The Tea Party - Interview with Jeff Martin

Jeff Martin sat down during the summer of 2022 to discuss new music, revisiting the band's indie record, Jimmy Page, and more.
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[@apmartini70]

The Tea Party barely moved the needle here in the States, but because of cable TV, I saw the video for Temptation on Much Music back in the day, and I've been a fan ever since. One of the most underrated rock bands of all time.

[@Joe-kh7nz]

I feel so lucky to be from Buffalo and to see them dozens of times.

[@j_freed]

Yeah, the Border Bias is stupid but there's always some dumb excuse with labels and promotional companies not getting behind Sloan, Lee Aaron, April Wine... things do just fall through sometimes but I'd think it's usually more sympathy for US artists, protectionism that keeps developed Canadian artists far away for decades. If you're not Rush or Neil Young then you're not unique enough and they'd rather promote the next mediocre Black Crowes or something. The USA is great at pushing into other markets but is not reciprocal. They don't have much authentic pride in their relationship with Canada, it's much as the Brits treated the Irish for centuries.

[@apmartini70]

​@@j_freed I think they were dismissed early on in the States as Zeppelin-esque and bluesy, and that was not going to play with the rise of grunge and the Seattle sound dominating the radio. As they evolved and matured their sound in the late 90s, rap and urban music displaced almost all rock in popular music, so they were out of step with the zeitgeist again. Too bad for the millions of folks in the US that don't know who they are--they missed out on some epic music. They've had a great career by any measure, even without stateside success.

[@hasht7331]

@@j_freed that's funny because I remember being a kid, and not really having a grasp on countries and borders, but can remember talking about cool stuff I would see on TV and my parents explaining "that's in the states". Probably until my early teens I had this feeling that all the cool stuff was in the states lol.

[@gomezaddams6470]

I always went to see them when the came to Seattle.😢 I miss them.

[@EmpireOfLightTV]

Jeff is a mega talented artist. Good seeing him still active.

[@emilyrl840]

Jeff Martin is absolutely talented. I admire him so so so much.

[@Staffo1972]

Mid 90s i found The Tea Party - Splendor Solis album and still enjoy you guys today keep up the good work

[@sheyharv7604]

Love that! Australia is on my bucket list. Apparently I will love Sidney so I've been told. Cheers!

[@f4rnsworth138]

I was living in Seattle when i first heard them in '94. I went out bought Splendor Solis immediately. They're a criminally underrated band

[@Mike_D_5150]

Saw them in Australia around 98? One of the best live bands ive ever seen.

[@annarks70]

Oh my gosh Jeff's Page story 😂 is the Best!! And the impersonation ..spot on , love it ❤❤❤❤ love you

[@charedboy2]

The Tea party is insanely layered, as artist they craft masterpieces and we have loved their music since the 90's. Jeff is also a fantastic story teller, thank you for taking my mind away from many things that it needed to be taken away from and thank you for ever flowing with great music.

[@sillyrabbittrixr4kids]

Seen the tea party 13 times in Canada and Australia! Still remember the day i heard "fire in the head" for the first time and i've been a fan ever since. Thanks for the stories Jeff, keep rockin!

[@majahcorcoran782]

Jeff is an effing Legend 👏

[@moose3d]

Come back to Oz again soon, guys!! Been a massive fan since Splendor Solis was released. Bring it!

[@marknesser9602]

Hey Jeff, I've been a huge fan of the Tea Party for over 20 years and own every album you guys have released! The reason is probably because your music captured the Kashmir style of Led Zeppelin, a band I loved since I was 13. You're voice is like Jim Morrison and Robert Plant, rolled into one. Led Zeppelin inspired me to start playing in a band. I was in the band Wyzdom for almost 15 years and we played many styles of music, but when I first heard your band, I said, that is the music I should be doing!

[@trudgyhd]

Amazing video! Love those stories! Certainly the most underrated band I've known in my life time. I still introduce people to Tea Party when I am chatting music with people and you can literally bring up any album and it's still amazing all these years later. You can't say that with MANY of the biggest groups of all time. Hope to see many more videos on this channel!

[@RobDucharme]

I have a friend who doesn't listen to TTP because he's a Doors fan and insists, well you likely know the rest. How that friend is wrong: Other than maybe the vocal delivery on the first album, a style which The Doors/Morrison don't OWN (other bands have had that sound), I've heard way more of a Zeppelin sound than anything else. No question. And this video really bolsters this. This was a great interview. I've been a fan since the first album, and while some albums obviously stand out more than others, there's just never been a bad release from TTP.

[@MacGuffin1]

Doors have their own sound, TTP have a better one, best live band ever!

