Transcript
Episode 25. Vicci martinez
On today's episode of Gritty is the New Pretty, we have Vicky Martinez, local Tacoma music legend who rose to fame on The Voice and starred in Orange is the New Black.
01:57.85
Krystle Edwards
Now based in New York, Vicky continues to break barriers in entertainment while building her brand and entrepreneurial ventures. Welcome, Vicky.
02:06.27
Vicci
Thank you for having me, Crystal.
02:09.28
Krystle Edwards
Why don't you start off with telling us about yourself?
02:13.42
Vicci
Well, um I am Tacoma native. I am living in New York right now, but I have been was born and at Tacoma Mary Bridge Hospital. um I went to Rogers Elementary, McOvey Middle School, and then Stadium High School.
02:31.40
Vicci
And i was raised in a pretty strict religious family, so i kind of was a little sheltered um when it came to,
02:44.92
Vicci
ah you know, just worldly things. But I think when I was in high school and I um started playing music, my own music, and and singing and just feeling the freedom in that is when I kind of...
02:58.63
Vicci
um you know I left my religion and I just kind of became myself. and And with my music, I really just kind of try to tell my story and um hope that in some way it helps other people. And that's just kind of been my, um I guess, my path. Because when you relate when you're raised in a religion that's pretty strict, I mean, that's what your path is.
03:21.09
Vicci
And so growing up, I kind of was like... I don't know what to do next after this.
03:26.34
Krystle Edwards
Thank you.
03:26.34
Vicci
You know, I didn't have any, um, goals for going to college or, or what kind of job, you know, that I could do because your, your main goal is to just kind of be a, you know, get higher in the church and do put more hours in preaching and things like that.
03:42.50
Vicci
And, and so when music, um, became my ah I guess you call it my life jacket or what what it was the word that people use for, i don't know. It became my safety.
03:57.99
Vicci
um It, I transferred that mentality into my music and just was like, this is helping me. And, you know, this is my way that I can help others, you know, hopefully. So that's just kind of been what my goals have been, I guess, in my life and still in my future, I guess.
04:17.47
Krystle Edwards
You were pretty big in high school. We went to high school together.
04:22.64
Vicci
Yes, we did.
04:22.71
Krystle Edwards
And I don't want to downplay your high school music career because you were playing in all sorts of venues as a teenager.
04:23.20
Vicci
Yeah.
04:33.38
Krystle Edwards
I mean, what, 15? And you started really young.
04:36.15
Vicci
Yeah.
04:36.92
Krystle Edwards
And then I remember going to your shows and hanging out.
04:37.51
Vicci
yeah
04:40.48
Krystle Edwards
And mean, you had a huge following. You still do. But I mean, even then, you had a a large following for the Vicky Martinez band. um So you know
04:49.79
Vicci
I just kind of went straight for it, I guess, straight into it. Like, this is what I'm going to do, so let's make it my job, you know, as quickly as possible.
04:58.83
Krystle Edwards
yeah. And then that journey at a young age, how did that influence sort of where you are now in regards to your career?
05:13.69
Vicci
um I guess in the music business, you kind of just... There's just like a pretty straightforward plan. you know you You make records, you get fans, you sell records, you try to get more fans to sell more records. um And then...
05:34.75
Vicci
and then At that time, there was a lot of talent shows coming up on TV. you know They had Star Search way back in the day, but they kind of revamped Star Search again.
05:41.16
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
05:44.46
Vicci
So i I was on Star Search. I tried out for American Idol. I didn't do American Idol because my dad, um at the time, you he was just like, you know they're they're giving you the go to go to Hollywood. But he he was there with me at the audition and and heard a lot of people. and he was like...
06:02.26
Vicci
there's a lot of really good people here. And so I think, you know, you have some growing to do. And the contract for American Idol was like, if you, you know, get anywhere with the show, you basically sell your soul, you know, for the rest of your career. and And he just thought like, you know, you're going to do more writing and you're going you know, just get better. So I just...
06:25.88
Vicci
he was kind of pushing me to, to slow down with the American Idol. And, um and it was funny because like maybe 10 years later, I was like, man, I should have done the American Idol. Cause I was just still in town in the West coast, just doing the same gigs. And I, I remember saying, i wish there was a show that I could go on that, you know, let me be myself more and let me tell my story more. And,
06:50.15
Vicci
And then people could hear where I'm coming from and and make their um opinion or or choice ah if they like me or not.
06:58.82
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
06:59.13
Vicci
And that would be a quick way to get some fans. And and then like seriously, a couple of weeks later, my manager got a call from The Voice and they were like, hey, we're interested in this person and we'd like to have our audition for this new show. and And so I guess that's kind of what in my mind was like, that's the next thing, you know, otherwise, you know, you get signed by a label. You know, I, I was buddies back in the day with Brandi Carlile and she was kind of doing the, um, getting a, getting a label to sign her. I, I tried out for some labels. I had some people that were interested, but people kind of said the same thing that my dad said. They were like, you know, I think that you got some growing up to do, but I think you're good, you know, for your age and everything. But I think that they're, you know,
07:46.20
Vicci
you could do a little more to, you know, I guess get some get some more experience. So ah I ended up just being like, well, what's the quick way I could do? And so I went on The Voice and that kind of got me my label deal. so cheated.
