.A. – at Art on the Ave, where she delighted the crowd with a free concert on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. (Her first performance was at Freedom Fair right after the day she got back. She was asked to give an impromptu performance, and she graciously accepted.)

The busy singer will not be in Tacoma very long, though. On July 8 she announced more than a dozen summer concert dates that will take her from coast to coast as part of “The Voice Tour – Final 8 Contestants” show. But before she leaves, she is giving local fans a chance to catch her at a free, all-ages outdoor show July 21, 7 p.m. at Clearwater Casino in Suquamish. Get there early – her two shows on July 23 at the Triple Door in Seattle have already sold out. She comes back to Seattle in August for a free show Aug. 10 at University Village, 6:30 p.m., and a free lunchtime show Aug. 17 at Union Square, noon.

Then it is into the recording studio for Martinez to work on her new CD so that it is ready for release this fall. She meets with recording industry executives this week in L.A. to continue mapping out where her career might very well go after so much success on “The Voice.”

“We’re already tied in with Universal Republic (Records) from the show, so that opportunity is now open on the label side of things,” she told Tacoma Weekly.

These are exciting times for this T-Town homegirl, as she begins a new chapter in her life – one that will require her to stick firmly to her guns to be herself in an industry that is more commercially-driven than ever. And it is her solid sense of self that is Martinez’s most powerful quality, made apparent during her long journey through a once in a lifetime experience called “The Voice.”

‘I’M JUST SO HAPPY’

Just like she did from the small stage on 6^th Avenue at Art on the Ave on Sunday, Martinez charmed people on a national scale once she walked onstage on “The Voice.” Her genuineness, humility and warmth came across immediately, and once she started singing, her spell was cast upon viewers everywhere. They voted Martinez all the way to the final four, and even though she did not take the top prize, it does not really matter in the end, for what is to be gained from “The Voice” is worth more than winning that one contest. Martinez made this clear to her co-competitors and the entire audience during “The Voice” final results show, amid the intense anticipation of who would be named the winner.

“During the commercial break, I yelled out to the audience that we all love each other and that we’re all winners,” she said. “I was so stoked that I was able to stay to the end. We were all ready for whatever happened.”

Now that the competition is over, she has had time to reflect on that whirlwind experience. When all is said and done, Martinez said, “I am just so happy.”

For years Martinez says she has mulled over the question of how she was going to make the leap to the next level in her music career. “Even just recently I was like, ‘how am I going to do that? What is going to be that kicker that gets me there?’ This show was exactly what I needed. It was a wonderful surprise.

“I’ve always felt that if people got to know my intentions with my music and who I am as a person, that would be the kicker for getting people to want to listen to me, not just because I have some hit song on the radio. I wanted people to see deeply that I’m not just about the fame and fortune. I want to do this to inspire other people out there.”

It appears that Martinez got her wish on “The Voice.” The viewing public embraced her from the minute she walked onstage during the premiere episode and she held their attention through to the finale.

“With reality shows, you can get cautious of how they (the producers) are going to make good TV, but we were ourselves and went from there.

“I went up to (Executive Producer) Mark Brunett afterward and I said thank you for letting me be me and not forcing me to do anything I didn’t want to.”

‘I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF’

Martinez said that one of things she is most grateful for in her experience on “The Voice,” and in her life in general, is in how she has been free to just be herself. She mentioned her various looks on “The Voice” – that she knew she was taking a risk by amping up her hair and clothes instead of dressing down like she was performing at a local bar. “I was evolving so much as a performer. I asked for that make-up and that fauxhawk and for that warrior vibe. I was into it. I wanted to be Xena on the battlefield.

“I learned a lot about myself. I’ve opened a new door and a new part inside of me that loves that.”

More of her lifelong dreams were realized during the show. “I always had that dream as a little kid that I wanted to perform with the greats…being onstage with them.” At only 26 years old, Martinez has already worked with Sting, Annie Lennox, B.B. King, The Doobie Brothers, Etta James, Jonny Lang, The Presidents Of The United States Of America, Avril Lavigne, Bill Frisell, Jerry Cantrell and many more. On “The Voice” she gave a killer performance when she sang “Drops of Jupiter” with Train lead singer Pat Monahan. Cee Lo Green told her they would “forever be bonded” by their experience on the show, and even the legendary Stevie Nicks told Martinez she is destined for greatness. Martinez said she has been thinking about Nicks’ words to her ever since she got back to Tacoma.

“She told me, ‘Don’t waste five seconds. Don’t go home and get lazy.’ She said, ‘You’re a warrior – I know it’s going to be busy right now, but you can do it.’

To her Tacoma friends and fans, Martinez says she cannot do it without them. “Thank you for the support, for believing in me and for letting me be myself up there.

