Martin Kerr Talks About Touring In Europe, His Rising Fame, And Single ‘Don’t Listen To Me’

Bringing pop and folk to the table!

It makes perfect sense that music artist Martin Kerr has over 1 Million streams on Spotify. This singer-songwriter is incredibly talented! He recently released a new single titled ‘Don’t Listen To Me’. But, ironically, we can’t stop listening to it!

We had the amazing honor of talking with Martin about Billy Raffoul, his fans, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

M: “Singing was always first and greatest love. I didn’t know I could really have a career in it – at least everyone told me I’d better have a plan B, or a real job. So, I pursued a lot of other interests, alongside music.

By the time I was 22 I realized there was nothing else I wanted to do with my life, and I dropped out of university, leaving behind my scholarship, moved to Canada to marry my long-distance sweetheart, and became a street performer.”

Tell us about your amazing new single “Don’t Listen To Me.”

M: “The chorus for title track “Don’t Listen To Me” was written in the car on the way to the studio, while I was panicking about having nothing worthwhile to say. And even if I did, why should anyone listen to me? I realized that nobody could tell me what I care about, and what I want to do with my life – nor can I tell anyone else. All we can do is love and encourage each other and share our best advice on how to get through the journey.  As a parent, a husband and a friend, whether I’m with them physically or not, I want my loved ones to know that ‘everything you need to know is inside your heart, and I’ll be walking right beside you as you figure it out.

If you had to choose, what has been your favorite song you have released so far, and why?

M: “I am really proud of “Don’t Listen To Me,” and I hope many more people hear it around the world. But I also really love You’re Amazing, because it’s made so many people happy.”

You went on your with Biffy Raffoul, who we recently interviewed! How was it to tour in Europe?

M: “We are playing the last show of our tour tonight in Munich. It’s been an incredible experience.
Billy is such a pleasure to be around. Not only an incredible songwriter and performer, but a
great friend and real gentleman.

On this tour he’s been driving 6hrs a day, playing an incredible 2-hour show, with a 5-song
encore, and then standing at the merch table for 90 mins after the show to greet at talk with
every single fan who wants to meet him. He’s got an encyclopedic knowledge of music and our
conversations on the road have been so fun and enlightening. If you haven’t listened to him yet,
you gotta.

It’s also been a delight to explore some of the world’s most beautiful cities and meet such
appreciative audiences in Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich. As an opening act
you never know how you’ll be received, so to have standing ovations at every show has been
wonderful.”

Saying that you perform a lot would definitely be an understatement. What do you love the most about performing live?

M: “Seeing an audience experience all the emotions with me is the best part. Laughing, crying, singing, cheering, connecting with people they’ve never met before, through the pure beauty and magic of a song.  My years as a street performer taught me a lot about how to connect heart to heart with new people, of all ages and backgrounds, by telling good stories and little jokes, making it easy for the audience to participate and creating memorable moments. I’ve been singing and acting on small stages ever since I was a tiny kid, but performed my first original song when I was 14 at the school talent show. It was about I girl I’d fallen for over the summer break. She lived far away and I didn’t know when I’d see her again. The song was called
60 Miles Too Far Northeast. It was the only original song in the whole contest, and I was so nervous singing it for the whole school, but I pulled it off. I finished 3rd, behind a girl who played ‘My Heart Will Go On’ on the recorder, and a group of teachers who dressed up and danced as the Spice Girls. I’ve almost gotten over it.”

You have over 2 Million streams on Spotify! What has been your reaction to your rising fame?

M: “Haha, I don’t feel very famous, but it’s pretty amazing to know I’m reaching millions of ears and hearts around the planet. Singing for people live has always been my favorite thing, and when strangers can discover my songs online and connect with them, then come to a live show and feel that energy and connection in person, it’s pretty magical. I’m just so glad I get to do this for a living.”

Is there anything you want to say to your fans?

M: “Thank you! Your energy and love is what keeps me going day after day. Seeing you in person singing along with me, and receiving your messages and comments online is a massive encouragement and joy for me, carrying me through all doubts and difficulties. You’re amazing.”

Where can we follow your journey?

M: “Spotify, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook are where I post new songs and content frequently. I also have a website, martinkerrmusic.com where you can join my newsletter, find live shows and merch. Hope to see you soon.”

Stream ‘Don’t Listen To Me’, available on all music platforms!

Photo Credit: Shaun Scade

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.