08:05.69
Krystle Edwards
Well, how did it feel when they were telling you that? Did you feel any sort of rejection or were you just all about like, yeah, I have growing to do? How did you take it?
08:14.75
Vicci
Yeah, I did. And you know what was interesting is that one of the things that I realized my pattern in a lot of these things is i want to be i i want to be the good kid. Just like when I was in my religion, I was like, I want to be i want you guys to think I'm doing good and I and i i want you guys to be proud of me.
08:34.31
Vicci
And so when people would suggest stuff to me, i would do it. I mean, I remember coming back to stadium and and being in l LA and like my whole hair color had changed and I was like trying to look like a rocker and everybody was like, whoa, like trying almost looking pop star-ish. And it was like, that's not you. You're like Vicky with your flip-flops and, and just like little hippie kid.
08:56.61
Vicci
And you I remember some of my friends just being like, you know, like even saying like, are you trying to sell out? And I didn't, think I was. I just was trying to make my managers at that time proud of me. And i was just the yes man. I was just like, yes, yes, whatever you think I should do to, you know, you guys know. So, and in that, I think I lost myself a bit.
09:23.05
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
09:23.18
Vicci
um And so when I look back on that, I get annoyed that I cared about that rejection in the way of just trying to instead of just like standing my ground and be like, well, this is me. So get over it, which is like what Brandi Carlile did. And I talked to her in the past and I was like, man, I should have done what you did. Like just stay true to myself. But she's, you know, she and other people have said like, you've done it in many other ways, you know, like leaving a religion and um being out. and
09:54.68
Vicci
you know, there was, there was some things, um hurdles that I kind of had to get by. Everybody's journey is different. So yeah, you know i had some things some soul searching to do, um I guess you could say.
10:06.78
Vicci
So um that rejection definitely did have a play in and how I was... um I don't know.
10:18.73
Vicci
I don't like to say sellout, but you know kind of not staying true to what kind of music I wanted to do and and what I wanted to sing about.
10:21.07
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
10:25.54
Krystle Edwards
You were being influenced.
10:27.27
Vicci
Yes, thank you. That's the word. I was definitely being influenced
10:28.63
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
10:30.55
Vicci
and i And I was seeing people like, well, they're making money. there you know And when you think about it, the people that were trying to influence me were producers and they people behind the scenes.
10:34.62
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
10:38.19
Krystle Edwards
Right.
10:39.50
Vicci
you know I wasn't really talking to many artists. And when I did, like Brandi Carlos, she was like, stay true to you. Don't stop touring and don't stop doing what you do live.
10:46.20
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
10:48.52
Vicci
you know And so I'm now taking that um advice into account for sure.
10:51.36
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
10:55.91
Vicci
Yeah.
10:58.56
00:02.77
Krystle Edwards
That makes sense to me because producers and anybody behind the scenes... their primary motivation is probably the dollars, right? You know, it's a business for them.
00:16.24
Krystle Edwards
And it is a business when you're, you know, famous and you're movie star, you have to make money.
00:16.33
Vicci
Yeah.
00:22.38
Krystle Edwards
um
00:22.42
Vicci
Yeah.
00:24.12
Krystle Edwards
But you being an artist, you have to balance that out. And it sounds like that was a big part of kind of the struggle is discovering how you do that.
00:34.84
Vicci
And I was young. I was young. So I, one of the things that I've realized and I've done some therapy over is like, i I thought that everybody's advice was because they loved me and because they wanted the thing that was best for me. And then, you know, when you do mixed business and...
00:54.45
Vicci
people that you're around daily, like managers and whatnot, they love you, but they're also like, Hey, I got to get my percentage. I need her to work. I need her to, you know, I, I burnt out, you know, 10 years ago, like I had my little and, and had to get, um, quiet.
01:03.20
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
01:12.64
Vicci
So, and that was a lot of just, like I said before, you know, trying to make, trying to please everyone. And, um, And then when I didn't have the natural energy for it, you know, i had to look for other things to, to keep me going. And that's where, you know, every artist has that story of like, you know, I turned to this to help me and, and keep me, you know, keep it going. And so I definitely have that story as well.
01:45.36
Krystle Edwards
Do you want to share?
01:47.11
Vicci
yeah um
01:47.62
Krystle Edwards
You can say no. I don't want to put you on the spot.
01:49.63
Vicci
No, I think, like I said earlier, like my stories and and what go my experience is, like if they can help anyone, you know, that's what they're for. And so, yeah, I was on The Voice and um after being with the label and and a lot of pressure, like of
01:58.83
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
02:07.51
Vicci
getting up, going to radio stations and, oh, because trying to promote a record is nuts. and and it And one of the things that used to get me before, the you know, the carrot for me was like, I'm getting paid.
02:19.40
Vicci
I'm going to be able to pay my bills with this. So it was easy for me to to be okay with that. But these radio tours were like, you're not getting paid and you're going and you're selling yourself and you're trying to make these people like you because it's up to them if they're going to play your record.
