Dorothy Martin in her own words
Interview conducted on May 17, 2019
by Daniel Lock
Dorothy is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2014. The band consists of vocalist Dorothy Martin, drummer Jason Ganberg, guitarists Nick Perri and Eli Wulfmeier, and bassist Eliot Lorango. They released their first project, a self-titled EP, in 2014. Rolling Stone deemed them “a you need to know,” and named them #14 on their 50 Best New Artists of 2014 list.
Daniel Locke: You were born in Budapest, Hungary. How long were you there?
Dorothy: I moved to the US when I was about three years old.
Have you ever check out any bands from Hungary?
I haven’t.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
The first rock music I remember hearing was Great Gig In The Sky by Pink Floyd. I had my parents’ CD’s and records so I was listening to CCR, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, lots of Motown, plenty of Folk. Then I discovered Dolly Parton and country music on my own. I listened to anything I could get my hands on.
In 2011 you attendant the Musician Institute in Hollywood. Why did you decide to go there?
I wanted to learn, I enrolled in a vocal performance summer program.
While you were attending the school you released your self- title EP through iTunes. Since you have become a bigger star since then has the volume of sales picked up?
I released an EP under my rock band years later, then following that my first record ROCKISDEAD. This happened a while after I had left school. I’ve been grateful for the success I had in licensing and touring.
What do you think of digital media?
It’s great in the sense that it can reach a much wider audience. Streaming certainly doesn’t pay the artist what the artist deserves and we need to change that.
In 2014 you were named #14 out of 50 best new artists of 2014. How did that make you feel?
By Rolling Stone? That was great, I appreciate the recognition from RS.
What did Jay Z think of your cover of his song No Church in the Wild?
You’d have to ask him!
Tell me about SXSW?
There’s lots of great food vendors and you can go see a different band every night. It’s a fun experience.
How did you get hooked up with Roc Nation?
Jay Brown wanted After Midnight for Rihanna (obviously it would’ve been produced differently) then he saw the music video for it and decided to offer me a deal.
What is Nashville hot chicken?
I hear its really spicy and I don’t really eat chicken so you’d have to ask my band, they love it.
Is writing music for a video game different than writing music for a CD?
We don’t write for video games per se, we write songs and they go where they go. If a game picks it up they do it because they like the song.
How was your day at Epicenter?
Beautiful, the weather was great. DWP and everyone that puts on these festivals work hard to make sure the fans have a great time.
What are you reading now?
Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander.
How was it to work with Dolly Parton on the film for Netflix “Dumplin”?
Dolly Parton is someone I look up to very much. I was nervous, excited, and humbled. I found out Macy Gray was on the song after I recorded my part which blew me away. I can’t believe I was included with these two amazing women.
Out of all the songs you have recorded, which one are you most proud of?
That changes. I tend to like songs I just finished writing because they’re fresh and new.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’d like to win Grammys and sell out stadiums and all that, but most of all I hope to write music that inspires people and gives them hope. I also make a point to be of service to those seeking help in recovery every day. I also want to produce a documentary about music and recovery and release it through a big outlet, like Netflix.
Anything you like to say in closing?
My band and I will be on tour this summer with Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, and Diamante. You can get tickets at www.dorothytheband.com and we love our fans VERY much.
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