When you think of rockabilly, names like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Wanda Jackson might come to mind. But one name stands out in the current roots music scene: Marty Brom. A powerhouse vocalist and a dynamic performer, Marty Brom has carved a niche for herself with a unique blend of classic country, rockabilly, and a touch of punk rock energy. Her journey from a shy girl in St. Louis to an international rockabilly sensation is nothing short of remarkable.

In a recent interview with Steve Roby on the Backstage Sonoma show, Marty Brom shared the influences, experiences, and lessons that have shaped her illustrious career. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to authenticity in her music.

Growing Up in St. Louis: A Melting Pot of Musical Influences

Marty Brom’s roots in St. Louis, Missouri, laid the foundation for her eclectic taste in music. Growing up in a household where music was omnipresent, Marty was influenced by a wide range of genres—from the rock ‘n’ roll of Chuck Berry to the folk songs her older sister would play. “I was a ‘70s, ‘80s girl,” Marty recalls. “A lot of stuff influenced me from the ‘70s and ‘80s, but I was also influenced by my sister’s folk records, my parents' records, which included everything from Barbra Streisand to Joan Baez.”

Interestingly, Marty’s exposure to country music came not from her parents, who weren’t particularly fond of the genre, but through her own exploration. “I had to find those things on my own through television and movies,” she explains. This self-driven discovery of music, including her love for artists like Jodie Miller, who she now covers, is a testament to her deep connection with the sounds that would later define her career.

A Bold Move to England: Lessons in Humility and Empathy

Artists seem to have a pivotal moment that shapes their careers, and Marty’s was to move to England in hopes of kickstarting her singing career. However, things didn’t go as planned. “It was devastating at first because I got kicked out,” Marty says, recounting the experience of being denied entry into the country. But instead of letting the setback crush her spirit, Marty took it as a valuable lesson in humility and empathy.

“I learned a lot of humility and empathy for other people and their plight,” she reflects. The experience opened her eyes to the struggles of others and made her realize how fortunate she was to have a home to return to. “My life wouldn’t be what it is now if I had gained entry to England,” she adds. It was a turning point that shaped her worldview and deepened her connection to the universal power of music.

 The Universal Appeal of Timeless Music

Marty Brom’s music resonates with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. When asked what makes her music so universally appealing, Marty credits the timeless nature of the genres she performs. “The music is universal,” she says. If you do a type of timeless music that resonates with people’s feelings and emotions, that’s the basis of all great songs.”

This connection to the human experience makes Marty’s music so powerful. Whether she’s belting out a rockabilly anthem or crooning a country ballad, Marty’s performances are always infused with emotion and authenticity. It’s no wonder she has fans across the globe, from Sweden to Australia.

From Stage Fright to Center Stage: Overcoming Fears

Despite her success, Marty Brom wasn’t always confident on stage. She describes her early attempts at performing as “physically ill feeling.” It wasn’t until she participated in a musical production while living on an Air Force base with her husband that she overcame her stage fright. “Once I did it, that was the beginning of me getting over my fear of being in front of people,” she recalls.

This newfound confidence led Marty to perform with bands in St. Louis and eventually move to Austin, Texas, where her career took off. Today, she’s known for her high-energy live performances and the exceptional musicianship of her bands, whether she’s playing in Austin, Europe, or Australia.

A Distinct Sound: The Influence of Suzy Quatro and Beyond

Marty Brom’s music reflects her diverse influences, from folk icons like Joan Baez to rock legends like Suzy Quatro. Marty first discovered Quatro's music when she was a teenager in Italy. “All the jukeboxes in Italy had Suzy Quatro on them, and I was hooked,” she says. Quatro’s rebellious spirit and rock ‘n’ roll attitude resonated deeply with Marty, influencing her sound and stage presence.But Marty’s influences don’t stop there. Her love for eclectic music is evident in her home, wardrobe, and music. “I’ve always had an eclectic taste in almost everything,” she says. This blend of styles gives Marty’s music its unique edge, setting her apart from other artists in the genre.

A Global Journey: Recording in Sweden and Beyond

Marty Brom’s current album, Midnight Bus, is a testament to her international appeal. Recorded in Sweden, the album features a mix of original songs and covers, including contributions from renowned guitarist Billy Bremner of Rock Pile. The project came together organically, with Marty recording tracks during her trips to Europe. “Every time I go [to Sweden], we just record two or three songs and see what we can do with them,” she explains.

The album culminates Marty’s experiences and collaborations with musicians worldwide, showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Marty Brom?

As for the future, Marty Brom shows no signs of slowing down. While she has a wealth of unreleased material recorded in Sweden, she’s also toying with the idea of releasing more 45s—yes, the cool collectible vinyl kind with picture sleeves. “Many people want vinyl in general, LPs, not so much CDs anymore,” she notes. And with her ever-present passion for creating music, fans can expect more releases and live performances in the near future.

For those eager to catch Marty Brom live, she’ll perform at the Sebastiana Theatre in Sonoma with Nashville Honeymoon on September 6th. It’s a show you won’t want to miss, as Marty brings her high-energy performance and authentic rockabilly sound to the stage.

In a world where music constantly evolves, Marty Brom remains a steadfast icon of the rockabilly genre. She stays true to her roots while continually pushing the boundaries of her sound. Her journey from St. Louis to the global stage is a story of resilience, passion, and the timeless power of music.

Playlist: “Lasso Mr. Moon,” “Loveaholic,” and “Midnight Bus.”

For tickets to Marti Brom’s September 6 show at the Sebastiana Theatre, visit sebastianitheatre.com.