'5 Questions With': Aidan Martin

With the recent release of his track ‘Tears’, Aidan gifts us with a beautiful acoustic version of the track and visual shot on the shores of Brighton, UK. The picturesque visual truly captures the power of his voice and allows fans another opportunity to appreciate the message of the song. Equate caught up with Aidan for our 5 Questions With profile.

EQ: What was it like growing up outside of Newcastle & how do you feel it shaped you as a person?

AM: I grew up in a small village called Cleadon. It’s a pretty rural town and has a real sense of community. I’m proud to be a Northerner. Coming from a small town has given me the ability to have two perspectives. The small town mindset, and the larger than life mindset. Both have given me attributes that are important in my life and career.

EQ: Would you say you were always driven and passionate to push your boundaries and try new things? Describe your early experiences in writing music, what were you inspired by?

AM: I love living life on the edge, taking risks, and trying new things. I have always applied this outlook to my life and it filters into my music.

I grew up listening to music ranging from Creed, to Motown and Northern Soul. My father loves Dusty Springfield and her melodies have always stayed with me. When I first started writing I would write about anything and everything that I was feeling.

EQ: Tell us about the message behind TEARS? And why is it so important as a society for us to be talking about Toxic Masculinity, especially within the LGBTQ+ communities?

AM: Growing up as a gay man in Newcastle wasn’t easy. I was surrounded by toxic masculinity, even within my own family. Because of my sexuality, I didn’t feel like I had the choice to be myself. That feeling still exists for me in many ways. I have always been in touch with my emotions, it’s quite a big part of me. I have always wanted to highlight this of myself and be able to talk about it more openly.

EQ: How important is the creative vision around your music & what storytelling are you wanting to portray??

AM: It’s such a key part of being an artist. It’s taken me years to discover my visual identity as an artist and how I want to be perceived, but I feel like I am finally getting it. I want to talk about real life stories, about things that have happened to me. That’s the only way I feel like I can connect. Whether it’s how I feel about myself, my view on the world, or my relationships, I touch on anything that’s made an impact on me.

EQ: The world is certainly a challenging stage at the minute with so many key issues at the forefront, whether its abortion rights in the US, global inflation, the war in Ukraine to name a few…. How important is it for you as a performer to voice an opinion on such issues for your fan base?

AM: I used to keep pretty hush hush on world issues. I could never see my place as an artist being vocal about things. Once challenges in my own life made me want to speak up, I couldn’t sit back watching LGBTQ+ artists jumping through hoops because of their sexuality, race, pronouns, etc. I just want everyone to have equal opportunity to pursue their passions and speak their mind.

Regarding other world issues, I certainly think anyone with a platform has an opportunity to create visibility around issues that are being swept under the rug. We all have certain issues that we are passionate about and it’s important to stand our ground on them, in my opinion.

Watch Aidan’s acoustic visual for ‘Tears’

Stream ‘Tears’ below -

Follow Aidan Martin on socials…

Instagram: @aidanmartinreal