We recently had the chance to catch up with Charlie Martin of California indie rockers The Rocky Valentines. As many of our readers will know, Charlie is also the son of Jason Martin (Starflyer 59, Dance House Children, The Brothers Martin, etc.) and Julie Martin (Bon Voyage). We talked about faith, writing, performing, and life as the son of two of the Christian indie scene’s more notable characters.
Indie Vision Music: The new single sounds great. What are your plans for a new release (album/EP)?
The Rocky Valentines: Super stoked you like the new single! Nothing is officially planned out yet for another release currently, but I would definitely like to get another record out maybe by end of 2027.
IVM: Critical response and fan response alike to The Rocky Valentines seems to be really high. What’s it like writing and performing music for people who seem to really want to listen? Is that a ‘head trip’ in any way?
TRV: It’s a very humbling feeling knowing that people out there care about what you’re writing, for sure. For how much music is being released every second, it’s pretty baffling that there’s still a group of people out there that want to hear it!
IVM: Speaking of head trips, what’s it like being known not only as a musician, but as the son of highly-revered (yet underground/cult-status) musicians?
TRV: It’s definitely cool, and almost funny in a way too. Anytime I’m talking with some younger dudes my age, and they say they love Starflyer, I can’t believe it. Just with the way music has been leaning for a while, it’s crazy to see shoegaze bands like Starflyer making a comeback. I’ve always loved my dad’s music, and he’s someone I really look up to.
IVM: In what ways does your approach with the Rocky Valentines either parallel or contrast what your parents have been known for?
TRV: The Rocky Valentines definitely mirrors Starflyer in the sense that it is a Christian band, but not every song necessarily has Christian driven lyrics. It probably does contrast in terms of the writing style though. I’ve always been inspired by my dad’s writing but Rocky does subconsciously have some more pop in there. My buddies and I liked learning a lot of Green Day songs when we were starting on guitar. My dad and I shared a lot of the same music interests, but we’ve also listened to a lot of different things.
IVM: What are some of your lyrical influences or inspirations, whether that be other artists/writers, or life experiences, spirituality, etc.?
TRV: Back in 2019 before The Rocky Valentines, I played drums in a band called Lacker. And my buddy who was the singer at the time really taught me a lot just by seeing what he did from behind the kit. I vividly remember him saying “Don’t keep blabbering on the chorus, just make it short and sweet so people remember it.” And anytime I have written a song, I’ve always remembered that. Not to say that every chorus has been an extremely simple one-liner, but that’s always been a gauge for me in my songwriting. And in terms of the actual lyrics, I tend to always reflect on stories in my life. Things like school, friends, girls, all the typical jive. And there’s for sure some songs regarding my faith, and how being a Christian can have its ups and downs.
IVM: What kind of things are you doing when you’re not doing music stuff? And/or what do you do for work/school/etc.?
TRV: Anytime I’m not doing music, I really enjoy riding my bike. Taking a long cruise is a nice way for me to unwind. And if it’s not that, I’m probably scrolling on social media for too long or watching some Netflix with the family.
IVM: Do you get the chance to play live very often? Can fans hope for any tours or festival appearances?
TRV: When I was younger it was definitely easier to play live more, because we were in high school and no one had jobs or wives. But it’s definitely been tougher as I’ve gotten older to be able to get everyone together for a show super often. Anytime I do get the chance though, it’s fun for sure. No tours or festival appearances planned, but never say never!
Well, there you have it! Short and sweet, just like his pop. You can check out the band’s latest single “Finished Race” here:
