Project Description
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Interview with
JEFF MARTIN
from
THE TEA PARTY
(1st May, 2025)
Interview with Dave Bruce
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THE TEA PARTY @ Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide, 18th June 2024 / Photo – @debkloedenphotography
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Watch the complete interview below
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From Moroccan Roll to Neil Young – A Conversation with the Legendary Jeff Martin
If you know The Tea Party, you already know that “rock band” barely scratches the surface. With their rich blend of hard rock and world music influences, The Tea Party carved out a unique sound – one fans often describe as “Moroccan Roll.” I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Martin, the band’s enigmatic frontman, to talk about the band’s history, their unique sound, upcoming projects, and his latest tribute tour celebrating the legendary Neil Young.
The Beginning: Windsor, Ontario and Lifelong Bonds
Jeff Martin’s journey with The Tea Party dates back to primary school, where he met drummer Jeff Burrows in Windsor, Ontario. “We were five years old,” Jeff recalls. That childhood friendship would become the foundation of one of Canada’s most unique musical exports. From those early days, The Tea Party evolved into a band that pushed sonic boundaries, fusing rock with Middle Eastern, Indian, and North African instrumentation.
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Defining The Tea Party Sound
“In essence, our music is rooted in hard rock,” Jeff explains. “But the influences we bring in are very worldly – sitars, suroz, exotic stringed instruments. We wanted to go further than what Zeppelin and The Beatles started.” This fusion reached its zenith with 1995’s The Edges of Twilight, a landmark album that saw EMI pour resources into what became a spiritual and sonic journey. Rather than spend on the usual rockstar luxuries, the band turned their studio into a world music emporium.
And yes, Jeff still owns all those instruments. “My house is a veritable museum of world instruments,” he says with a laugh. “They’re my children.”
Why the Music Resonates
One of the most striking elements of The Tea Party’s legacy is how timeless their music remains. “We’re not stuck in a decade. The sound is our own signature,” Jeff says. With clear influences from blues greats and the songwriting craftsmanship of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, the band has continued to attract audiences without needing to chase trends.
For those new to the band, Jeff recommends starting with Triptych. “It’s got elements from The Edges of Twilight, Transmission, and Splendor Solis. It’s a great all-rounder to get a feel for who we are.”
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THE TEA PARTY @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, 25th June 2024 / Photo – @mattyoungpics
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Looking Ahead: New Music on the Horizon
Despite living on Australia’s Sunshine Coast while his bandmates remain in Canada, Jeff continues to create. “We’re finding new ways to collaborate remotely. I do a lot of the groundwork here in my studio, and then we come together in Toronto or Vancouver.” Fans can expect new Tea Party music potentially by mid-2026, with singles dropping first. “We’ll definitely be putting our stamp back on the world music scene.”
Neil Young Tribute: From Harvest to Harvest Moon
This August, Jeff will be part of a very special concert series celebrating Neil Young’s iconic albums Harvest and Harvest Moon. “This isn’t a tribute concert in the traditional sense,” Jeff clarifies. “It’s about interpreting Neil’s music in our own way.” Alongside talents like Shane Nicholson and Richie Lewis, Jeff is excited to dive into Young’s emotional and evocative catalogue.
“There’s something magical about coming together with other musicians and interpreting these legendary songs. The camaraderie on the road is something I really look forward to.”
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THE TEA PARTY @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, 25th June 2024 / Photo – @mattyoungpics
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Career Highlights and Musical Heroes
When asked about the peak of his career, Jeff doesn’t hesitate: “Opening for Page and Plant in 1996 at the Montreal Forum. We got a standing ovation – that’s rare in front of Led Zeppelin fans.”
His dream collaboration? “Jimmy Page. Maybe an acoustic record – Sorcerer and the Apprentice kind of vibe.”
Advice for the Next Generation
With over three decades in the business, Jeff has plenty of wisdom for up-and-coming artists. “Learn the waterfall effect in streaming. Link your singles together. It builds the algorithm,” he advises. “But more than that – get good live. It’s hard to make money from recorded music, but if you can move people in person, you’ll always have a career.”
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Why He Still Loves the Stage
Despite being content in his Sunshine Coast paradise, Jeff’s passion for performing hasn’t waned. “Seeing the emotional reactions from the crowd – knowing I’ve moved someone deeply – that’s what it’s about for me.”
Jeff Martin is more than just a musician – he’s a craftsman, a spiritual wanderer, and a fierce believer in the power of live music. Whether it’s through the sonic explorations of The Tea Party or his homage to Neil Young, he continues to inspire and evolve.
And if you ever get a chance to see him live – don’t miss it. You might just walk away changed.
Catch Jeff Martin in From Harvest to Harvest Moon: Celebrating Neil Young this August. And stay tuned for new Tea Party music coming soon.
For more interviews and live music content, visit www.amnplify.com.au
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THE TEA PARTY @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, 25th June 2024 / Photo – @mattyoungpics
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Follow THE TEA PARTY
Website – Instagram – Twitter – Tiktok
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Watch the complete interview below
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Press Release 3rd April 2025 (below)
Celebrating Neil Young:
From Harvest to Harvest Moon
– An Evening Honouring One
of Music’s Greatest Icons
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A wonderful night of music and memories awaits fans as Celebrating Neil Young: From Harvest to Harvest Moon hits the stage to pay tribute to one of the most influential musicians in rock history, Neil Young. This highly anticipated event will feature a star-studded lineup of vocalists, including Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Shane Nicholson (multiple ARIA and Golden Guitar winner), and Richie Lewis (Tumbleweed). Together, they will deliver a heartfelt celebration of Neil Young’s unparalleled legacy, bringing his classic hits to life in their own unique way.
For almost six decades, Neil Young’s soulful songwriting, distinctive voice, and ability to fuse rock, folk and country have made him a household name and inspired generations of musicians. Celebrating Neil Young: From Harvest to Harvest Moon will be an unforgettable journey through some of his most iconic songs, spanning his solo work and his collaborations with Neil Young & Crazy Horse. This event will not only highlight the profound influence of Young’s music but also honour the enduring impact he’s had on the lives of musicians and fans alike.
The night’s setlist promises a rich selection of Neil Young’s most beloved tracks, capturing the essence of his long and illustrious career. Fans will be treated to renditions of hits like Harvest Moon, Old Man, Rockin’ in the Free World, Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black), Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Down by the River, Cinnamon Girl, and many more. Each song will be reinterpreted with passion, authenticity and the timeless spirit that Young is known for.
Celebrating Neil Young: From Harvest to Harvest Moon not just another tribute show, it’s a celebration of the man, the music, and the lasting influence of Neil Young on modern rock. Whether you’ve followed him from his early days with Buffalo Springfield, through his groundbreaking solo career, or as part of his illustrious partnership with Crazy Horse, this performance is sure to resurrect memories and feelings that will resonate with Neil Young fans of all ages.
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Celebrating Neil Young:
From Harvest to Harvest Moon
Australian Tour Dates
Friday 22nd August BRISBANE, The Triffid
Saturday 23rd August SYDNEY, Metro Theatre
Thursday 11th September ADELAIDE, The Gov
Friday 12th September MELBOURNE, 170 Russell
Tickets on sale now HERE
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