[@RobDucharme]

@Mac Guffin Agreed. Morrison had his style. Jeff is technically a superior singer plays guitar like a SOB and didn't succumb to drugs and alcohol.

[@collier6794]

Just a man from the Appalachian mountains of VA. but thanks for the internet I found The tea party back in around 2009 and I've loved them ever since but no one else around me has heard of them ...sad

[@MirrorDomains]

Cool interview man

[@outofthelabyrinthphotograp9553]

It would be amazing to hear what comes out of a stay in Morocco!

[@AGGIOSOUND]

Totally love this. Jeff Martin another Canadian Gem! ❤

[@gorilladogmotherturtlebum769]

I love you Jeff I wanted to marry you when I was 20 years old . My first TTP concert started my life of love of life and music, you are so so special 💗 all three of you are❤ you guys deserve to be alot more acknowledged in the music industry then you are, you're original and all three of you are so talented and beautiful ive met you three in person a few times and I felt good goosebumps ❤thank you for you're music I've never felt the way I felt when I first heard your music and when I first heard you live I swear I died and woke up a different person ❤

[@jamesthousandkings5406]

I was at that Montreal Forum show with two buddies all those years ago (96? 97?). After too many wings at Buffalo Bill's across the street, I bought an Edges of Twilight concert shirt. We sat in some seats in back of the stage, actually behind the band as they played, so were fairly close to the action. Jeff played the hurdy-gurdy on one of the songs I believe, which was pretty cool. After the standing O they received and at the end of the night, I truly felt The Tea Party had outplayed their idols Plant & Page. One of my Top 5 favourite concert experiences!

[@darriusdeburgh7333]

Stay healthy, get inspired you are one of the only relevant bands with a message. You could be bigger than ever ! It’s not a past life my friend, it’s the Holy Spirit.

[@badmotorbreath5206]

Another long time Tea Party fan here from Down Under, from the early 90s some of my most cherished memories was going to see you guys live here in Adelaide …so special, like a hidden treasure which most people following commercial music completely overlooked. Love all the discography but pretty damn excited hearing Jeff talk about going back to the Middle Eastern vibes. Hope to see you back here soon! 🇦🇺👍🏼

[@violettedepres8567]

I never speak english but for you il will ! Wish you continue your music Ils too good !!! When do you Come to Montréal ????

[@violettedepres8567]

Je vous aime trop

[@zodasblue]

Thanks for posting this Jeff :D

[@alexandramcleod2079]

Great stuff! Thank you

[@lkirby29]

Love him!!! ❤️🎵❤️🎵❤️

[@Tharg]

Great interview, cool stories - especially the Page/Plant one. Love ya Jeff

[@JenyaIsJustChilling]

Great interview.

[@worldswatchdog]

Jeff Martin is a natural bluesman deep deep down in the rambling river of his soul.

[@kurtzcol]

love the tea party keep on makn music gents!

[@247Therocker]

One of my most favorite musicians and bands. Been a fan from the moment I first heard them. Their music moves me everytime I hear it.

[@charlesgallagher1376]

Fan since the 1st album living in Buffalo listening to Toronto and Hamilton radio stations. Living in Las Vegas now with what is probably the largest Tea Party cd collection in Nevada.

[@FoxUnitNell]

Pretty impressive - pawn shops are pretty big there so I'm guessing there are plenty of chances to pick up a rarity of tea party CDs or singles. The shops can't keep Elvis merch stocked there but the need music items just to show they cater to their perceived demographics for a state thats known never to check the bill when bringing in talent.

[@charlesgallagher1376]

@@FoxUnitNell, I put together the collection in Buffalo, I saw The Tea Party there in concert 3 times, and once Jeff as a solo act when his accompanying guitarist got sick and canceled. The show went on. It was a special night for me.

[@charlesgallagher1376]

@@FoxUnitNell the chances of finding a Tea Party cd in Vegas is about the same as hitting a Jackpot.

[@patriotes999]

J’aimerais en savoir plus sur votre inspiration des paroles de chanson! 💚

[@AlistairArbour-qi3xp]

too cool for school. love this guy

[@richardhebert1105]

Love our home town band, I've been lucky to see them live twice. Great to the point interview. Thanks for all the music.

[@Elizabeth-zt8vg]

💜

[@rickm6232]

I'm coming to see you in Hamilton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't! :)

[@carlphil450]

They’re the best each time I see them

[@sheyharv7604]

Jeff! You are awesome. TY for being one of my favorite artists.

[@brunomarsala9394]

Just saw TTP at Concert Hall in Toronto what a cathartic experience

[@salvationlane69]

Discovered them several months ago via a KZbin auto playlist and dived in. Love them so much. Wish so bad they'd tour the US (especially Chatlotte NC, hint hint) with Big Wreck!

