In this interview, I was able to catch up with Roger Dale Martin and Nick Layton of the U.S. based Metal band Layton & Martin to ask them a few questions about their album 'Roxology-Unearthing Majestic Hymns from The Catacombs'.
(Jacob) It's so good to finally be having this interview with your band.
(Roger Dale Martin) Thanks for the invitation to interview I am excited to intermingle with Christian Molten Metal. This should be fun!
(Nick Layton) Happy we could make it happen Jacob, thanks!
(Jacob) So, can you give us some insight into what got you involved in the music industry and what is the ultimate purpose of the band?
(Roger Dale Martin) I’ve been involved in the music industry since the beginning of the Christian metal scene. Arriving in Los Angeles California in 1984, I was quickly put to work by the Inland Empires mighty “Emerald”. Did some shows with those guys and recorded bass tracks for the iconic album ”Armed for Battle”. From there, I teamed up with Pastor Bob from Sanctuary and founded the ground breaking and controversial thrash band known as Vengeance Rising. The ultimate purpose of Layton & Martin is to lift up the name of Jesus Christ Almighty.
(Nick Layton) I started out making music my business as a guitar teacher, and then later a worship/church band coordinator. That led to me writing and recording my solo record 'Storming The Castle' in 2008 and then forming my Metal band 'FireWolfe' in 2010. 'FireWolfe' has done 2 albums and is currently working on a 3rd album entitled 'Atonement' scheduled for release in October 2021. The purpose of Layton & Martin is exactly what Roger said, to lift the name of Christ Almighty and hopefully help bring light and love into these dark times we live in.
(Jacob) Who was the founding member(s) and when did the band officially form?
(Roger Dale Martin) The founding member is Nick Layton. I was invited to consider the project from a third party who gave me Nick’s contact information. I called Nick and we established the band in August of 2020.
(Jacob) Can you shed some light on where your band's name came from and what is the meaning behind it? (Roger Dale Martin) Nick Layton + Roger Dale Martin = 'Layton & Martin'
(Nick Layton) And the name of the album 'Roxology' is a play on the word doxology. One meaning of doxology is “an expression of praise to God, especially a short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service.” So, with Roxology we have a collection of hymns that are an expression of praise to God…but they also rock…hence Roxology!
(Jacob) What brand of instruments do you all use and why do you prefer that specific brand over another?
(Roger Dale Martin) I love Fender bass guitars. Specifically the Precision model. Simple but effective design. One pickup, one volume knob and one tone knob. And I run the tone wide open (10). Different tonal options can be achieved by using a pick or fingers. Location of the plectrum on the strings, etc. I choose Fender over the other brands because the Precision has a deep deep voice. And enough character to establish the low end with a sizzle on top for definition. The Fender responds dynamically to different pick intensities . From whisper soft and smooth to a loud biting growl. Done deal for me.
(Nick Layton) I love Super Strat guitars. That means a Fender Strat style body and neck but often tricked out with a Floyd Rose and humbucker (DiMarzio) pickups. Over the years I have loved using Carvin and Charvel guitars and currently I’m loving my Chubtone guitar which is a custom build from a great company in southern California. For amps I love Marshall’s and recently I’ve been using the HeadRush pedalboard and BluGuitar Amp 1 for studio and live amplification. The guitars on Roxology were recorded primarily direct with the HeadRush. I prefer a simple set up that gets me the tone I want, usually an 80’s style hard rock/metal sound.
(Jacob) Do you all have any hobbies outside of music that help to rejuvenate or inspire creativity within your music?
(Roger Dale Martin) I have two hobbies that are slightly related. Polishing chrome wheels is my first. Sounds strange’ but I love it. It feels good to put some elbow grease on that chrome so that it shines like a mirror. Protects the metal from corrosion and looks clean and maintained. My second hobby is knife sharpening. Once again, there is something very satisfying about achieving a razor sharp edge. Look out! It inspirers musical creativity by helping me to relax. Plus there are several ways to polish chrome and several ways to sharpen a knife. A mirror polished wheel and a mirror polished edge are the result of a creative effort. If it can be done with a knife edge, then it can be done in a musical environment to polish up a tune.
