Martha's Trouble

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, 2002The 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.