[@FLASH-MATT]

A Tea Party fan since the start... Bar le dauteuil Quebec city... mid 90s... Long live TTP!

[@Gioia67]

I remember seeing the Tea Party at the Lansdowne in Sydney and being blown away. Saw u at Lizottes 2 weeks ago. Happy to say still absolutely sensational 🎉 greetings fro. Australia 🇦🇺

[@tamarapurplesweetgrassmacg1175]

So Glad you having fun miss seeing you at @the bar upstairs hated the blues but Tom loved that & Jazz. Love from Windsor

[@hernendezsanchez7646]

Oh wow. Such a good interview. I remember first hearing the edges of twilight as a teenager wondering why they had such an Indian influence. I really love the tea party and listening to Jeff. I feel his lyrics in my heart and I feel like many of my experiences in life are captured in their energy and music. This band had such a profound effect on me. I hope to see them In Australia again in the next few years.

[@SeanYeomans71]

I saw these guys the summer they blew up (Splendor Solis was out for a month) and to this day I can't think of many more impactful shows. A tiny stage in buttf*ck ontario, I was transfixed 4 feet in front of the Jeff's. My brain was peeled like an onion. And i got to meet them after, when the bar cleared out we were still there and Jeff walks up all cool asking where the parties were. Of course it was still buttf*ck Ontario so not much was happening...

[@soniclycruedrecords8212]

Yo This was a sick interview, Would love to watch another with each member of the band for like 20 minutes each just talking about everything from the past 50 years of their lives.

[@molangel50]

Wow writing in colours from the spectrum. Sounds fascinating🌈

[@FrankValchiria]

saw you guys in amsterdam early 2000s

[@galeem713]

I love Jimmy Page too.

[@nospydersful]

Captain my captain,been a fan from the beginning and have enjoyed every show played in Buffalo,best live band ever,please stop for a summer show in the big Buff we miss you immensely!!

[@daveedwards8410]

Would love to see tea party do something new , well new but in the old style, glad to say Tea Party is one of my biggest guitar influences , but never knew until recently all the alternate tunings , Jeff used on those early albums , awesome to hear you guys might still create more music mate , living just north of Byron in 🇦🇺 hopefully finally get to see you guys Live .

[@JessTarn]

The Tea Party IMO was at their best when they were a cross between Jimmy Page and Jim Morrison, and at their worst when they sounded like Muslim prayer time.

[@salvatoresikilacci8460]

The Man of MusicalMagick.

[@nickfuller]

there's a touch of self indulgence and subtle arrogance to Jeff that I find endearing.

[@edsegura6399]

Not so subtle

[@InternetPersond]

It’s so weird to hear such an evolved soul talk about DIY esotericism. I love that good old Moroccan roll though. Thanks Jeff.

[@mtdewramen]

Temptation really got me into your band, after seeing the low budget music video, automatically fell in love with your group. Since then, has been a better love affair than any other of my lovers.

[@conleycrew76]

They should really play them on satellite radio!

[@galeem713]

I love great singers. His voice is mesmerizing. I love groups who sing in boy voices. I’m over the high voices.

[@patrickolivier1]

Only Alter Bridge is still amazing with tenor vocals. Maybe a handful more...

[@EvgenyVinnik]

I love Jeff Martin! He's such a rock star!

[@necro5129]

Hear me out. The Tea Party and Devin Townsend live in Sydney. That should be a thing.

[@musicisajourney]

If The Tea Party did another eastern flavoured album, I would snap it up in an instant. But I’d buy anything new from TTP!

[@ImaMonaKnight]

Jedf is Involved,🍉🍒💯👑❤️🍒🍉

[@Alex-jk7xu]

What a doink

[@Joe-kh7nz]

Is there any recording of that Montreal show with Page and Plant???

[@TheInsaneupsdriver]

Come play strawberry fest!

[@michelestephens3520]

Hey guy’s. Do you still live in Australia. Touring?

[@davemonhomme]

J'ouvre ma vieille boîte de cd poussièreux : edge of twilight sur le dessus yes.