(Nick Layton) My interests (I don’t really have “hobbies”) outside of music are working out with weights and exercising outdoors, and I love to read both fiction and nonfiction books. I’m currently hooked on reading musician autobiographies. I also love my Seattle Seahawks…Go Hawks!
(Jacob) Are there any artists that have played a part in influencing the members of your band along with your band's sound?
(Roger Dale Martin) Mel Schacher of Grand Funk Railroad, Dee Dee Ramone of the Ramones.
(Nick Layton) Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Vinnie Moore, John Sykes.
(Jacob) What is the biggest problem that you have had to overcome as a band?
(Roger Dale Martin) To go independent. Or go the Record company route. Or shop with an entertainment lawyer. Dealing with the question of “How do we get the album into the hands of Metal fans?”
(Nick Layton) Yeah, I think because this project is so unique we didn’t have a clear path to market it. But things are coming together and we are very excited to see Roxology beginning to take on a life of it’s own.
(Jacob) Can you go into some detail about the musical direction on your latest release 'Roxology-Unearthing Majestic Hymns from The Catacombs'?
(Roger Dale Martin) The musical direction was old traditional church hymns set to a blazing rock format. But we wanted to place these old hymns in the middle of the pinnacle of advanced electric guitar technique and virtuosity. Mainly the Malmsteen, Rhoads, Lynch, Van Halen era if you please. Plus we did not want to be limited in that approach either. Hence; different beats, grooves and attitudes permeate the album. Blues was thrown in to balance the strict discipline of face melting classical music guitar lines. A little something for everybody.
(Nick Layton) Yeah, I’ve heard some people describe this as sounding similar to the Trans Siberian Orchestra mixed with Yngwie Malmsteen or Joe Satriani, and I don’t think that’s too far off the mark. I wanted to make sure that no matter how far we took things musically we retained the beauty of the original melodies. I wanted there to be elements of classic Heavy Metal, shred guitar, but also mixed with quieter moments and elegant melodies. Roger brought some thrash and punk rock to the party and I think the end result is an album that’s a lot of fun for people to listen to!
(Jacob) Do you feel like you achieved what you set out to accomplish on your latest project?
(Roger Dale Martin) Yes indeed. Our goal was to take the listener on a rich musical and spiritual journey. Resurrecting the old hymns into a fresh new musical world. One listen and you will be hooked.
(Nick Layton) Absolutely!
(Jacob) What is your favorite song to perform, whether live or in studio, and why?
(Roger Dale Martin) I loved recording “How Great Thou Art”. Lots of different bass textures and tones. Plus the closing outro was a blast for me. It has a bluesy sound but the notes fall into a major scale format. YOW!
(Nick Layton) I think my favorite song to record was “Holy, Holy, Holy” with that extended guitar intro. I went back and forth with Roger on that several times to get it just right so it would blend right in to the rest of the song. Also got to break out the old wah wah pedal which I love to do!
(Jacob) Was there any special or funny moments during the recording process of the album?
(Roger Dale Martin) In an Ionian mode context, the major 7th chord is called “diminished”. It is very dissonant and is rarely used. I suggested to Nick that we use that particular chord to end the song ‘The Old Rugged Cross”. I thought it would sound bizarre and sinister. We tried it and it had the opposite effect. Completely hilarious. Check it for yourself and find out!
(Nick Layton) Yes! That was the funniest thing ever ending on that diminished chord. I couldn’t stop laughing. Honestly, there were so many special moments during the recording of this album. Many times I’d just close my eyes and listen to what Roger and I had come up with and just be amazed at how God brought this whole album together.
(Jacob) At this time, are you planning to keep moving forward as a band and are there any plans for future projects in the works?
(Roger Dale Martin) We are getting encouraged to play Audiofeed this year. Plus, a future album with vocals is in the radar also. The main excitement now is watching Roxology take off like a rocket. Dude!
(Nick Layton) Yes, we’re just getting started with Roxology and we’re excited to see the official CD release on Roxx Records next month on May 28th (preorders available now!). Roger and I have a strong working relationship and musical chemistry so we are already thinking of future projects and taking Roxology live.
Jacob) Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses to each and every question. I am excited about your latest release and am looking forward to hearing more from the band in the future.
(Roger Dale Martin) Thanks Jacob. This was a fun interview. Love you, mean it, see you on the flip flop.