“The opportunities are huge now.”

http://www.tacomaweekly.com/citylife/musicreview/the_voice_that_charmed_a_nation/

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Studio, Tacoma, Tour, Universal Republic

Vicci Martinez Talks About Best Moments on “The Voice”

July 13, 2011 by Christina Leave a Comment

Reverb was rooting for local singer-songwriter Vicci Martinez throughout the first season of The Voice; now that it’s over, Martinez is spending some time in LA prepping a new album, but she did take the time to speak with me about the show and how her life’s changed since then. You’ll have to wait til next week’s issue of SW to read the full interview, but here are some tidbits:

SW: What was your favorite moment with Cee Lo?
Martinez: I think it was when we did the Pat Benatar, “Love Is a Battlefield.” It was wild, and we both were so excited about it. It was really nice to see him as excited for a performance, because during the show he’s kind of taking a seat, watching me, giving me advice, but then with this performance he was asking me advice, as far as what should we do with the dancers, do you think I look OK? I was like, “OK, Cee Lo, you don’t have to ask me, but I appreciate it.”

SW: Did he pick out his own outfit? That red thing?
Yeah, he did. He contacted the stylist, who’s worked with him for Gnarls Barkley, and he told her what he had, and he told her to call me and convince me, because he thought that it would be hard for him to convince me. And so she called me and was just like, “how do you feel about wearing a corset? How do you feel like wearing feathers?” And she told me what Cee Lo was wearing. I was like, “Absolutely. If he’s doing it, I’m doing it.”

SW: What’s the best professional advice he gave you?
He talked to me about understanding that it might be weird for us to be doing cover songs on the show. He’s like, “I’m a songwriter too, I get it.” But he also sings other people’s songs and co-writes, and he was like, “don’t ever forget to be a fan of music. Don’t think that you always have to sing your own stuff. You can like other things, and perform them, and put your heart into them.” He told me to pay homage to, you know, like Pat Benatar. He was explaining to me, “this is a woman who paved the way for music that you’re doing now.” So for him to say that was really great to hear.

SW: Other than the Benatar, what was your favorite song you performed on the show?
“Jolene,” definitely. I already have been performing that in my set back at home. Actually, a band from Seattle, Goldfinch, Aaron Stevens [from that band] asked me to come do an a cappella thing with him, just him and I, and he was singing “Jolene.” I knew the song but I’d never really learned it and knew the whole story and everything, and that’s what got me to start singing that song.

SW: Can you give me details about what The Voice tour is going to be like?
I know we’ve talked about all of us being a part of each others’ performances, not just one by one going out there and performing a song. We’ve talked about playing instruments with other people and kind of making it a group thing as opposed to just a performance with just one person.

SW: What are you doing in LA right now?
I’m going to meet with booking agents, I’m doing songwriting while I’m here for a few days. And then I’m going to Sweden on Friday for writing and production. There’s a group of people I’m working with in Sweden, Peter Svensson, Shellback. We’re putting a new album together with Universal.

Vicci Martinez is playing two shows at the Triple Door on Saturday, July 23–8 p.m., which is all-ages, and 11 p.m., which is 21+. Tickets are $18 in advance and $21 at the door.

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2011/07/vicci_martinez_talks_her_best.php

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Jolene, Los Angeles, The Voice

Vicci Martinez Playing Live at “Art on the Ave” in Tacoma, WA

July 11, 2011 by Christina 2 Comments

Vicci Martinez playing on the main stage in front of Jazzbones today for the locals! Jazzbones is located in Vicci’s hometown of Tacoma, WA. She performed an acoustic solo act, she then took some time to meet some lucky fans. Here is some video and fan pictures from the event.

Video Courtesy of Twitter Army Member Proud LOVATIC

Photo’s courtesy of Twitter Army Member Kelli E. @Kelli1217

Filed Under: Appearances Tagged With: Art on the Ave, Tacoma, video

Vicci Martinez to Play at “Art on the Ave.” In Tacoma, WA

July 9, 2011 by Christina Leave a Comment

Who needs “The Voice” when you can catch Tacoma native Vicci Martinez live on Sunday?

The singer-songwriter, who recently shot to national fame on the NBC talent show, will perform a solo acoustic set at Art on the Ave. She will play about 2:30 p.m. on the main stage in front of Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave.

Art on the Ave will run from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday between Cedar and Trafton streets. It’s a free event. Among the songs Martinez will perform will be several from “The Voice.”

She also announced Friday that she’ll soon record a CD to be released in the fall.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/07/09/1738474/tacoma-vicci-martinez-to-sing.html

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Art on the Avenue, Tacoma