Martina Dawn – Photo Credit: Dictionary Photography
Artist Name: Martina Dawn
Hometown: Devon, Alberta, Canada
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I just released my 8th single to DSPs called “I’ll Be the Cowboy” that I wrote with my longtime friend Hannah Gazso, and recorded with Russell Broom. I have another song that I have in the bank to follow this one up with and I’m currently writing for an EP, as well.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Music has been part of my family for four generations and when I was 5, I took voice lessons from my mom, who is also an artist.
The inspiring moment for me was in Nashville, which I visited for the first time when I was 11. That experience changed my life because I ended up on stage at Tootsies singing Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” and knew that this was what I always wanted to do. From there, I started playing guitar and gigging and I’ve never looked back.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I am probably about to sound a little crazy, but I think I’d be a politician. I am very passionate about social issues and always took a liking to social studies and history. Public speaking has always come naturally and I think that combined with my passion for people, I could be really effective in a political career.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Scrolling on TikTok aimlessly until I fall asleep. I’m 22, so I’m definitely guilty of being on my phone too much.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Tom Selleck.
I love a burly man with a mustache, and ‘80s heartthrobs tend to be the hottest men in my opinion. I also love his cameos in Friends and Murder, She Wrote.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
The Edmonton Oilers!
I am from a small town about 15 minutes outside of Edmonton, so it would kind of be a cardinal sin not to be a fan.
The Oilers are really the backbone of the Greater Edmonton Area’s spirit. Playoff runs over the last six years have been a time when Edmonton truly comes alive, and everyone comes together. Obviously, players like McDavid and Draisaitl add to the wow factor for fans, but the community is what makes them so special to me.
What is the last movie that you watched?
Steel Magnolias.
I saw a clip of it on TikTok and saw that two of my icons, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, were in it. So, I watched it and bawled my eyes out like a baby, not just because of the tragic ending, but because of how the women support each other.
Having strong women around you is something that I think is really important and that movie really was a great example of that.
What is the last album you listened to?
Middle of Nowhere by Kacey Musgraves.
I am on a big Kacey kick right now because of this album drop. I believe she is one of the truest Outlaw Country artists of her generation. She has always openly stood up for marginalized communities, even if that means taking a hit from the industry when it comes to her own music. She is very outspoken with her opinions and really authentic. I think that is why I have always gravitated towards her music. I also just love the tone in her voice, her simple but powerful writing, everything she does is so great and easy to listen to.
I absolutely love this album, and all of the thought that went into it, with all of the mariachi and Texas country influences.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
At this moment, I would say Man’s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter.
I have been addicted to this album since it came out. Sabrina Carpenter has one of my favourite voices ever, and Jack Antonoff is one of my favourite producers. The album takes so much inspiration from ‘80s pop and disco music, which I love, mixed with her cheeky, fun writing, everything just scratches my brain the right way. I love the more emotional tracks like “Sugar Talking” and “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” as well as the high-energy tracks like “Tears” and “House Tour.”
It is one of those albums that I can listen to no matter what mood I am in, and it is so fun to sing along to. I love a no-skip album, and this one is the perfect example of that for me.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
“Annie’s Song” by John Denver.
This song has been sung in my family for decades. Weddings, reunions, shows, we have even sung it to family members before they passed away, and then at their funerals.
I think it is just the simplest, most beautifully written love song, and the production makes it so powerful. I tear up almost every time I hear or sing it.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Banff.
Visiting Banff is something that isn’t super rare since I live in Alberta, but getting to travel there and play shows was a whole new level of fun.
What is your favorite meal?
My dad’s potato salad.
My dad is a fireman, so he is a fantastic cook, and most meals are better when he makes them!
Who is your dream duet partner?
Vince Gill is one of my favourite country vocalists of all time.
His range and his tone are insanely amazing, and his harmonies are unbeatable. I got to see him at the Grand Ole Opry when I was eleven years old, and he did a really cool bluegrass set. I will never forget it. I have sang all of his hits for years, including “One More Last Chance,” “Whenever You Come Around,” “Look at Us,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” etc.
He is one of my mom’s favourites as well, so everything about him and his music makes him a dream duet partner for me.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Emily Ann Roberts.
She is one of my favourite artists on the scene right now. She seems like such a sweet human being, and I absolutely love her music. She really inspires me lyrically, vocally, and when it comes to social media.
Getting to go on tour with her and learn from her is something I would dream of as someone who really looks up to her.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
To play the Grand Ole Opry.
I stood in that circle when I was eleven years old, on a tour of the building, and I have been set on playing that stage ever since. The history and music that that stage has witnessed is so legendary that it speaks for itself.
I will work as hard as I can to make eleven-year-old me’s dream come true and sing in that circle one day.
SOCIAL LINKS:
TikTok: @MartinaDawnMusic
Instagram: @MartinaDawnMusic
Facebook: @MartinaDawnMusic
YouTube: @Martinadawn
Spotify: sptfy.bio/martinadawn
