Jen - lead vocals, djembe, add'l percussion
Rob - guitar, bg vocals
Jake - guitar, keys
Paul - bass, fantasy instruments
David - drums, add'l percussion
Influences
Blue Rodeo
Chris Rosser
David Gray
Eagles
Fleetwood Mac
Foo Fighters
Glen Phillips
James Blunt
Jeff Buckley
Johnny Cash
John Mayer
John Mellencamp
Police
Sheryl Crow
The Killers
The Weepies
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
U2
Sounds Like
Aimee Mann
Cardigans
Cowboy Junkies
Natalie Merchant
Rilo Kiley
Sheryl Crow
This Christmas
Red Door
If asked about the recent developments with Martha's Trouble, the responses are "things have come full circle," or "this was meant to be." For Jen and Rob Slocumb, things have never looked better for the long time duo. With 7 albums under their belts, the husband-wife act has not faltered in their dedication to make a name for themselves in over a decade. They aren't lacking in recognition, either, with numerous awards from national radio stations, magazines, and spots on TV movies.
Their credits include:
**Original song "Waverly" featured on Continental Airlines in-flight radio this winter 2007
**Jen awarded FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE WEEK by reviewer's pick in the Americana Genre, Garage Band Records.com
**Song "Waverly" awarded TRACK OF THE DAY by reviewer's pick in the Americana Genre, Garage Band Records.com
**Song Brighter From Here placed in made for TV movie "Playing House" airing on the Lifetime Network May 15, 2006
**Animal Planet's "Horse Power" placed MT music in 5 episodes of 2007 season
**Accepted for Border's Books & Music GLS New Emerging Artist Program in which BBM featured MT's new Album, Forget October, in all their stores across the US. March & April 2006
**Adopted by MVYRadio.com (15th largest internet radio in the world) for their new adopt-a-band program
**WINNER Best Americana Album of the Year, Just Plain Folk Awards (Sleeping Dogs 2004)
**New album Forget October goes to 3 on the Nude music reviews chart on XM Cafe CH45, XM Satellite Radio
**Song Brighter From Here featured in CTV (Canada) & Lifetime Channel made for TV movie "Playing House"
**Song Some Peace Tonight featured in CBS made for TV movie "It Must Be Love"
**Sleeping Dogs album selected Top 12 DIY in Performing Songwriter magazine, 2002
**Christmas Lights album wins partridge award, best holiday releases, Grand Rapids Press
**Falcon Ridge Folk Festival New Emerging Artist Showcase, 2002
The list is incomplete, and Martha’s Trouble has done fine with little change. Jen’s beautiful and enchanting voice pairs well with Rob’s provoking acoustic accompaniment. However, the duo has expanded their lineup in short time with welcomed additions to MT.
With the extra members now present, the 5-piece band has a promising future ahead of them. Both the guitarist and drummer were right under their noses in Auburn, while the bassist resided in Chicago. Prior to his return, the others were closely working with Rob and Jen to improve on Martha's Trouble. Guitarist Jacob Blount and drummer David Ytterberg were brought in to make MT the band that the couple had always dreamed of creating. "This has been over 10 years in the making," Jen says with an air of satisfaction. "We have patiently waited for this day to come."
One of the first things people notice off the bat with MT is how tight and focused the sound is. They have a chemistry that usually takes bands years to hone and perfect. When asked about this, David laughs and remarks "we tell people we've only been a band for a few weeks. Of course, that's not entirely true. Jen and Rob have been together for 12 years while Jake, Paul, and I have played for six years and counting.”
Jacob was the first to be added, and has in short time complimented Rob with great finesse and a style all his own. Based out of Atlanta and Birmingham, he has worked with talented musicians such as Nathan Angelo and Tim Wildsmith, and brushed shoulders with successful producers including Grammy-winning producer Jason Burkum. The combination of Rob's intricate guitar work and Jacob's bluesy, droning riffs is something that truly needs to be heard to be appreciated. The new guitarist also adds new elements to the band as a self-taught keyboard player with innovative pop and jazz melodies.
David was the next to be added, and it couldn't have been a better fit. Hailing from Houston, TX, his varying playing styles and dynamics are just what Jen and Rob have been looking for to be the foundation of their music. Paul speaks of him as "just a down to earth guy. He's a consistent and solid drummer, which isn't that easy to find." Taking style cues from drummers such as Taylor Hawkins, Chad Smith, and even Stanton Moore, David uses an approach that carries the songs forward and keeps them interesting from start to finish.
