Published: June 26, 2008 10:04 am            

MUSIC: Martin Sexton in harmony

Martin Sexton is in a harmonious place.

Sexton, who started his career as a Boston street musician, has gone from independent artist to major-label musician and back again. The Syracuse native performs tonight at Buffalo’s Thursday at the Square.

Sexton recently spoke to Night & Day in a phone interview from his cabin in the Adirondacks. He talked of painting and enjoying nature, generally sounding like a man who’s comfortable with his current lot in life.

“I’ve had it all ways, you know,” Sexton said, speaking of his time spent both as an independent and major-label musician. “(But) it’s a great time to be independent.”

Sexton’s music, often a folksy, bluesy rock blend, earns distinction from Sexton’s soulful voice. His most recent album, 2007’s “Seeds,” continues that tradition. Fan response to the album has been great, Sexton said.

“And my wife likes it, which is always good,” he said.

Sexton released a few albums with Atlantic Records, but his recent work has been printed under the name of his own independent label, Kitchen Table Records.

“I had grown, organically, this beautiful fan base,” he said. “I learned I didn’t really need the big guns of a major label to get me to where I needed to go.”

“Seeds” is his first studio album since 2000’s “Wonder Bar.” He followed that with his Kitchen Table debut, the 2002 live album “Live Wide Open.” In 2005, Sexton released “Camp Holiday,” a collection of Christmas songs.

Sexton is putting together another live album, this one a double album featuring performances from last year’s tour, he said.

Sexton is content to work at his own pace, especially since he considers the current state of the record business to be “in the toilet.” But that’s not always the case for independent artists, especially considering the Internet’s ability to bring music to a wider audience, he said.

“For the independent artist, (the Internet) has been a wonderful vehicle to help,” Sexton said. “I think to the multimillion sellers, it hurts. For guys like me, it’s wonderful getting music out there.”

Regarding new music, Sexton hasn’t heard much of it.

“I’ve kind of had my head out of the speakers last year,” he said. “I’m trying to keep those outside influences out and get in tune with my inner voice.”

There’s a good reason for that. When it comes to music, Sexton likens himself to an alcoholic — just one sound and he’s hooked. He has to sit in front of the speakers and give his full attention to the music.

“I’m kind of all or nothing with music,” he said. “I don’t listen to music casually.”

For those who plan on giving Sexton their full attention at tonight’s show, expect to feel like part of the performance.

“Expect to see me enjoying what I do and expect to see the audience participate,” Sexton said. “The audience at my show is actually part of the show.”

And playing live music isn’t the only thing Sexton hopes to do while in Buffalo. After all, it’s hard to resist the pull of chicken wings.

“I’m hoping to make a trip to the Anchor Bar,” he said.

For Sexton, life just seems to be a trip from one sweet location to another.



IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Martin Sexton with special guest Mike Doughty Duo

* WHEN: 6 p.m. today

* WHERE: Lafayette Square, Buffalo

* MORE INFORMATION: Call 856-3150

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.