Local musician Martyn Peters has got music in his blood. He talks to Carly Redgers about life, music – and living in North Wales.

North Wales native song writer and multi-instrumentalist, Martyn Peters, recently wowed us over during a private performance at The Rocks luxury hostel in Capel Curig. When he is not busy promoting his debut album Veins, Martyn likes to spend his time writing new songs and exploring beautiful North Wales.

Featuring ten original tracks written and arranged by Martyn, the album Veins follows themes of love, loss, optimism, friendship, social interactions and relationships. Since its release in 2017 Martyn has been played on BBC 6Music by Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio Wales by Adam Walton and numerous international, national and local radio stations such as Radio Caroline, Radio Wigwam, Ridge Radio, Radio Wandsworth, Radio Deeside, Quasar Radio, U and I Radio and Shoreditch Radio.

Martyn was chosen as the support act for Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud), performed on the main stage at the FOCUS Wales festival supporting Bill Ryder-Jones and Boy Azooga, supported Tommy Scott (SPACE – Female of the Species) and has performed at some of the most iconic music venues in London such as The Half Moon in Putney, The Camden Assembly, The Bedford and the Dublin Castle.

In 2017 he won Best Male at the Radio Wigwam Awards. Our correspondent, Carly, sat down with the talented artist over a cuppa to ask a him a few questions…

How has living in North Wales inspired your music?

Living in North Wales has inspired me in so many ways. Growing up in Denbigh and attending a Welsh language school I would regularly perform at the Eisteddfod, so singing and performing featured very early on! Then as I reached 18, I attended the plug and play nights at the Hope and Anchor in Denbigh. The wealth of musical talent in Denbigh is amazing and as I was growing up I took in as much of it as I could!

Do you have a favourite spot to write music?

For many years, my family had a caravan in Rhosneigr and I would spend days there with a note book and my guitar just working on songs. It was an ideal place to work – quiet, peaceful and a place where I could be on my own to concentrate on song writing. I think around four tracks from the album were written there.

Where do you go to listen to other local talent?

There are some wonderful open mic nights around and I think they are great places to hear a real mix of music. From people just starting out to seasoned veterans! But a great place to listen to local acts on a bigger stage is the FOCUS Wales festival in Wrexham. It’s a great festival which not only hosts international and national artists, but really supports artists from Wales and the local area. I’ll be performing there on the 18th of May this year.

Favourite pub?

The Cross Foxes in Erbistock near Wrexham has the most wonderful garden overlooking the Dee river. On a hot sunny day, it is absolutely beautiful there.

Who would you like to sing for?

I would love to sing for the band Rudimental. They manage to effortlessly mix so many different styles and create great tracks. Their songs have a collaborative feel as well with most of their tracks featuring guest artists, so I’d love the chance to work with those guys.

Best advice you’ve ever been given:

I’m lucky to have come from a very musical family. My dad and Taid both played a lot, so I’ve always been able to chat to them and get advice about playing. I think the best bit of advice is to just go for it, whatever it might be, if you’re good at something and enjoy it, just go for it. n

To purchase Martyn’s album Veins, view his tour schedule or simply have a chat with the friendly musician, visit http://martynpeters.com