(Nick Layton) It was a pleasure Jacob, thanks for the fun interview!
(Jacob) It's so good to finally be having this interview with your band.
(Roger Dale Martin) Thanks for the invitation to interview I am excited to intermingle with Christian Molten Metal. This should be fun!
(Nick Layton) Happy we could make it happen Jacob, thanks!
(Jacob) So, can you give us some insight into what got you involved in the music industry and what is the ultimate purpose of the band?
(Roger Dale Martin) I’ve been involved in the music industry since the beginning of the Christian metal scene. Arriving in Los Angeles California in 1984, I was quickly put to work by the Inland Empires mighty “Emerald”. Did some shows with those guys and recorded bass tracks for the iconic album ”Armed for Battle”. From there, I teamed up with Pastor Bob from Sanctuary and founded the ground breaking and controversial thrash band known as Vengeance Rising. The ultimate purpose of Layton & Martin is to lift up the name of Jesus Christ Almighty.
(Nick Layton) I started out making music my business as a guitar teacher, and then later a worship/church band coordinator. That led to me writing and recording my solo record 'Storming The Castle' in 2008 and then forming my Metal band 'FireWolfe' in 2010. 'FireWolfe' has done 2 albums and is currently working on a 3rd album entitled 'Atonement' scheduled for release in October 2021. The purpose of Layton & Martin is exactly what Roger said, to lift the name of Christ Almighty and hopefully help bring light and love into these dark times we live in.
(Jacob) Who was the founding member(s) and when did the band officially form?
(Roger Dale Martin) The founding member is Nick Layton. I was invited to consider the project from a third party who gave me Nick’s contact information. I called Nick and we established the band in August of 2020.
(Jacob) Can you shed some light on where your band's name came from and what is the meaning behind it? (Roger Dale Martin) Nick Layton + Roger Dale Martin = 'Layton & Martin'
(Nick Layton) And the name of the album 'Roxology' is a play on the word doxology. One meaning of doxology is “an expression of praise to God, especially a short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service.” So, with Roxology we have a collection of hymns that are an expression of praise to God…but they also rock…hence Roxology!
(Jacob) What brand of instruments do you all use and why do you prefer that specific brand over another?
(Roger Dale Martin) I love Fender bass guitars. Specifically the Precision model. Simple but effective design. One pickup, one volume knob and one tone knob. And I run the tone wide open (10). Different tonal options can be achieved by using a pick or fingers. Location of the plectrum on the strings, etc. I choose Fender over the other brands because the Precision has a deep deep voice. And enough character to establish the low end with a sizzle on top for definition. The Fender responds dynamically to different pick intensities . From whisper soft and smooth to a loud biting growl. Done deal for me.
(Nick Layton) I love Super Strat guitars. That means a Fender Strat style body and neck but often tricked out with a Floyd Rose and humbucker (DiMarzio) pickups. Over the years I have loved using Carvin and Charvel guitars and currently I’m loving my Chubtone guitar which is a custom build from a great company in southern California. For amps I love Marshall’s and recently I’ve been using the HeadRush pedalboard and BluGuitar Amp 1 for studio and live amplification. The guitars on Roxology were recorded primarily direct with the HeadRush. I prefer a simple set up that gets me the tone I want, usually an 80’s style hard rock/metal sound.
(Jacob) Do you all have any hobbies outside of music that help to rejuvenate or inspire creativity within your music?
(Roger Dale Martin) I have two hobbies that are slightly related. Polishing chrome wheels is my first. Sounds strange’ but I love it. It feels good to put some elbow grease on that chrome so that it shines like a mirror. Protects the metal from corrosion and looks clean and maintained. My second hobby is knife sharpening. Once again, there is something very satisfying about achieving a razor sharp edge. Look out! It inspirers musical creativity by helping me to relax. Plus there are several ways to polish chrome and several ways to sharpen a knife. A mirror polished wheel and a mirror polished edge are the result of a creative effort. If it can be done with a knife edge, then it can be done in a musical environment to polish up a tune.
(Nick Layton) My interests (I don’t really have “hobbies”) outside of music are working out with weights and exercising outdoors, and I love to read both fiction and nonfiction books. I’m currently hooked on reading musician autobiographies. I also love my Seattle Seahawks…Go Hawks!