A year ago, bass player Paul Dow never would have guessed that he would now be filling a slot for the band he enjoyed going to watch play in his hometown of Auburn, AL. "I loved the chemistry Rob and Jen had on stage, their interaction with the audience was inspiring." About six months after meeting them and enjoying their friendship, Paul moved to Chicago, IL to pursue other music ventures after thinking he had outgrown Auburn.
In the months preceding his move, Paul had wanted to play with Rob and Jen, but wasn't sure how. "Really, I just didn't know how to approach them about it." Ironically at the time, they wanted him to join them, too, but fate took the bassist to a city filled with wonderful opportunities. However, five months in, things began to fall apart, including his health. And when Rob called him about an opportunity to fill out Martha's Trouble, he took that as a sign. "Something had to give," he says. "It was time to pick up and go."
Rob describes their take on music as "if old friends gathered to talk about life. We keep our feet on the ground in writing and performing the music we make." They have used this approach here and abroad in Canada and Europe with much positive criticism. Martha’s Trouble knows what works and what doesn’t, and will use this understanding of their craft to continue building their fan base worldwide. Rob and Jen have been in this business for a long time, and are relentless in sharing what they are passionate about.
As one year closes and a new one begins, so does the band Martha’s Trouble. The group is currently working on their first collaborative album that will be out this spring, and will be performing it in an extensive tour schedule. MT has also captured the attention of Hemifrån, a rising A&R company based in Sweden. They will be promoting their album “Forget October” until the band’s debut in the summer. From the Southeast to a string of dates in Europe, MT will have their hands full bringing their unique charm to people everywhere. Expect big things from a band with a renewed energy and drive to give others a chance to fall in love with what they’ve had in their hearts all along.
Whats up? Just passing by to see if everythings good with you. When you got some time Stop By my page and check out my beats and drop a comment if you like.
Hello Rob & Jen, Stacey & I got married April 26th. We are expecting our first child in mid January. Keep up the great work and come out here to Denver!
we are looking forward to seeing you perform at radio live in p'cola. i arranged with babysitters months ago so my husband and i could have "date night" for your performance. see you soon...
Hey guys! I always loved going to 8th & Rail to hear you guys play-those were some of my favorite memories of Auburn. And sadly, I've graduated and moved back home to FL. But I occasionally go to some of those cities on your tour schedule, so I hope to hear you live again! I just got the Christmas album and the new cd and both are fantastic! -Adam
I saw you guys at the Gwinnett Relay for Life in Georgia, and y'all rocked! :D If you're ever in Georiga, let me know, I definitely wanna see you guys again!
Once in a great while a moment passes by that shouldn’t be forgotten, a moment that makes believers out of the most stubborn of foes. I wish this moment to be that one magical, special instant in time when you know beyond all doubt that you have all you need to succeed!
Join us at the Davis Arboretum on the main campus of Auburn University to celebrate Earth Day 2008! You can enjoy 11 native Alabama bands among 13 acres of native Alabama plants. This is a free event for all members of the Earth community.
Earthfest’s biggest fans call it
”The best event that happens in Auburn!”
There will be student groups and organizations with environmental interests sharing their information with the public between noon and 5pm between the long leaf pines.
The Davis Arboretum has spearheaded this event for the last 5yrs. The Environmental Awareness Organization is the student group that has supported the event for over 15 yrs. This year’s sponsors are Taylor’s Bakery and the Big Blue Bagel.
The EAO will be selling food and drinks to raise funds for future events. Picnic food and drinks are welcome, but the campus alcohol policy will be enforced.
Parking will be available at the Auburn Church of Christ on College Street. Carpooling, bicycling, and walking are strongly encouraged.
Schedule subject to change.
Funktion 10:15 -11:15 Mandi Rae 11:30 – 12:45 Pot Luck Drum Choir 1:00-1:45 Hematovore 1:45 – 2:45 Roof Rabbit 2:55 – 3:50 Fiddleworms 4:15 – 5:15 Martha’s Trouble 5:15 – 6:15 BPM 6:15 - dark Brothers Hester-1:45 -3:00 Noise Organization 3:30 to 4:45 Brown kid 5:15 – 6:30
Thank you for being our friend! The Save the Planet Tour needs all the support it can get. It's going to take all of us to change the world. Let's make it happen together! Let us know what you think of the tour so far. We’re developing programs for the Philadelphia area, so let us know if you want to get involved. You can read more about us in our blogs. Thanks!
