JohN'S TwenTY QuesTIoNS

1. John Kielty, head Martian, poet playwright, songwriter, musician, actor.
Born 15th April 1978

2. How did the Martians start?
I met David Sneddon acting in a play and after doing acousitc nights at the Tron Glasgow, we decided to start a band together and called oursleves the Martians.

3. Date of Birth or Birthday -
Born 15th April 1978

4. When did you first discover your passion for music ?
I discovered my passion for music in 4th year at school.
I started playing guitar at 16, in fourth year. I hung around the music department at school - St Andrews in Clydebank just north west of Glasgow. The music place was a haven from all the idiots and neds. We spent the time playing, I played piano, drums, bass, guitar, keys, I learned all my instruments there. Very useful.’
Did you do Music higher?
John: ‘Yes I did, I got an A for my higher. ‘ ‘When I started guitar I played REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ over and over for about nine months.!'
 
5. Who are your biggest musical influences ?
The Beatles, Crowded House, Francis Dunnerry of 80s band ‘It Bytes’

6. Who is your favourite British unsigned band or artist ?
I don’t like to listen, I don’t want to be a copy of someone - although I am influenced though by others.

7. What is the best UK venue you've ever performed at ? (for performers) or been to and why ?
'Top of the Pops, that’s me showing off though! I played in London with David’s band.’

8. First single/album ever bought ?
 ‘Itsy Bitsy Bikini’ I thought they were every sexy.'

9. What are your favourite CDs right now ?
'I love Francis Dunnerry. He was the lead singer with ‘It Bytes’ in the 80s. They weren’t very good, but their melodies were fantastic. His melodies are fantastic and he sings from the heart, honest songs. Another song I like is Goldie Lookie Chain – ‘No Doubt’. I also like the Lemonheads. And I’m a Crowded House fan, we sing a lot of their songs.’ John also said he liked Oasis latest single.

10. What do you do to relax ?
X box

11. Which song have you heard that you wish that YOU had written ?
'Silent Lucidity’ by Queensreich'

12. What is your biggest achievement in music so far ?
 ‘The 4-track Martian CD. We recorded Long Time Coming, Flowers and Butterflies, Roll Along and Convince Me all in one day. Cost me enough too! ’
‘ We got a good response to our songs from the first CD. That CD kept us going financially for ages. I got everyone together in the studio and we recorded the first CD in one day. '

13. What is your ultimate musical goal ?
'To get my musical the Sundowe performed properly. It's like a medievil War of the Worlds!'

14. What’s your view of the Scottish music scene?
‘It's difficult to be heard – Scotland’s a ‘Big wet paper Bag!’

15. For musicians/singers, Which UK artist would you like to collaborate with ?
John Lennon’

16. What about Martian plans/ Gigs?
John: ‘We may do a big gig in January. We do need to do more gigs, get ourselves out there. But it’s hard to get everyone together? The Festival was manic, doing three shows a day, so we just kind of chill out after it.’
‘I have to write Musical scripts by December so I’m going to be busy doing that the next few months.’

17. Do you think downloading will improve people choices and ultimately improve the Music business ?
'I think it means more artists will have to be better live performers – as money will be made on doing gigs.'

18. What's your view on reality TV talent shows and the artists they produce ?
‘Whatever it takes.’

19. How would you like to be remembered ?
 ‘For murdering too many people!’

and just for fun..
20. If you could be invisible for a day.. who would you slap !?
‘Captain Janeway – got lost in the Delta quadrant committed genocide. Lost half her crew and became an Admiral!’

Big thanks to John for taking the time to chat.

Pauline