(Jacob) Are there any artists that have played a part in influencing the members of your band along with your band's sound?
(Roger Dale Martin) Mel Schacher of Grand Funk Railroad, Dee Dee Ramone of the Ramones.
(Nick Layton) Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Vinnie Moore, John Sykes.
(Jacob) What is the biggest problem that you have had to overcome as a band?
(Roger Dale Martin) To go independent. Or go the Record company route. Or shop with an entertainment lawyer. Dealing with the question of “How do we get the album into the hands of Metal fans?”
(Nick Layton) Yeah, I think because this project is so unique we didn’t have a clear path to market it. But things are coming together and we are very excited to see Roxology beginning to take on a life of it’s own.
(Jacob) Can you go into some detail about the musical direction on your latest release 'Roxology-Unearthing Majestic Hymns from The Catacombs'?
(Roger Dale Martin) The musical direction was old traditional church hymns set to a blazing rock format. But we wanted to place these old hymns in the middle of the pinnacle of advanced electric guitar technique and virtuosity. Mainly the Malmsteen, Rhoads, Lynch, Van Halen era if you please. Plus we did not want to be limited in that approach either. Hence; different beats, grooves and attitudes permeate the album. Blues was thrown in to balance the strict discipline of face melting classical music guitar lines. A little something for everybody.
(Nick Layton) Yeah, I’ve heard some people describe this as sounding similar to the Trans Siberian Orchestra mixed with Yngwie Malmsteen or Joe Satriani, and I don’t think that’s too far off the mark. I wanted to make sure that no matter how far we took things musically we retained the beauty of the original melodies. I wanted there to be elements of classic Heavy Metal, shred guitar, but also mixed with quieter moments and elegant melodies. Roger brought some thrash and punk rock to the party and I think the end result is an album that’s a lot of fun for people to listen to!
(Jacob) Do you feel like you achieved what you set out to accomplish on your latest project?
(Roger Dale Martin) Yes indeed. Our goal was to take the listener on a rich musical and spiritual journey. Resurrecting the old hymns into a fresh new musical world. One listen and you will be hooked.
(Nick Layton) Absolutely!
(Jacob) What is your favorite song to perform, whether live or in studio, and why?
(Roger Dale Martin) I loved recording “How Great Thou Art”. Lots of different bass textures and tones. Plus the closing outro was a blast for me. It has a bluesy sound but the notes fall into a major scale format. YOW!
(Nick Layton) I think my favorite song to record was “Holy, Holy, Holy” with that extended guitar intro. I went back and forth with Roger on that several times to get it just right so it would blend right in to the rest of the song. Also got to break out the old wah wah pedal which I love to do!
(Jacob) Was there any special or funny moments during the recording process of the album?
(Roger Dale Martin) In an Ionian mode context, the major 7th chord is called “diminished”. It is very dissonant and is rarely used. I suggested to Nick that we use that particular chord to end the song ‘The Old Rugged Cross”. I thought it would sound bizarre and sinister. We tried it and it had the opposite effect. Completely hilarious. Check it for yourself and find out!
(Nick Layton) Yes! That was the funniest thing ever ending on that diminished chord. I couldn’t stop laughing. Honestly, there were so many special moments during the recording of this album. Many times I’d just close my eyes and listen to what Roger and I had come up with and just be amazed at how God brought this whole album together.
(Jacob) At this time, are you planning to keep moving forward as a band and are there any plans for future projects in the works?
(Roger Dale Martin) We are getting encouraged to play Audiofeed this year. Plus, a future album with vocals is in the radar also. The main excitement now is watching Roxology take off like a rocket. Dude!
(Nick Layton) Yes, we’re just getting started with Roxology and we’re excited to see the official CD release on Roxx Records next month on May 28th (preorders available now!). Roger and I have a strong working relationship and musical chemistry so we are already thinking of future projects and taking Roxology live.
Jacob) Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses to each and every question. I am excited about your latest release and am looking forward to hearing more from the band in the future.
(Roger Dale Martin) Thanks Jacob. This was a fun interview. Love you, mean it, see you on the flip flop.
(Nick Layton) It was a pleasure Jacob, thanks for the fun interview!