[@jasminechavez7653]

🍕🍕🍕🍕🎉

[@budgiemcleod4443]

Jesus... it's been 30 years since I first heard "the river" while I was tripping on acid. A youth well wasted I tell ya! 🤘

[@h20doctor]

Chris and Dan from Seattle.. I would like you guys just to relax go back into the pass sit down as a band listen to the songs that have been successful and fan favorites and then build a new album off of that... Embrace your sound your style and your musical talents and gifts... Ask the fans and get feedback for what they would like to hear? And what fans suggest My favorite songs are the hard-driving songs, with killer crunchy guitar and Stuart using his magical talents on the synthesizer, Stuart's been missing from the last two albums and he is a key and vital source of the band.. as a synthesizer player , I miss hearing Stewart and his talents as a synthesizer player and Keyboard programmer, because Stewart has made some incredible nasty sounds with his keyboard towns in my favorite album is transmission... So I would like to see you guys get back to the harder aggressive, drums, Jeff's killer guitar, and Stuart synthesizer Skills

[@bobbiholliday5961]

Tea party has been my go to fav of a band all my life well since I first heard in 95. I've learned so much musically as a guitarist from Jeff.. makes me love music when I get away from music

[@mightyone3737]

It's a shame The Tea Party didn't really crack the US market, but they are one of the very few bands I've wanted to see live (and did so), and they were very, very good. I think they were my favourite band for quite awhile, even if I listened to a lot of stuff. I think the metal band Therion kind of displaced this (though I still listened to The Tea Party as well, just wildly less often compared to Therion). Now I listen to troll music, because I am a troll, but now and then The Tea Party slips into the mix again. One consistent thing about my musical taste though is that I like music that has a high degree of technical ability, there is the odd exception but most are better than average professional musicians (and some of them have probably been given CIA songs, I honestly wonder), I hope the band doesn't sell itself short, humble is nice and all, but it can get excessive, afaik you have to strut a fair bit if you want to 'make it' with right wing fans, they really like the theatrics/ego drama, I think that's why most Canadian artists really struggle, we're just not trained to be assholes. For the record, the thing that really got me into the band was definitely the non-Western European aspect of it, I happen to like some very archetypal Western music, but this was a new feeling/experience, and it was very pleasing. Final point, I also did a ton of reading, including The Elenium... On Tryptych, there is a song that I always wondered about, The Halcyon Days has strong 'Sparhawk getting ambushed and left for dead' vibes, I made a forum post about it on a game site ages ago, but most people weren't familiar with the band. It was a real treat to hear it live when I saw Tea Party perform, also interesting because it was a much less known song, but it was a favorite of mine.

[@hippomancy]

having seen Page in media, one realizes it's the music that's important, so his appreciation and tech questions are entirely to be expected... and Tea Party are very good at what you do, so appropriate he fan-boyed to your set. always kinda thought your voice would have suited the Doors reunion better, but then again you would have had little creative input and been tarred with that in a way that would have overshadowed your TTP legacy... so mixed feelings. plus Ian Astbury fit the groove they were going for in performance ... but I loved the eastern influences when you weren't rocking out...

[@FalafelSultan]

Jeff can I come with you guys?

[@robertlivingstone3364]

Is that Burton Cummings?

[@JJ-bf6dx]

Comparing his band to Bowie and Stones because they went to Morocco for 2 months lolol

[@Oldpeppertv]

You Know?

[@CHodgy]

No, you?

[@richhansen8874]

I mean, c'mon, the best part was Jeff impersonating Page, right? 😁🍻🤘🏼🤘🏼🍻

[@JJ-bf6dx]

Never mentions Jim Morrison. Dude, come on. We know he’s your biggest influence

[@jimnielsen8030]

i scrolled down comments hoping, expecting to see a comment like this as i noticed the same thing. i would so love to hear jeff and the band do a few doors covers as i'd assume they'd nail them, but i guess he/they don't want to be 'typecast' as a doors cover band? 'save me' and 'the river'? come on. i'd bet you couldn't get jeff to say 'jim morrison' or 'the doors' if you had a gun pointed to his head! ;o). ttp is an awesome band regardless, in their own right.

[@pappyprimetime7510]

Jeff, nobody outside of Canada and Buffalo knows the tea party.

[@johnbonham9422]

Saw their show in Pickering ON October 28, 2023. The PA SOUND WAS THE WORST I HAVE EVER HEARD AT A PRO EVENT. I still want a refund. As far as I could tell the band played OK. I was in the grandstand and the entire bottom end was a blur, a total mess from where I sat. At one point Jeff asked us to "Get up!" All could think was think was if he could hear what I hear he would be very upset. Get up? It sounded awful, no one in the grandstand move a muscle.

[@Maleekus]

I love the Tea Party but it seems kind of disingenuous for Jeff not to mention the Doors as a huge influence

[@dimitar297]

Dumb sunglasses.

[@Louisthefur]

“ how did you get the high strings to work?” Haha man I love Page so much!!! Jeff is the closest thing that comes to Jimmy as far as tone and vibe.

[@antknee420]

Since when did Johnny drama lead the tea party?

[@michaelnormandale3254]

😂