MARTYN JOSEPH bares his soul in conversation with Tony Cummings.

Martyn: The album was a response to what people wanted - people said they'd loved to have something away that really represented what I do on stage. I was aware there were some favourite songs and one or two new ones. If I did go under a bus tomorrow I don't think it would be a bad way to end the story of what Martyn Joseph did on vinyl. It certainly much better than the beginning, and if it did end there I think I can just about feel it was my best shot at the time.

Tony: Now, I understand, you're doing some demos for CBS. How did that come about?

Martyn: I've been writing some new songs and at Greenbelt I met up with a guy called Gordon Charlton, who is A&R director at CBS records, he signed Bros and Deacon Blue. He didn't actually see me on the mainstage, but he saw me in a late night fringe thing singing one song and we were introduced afterwards. Gordon's a lovely guy - we've got a friendship going. He re-committed his life to God after a number of years. It's quite difficult really, because we've got a friendship it's hard to do business as well because people feel obligated. But I don't think we're like that at all, I feel that I'm trying to help him if I can, and he' s trying to help me. He's been very good and he's encouraged me, he loves 'An Aching And A Longing' he's sent it round to a few people. He's said to pick some things and he'll demo them and we'll see where we go from there - I'll take it one step at a time.

Tony: Does that mean a change of musical direction?

Martyn: I think I need a good producer to come along and define a certain style of sound. The nearest it's come was when I took it into my own hands and produced 'An Aching And A Longing' which was, of course basically what I do live. I need to take more in my own hands, instead of people saying 'I've got a good keyboard player' It's for me to say 'it sounds absolutely fantastic, but it's not me'. But I do enjoy a variety of styles. Gordon's been to a band concert, and it really surprised him. He's really not sure where to place me and that really backs up what I just said. He's asked me to demo these songs with just a voice and a guitar so that he can go to a producer and talk, and we can come up with what we feel is the closest fit to what my particular likes are.

Tony: What about lyrics? If you did sign to a major wouldn't there be pressure on you to amend your lyrics?

Martyn: He hasn't mentioned it once, only to the point where he said I write very sensible lyrics. He sees absolutely no problem whatsoever. I can't change. I'm not going to suddenly start writing lyrics that will become commercial, because that's just as pointless as singing glib Jesus lyrics all the time. I don't really see myself as someone that will be a singles success. I see myself as someone who will sell albums because he is a good songwriter. I don't see myself as some sort of pop act, but more like what Tracey Chapman's done really - that type of thing.