02:34.28
Vicci
And not only is it just like, is this record pop enough or is it going to keep people wanting to listen to our station? It was also like you had to... you know, make that DJ like you because they had a whole stack of other people.
02:48.03
Vicci
And it was kind of creepy. There were some people that you'd meet that you realize like, why are you trying to get real fresh with me? You know, it was like, cause they were, yeah.
02:54.33
Krystle Edwards
Ugh.
02:56.44
Vicci
So in those settings, you know, it was just like more alcohol, more, you know, weed, more whatever to keep me just like, you know, excited. And, and, and then I was prescribed Adderall.
03:12.88
Vicci
And I overdid it. I overdid it. I, you know, I found the doctor that was just going to give me what I needed. And, um, and then I became addicted. And so I had all of these things that, um,
03:33.74
Vicci
I had to follow through on. And what's interesting is like you take your Adderall and you're like, yeah, I'm going to do this. You have a plan and everything. And then it's like, you crash. And I burned a lot of bridges. I, you know, I, my ADD, I feel like my ADD was more activated.
03:49.68
Vicci
Um, when I started taking medication because i had something that was getting me through. And then when it wasn't there, it was like, I needed that. So then my addict mind was just like,
04:01.98
Vicci
I need my meds. I need my meds. And the, foot door my total focus changed. It was just like, just chasing dopamine, you know, and, and losing sight of what, um, I was really here to do, which was sing and, um, and exchange that frequency with the audience.
04:11.37
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
04:21.16
Vicci
And, you know, like I said before, that was my preaching, you know, that was my way of of healing myself and healing others. And I, not that I was a hypocrite, but I was just doing the exact opposite. You know, I was chasing something else. And, um, and so it was interesting. i after a couple of years of, um, being on my label, I, um, had this business manager that, um, had gotten me a deal with a tequila company. And right before that, I had told my manager, like, I think I need to go to rehab.
04:55.33
Vicci
And she was like,
04:55.51
Krystle Edwards
Oh no.
04:56.95
Vicci
okay, let's not do the tequila deal, but we have to do a radio tour. And like, it's already scheduled. Like you can't go now. So she was just like, let's just see if you can do this cold Turkey and, and I'll help you. And you know, her parents were alcoholics. Like she was, it was really good to have her on my side. And so I did that radio tour, tour sober.
05:17.28
Vicci
And, um, and then right on the radio tour, like on my birthday, I was in Sweden and she got a, um, uh, an email that I was getting dropped from the label.
05:30.62
Vicci
And she was just like, look, I know it seems really sad and I know rejection is going to come up, but she's like, dude, you don't owe half a million dollars. So just be happy about that. You get a clean slate. I've negotiated to where you don't have to pay back anything and you can, um, you can keep touring. You can keep selling the record if you want. And, and, you know, but she's like, it's not normal where they, you just get a clean slate. So,
05:57.14
Vicci
um, that's kind of what happened. And then after that, I came home and I tried to do release an album independently, which I did, but I was still in my active addiction, you know, just coming home to that doctor, getting my pills and just like, go, go, go. And, um, before you knew it, like, I just like my heart couldn't take it.
06:20.67
Vicci
I was having like, can't breathe. Like I saw the light at one, moment at one time I was like, um I felt like I was passing out and I saw the light and I just like said to God, I was like, okay, I didn't say I would stop drinking, but I said, I'll go to rehab.
06:36.05
Vicci
And then like, I felt like the life got thrown back into me. And I went to rehab and I was sober for a year. And then um i got asked to be on Orange is the New Black.
06:51.72
Vicci
which, you know, we could talk about that as well, but I, you know, that was a whole other venture. And then little insecure Vicky was just like, I can't do this sober. So I went back to that doctor and I got my pills and i had another, um, you know, i had another binge little bender, I guess you call it. And for a few years, and then, ah two years ago I got sober again. So I've been sober for almost three years in September.
07:19.83
Vicci
Yeah.
07:20.04
Krystle Edwards
Congratulations.
07:20.77
Vicci
Yeah.
07:21.86
Krystle Edwards
That's amazing.
07:22.09
Vicci
It's awesome too. I feel great. Yeah.
07:24.14
Krystle Edwards
Well, yeah. Thank you for sharing that and being vulnerable. ah I really try to share those kinds of stories because it does help people to hear that. And so there will be somebody that listens.
07:39.86
Krystle Edwards
I imagine that that will help. So thank you.
07:42.39
Vicci
Yeah.
07:43.84
Krystle Edwards
Okay. So you mentioned Orange is the New Black and you played Daddy Duarte on Orange is the New Black on the sixth and seventh season.
07:47.59
Vicci
Yeah.
07:51.61
Vicci
Yeah.
07:56.06
Krystle Edwards
and that was your first major acting role, your first acting role, as far as I know.
07:56.59
Vicci
Yeah.
07:59.81
Vicci
who
08:01.69
Krystle Edwards
um
08:01.95
Vicci
Yeah.
08:03.51
Krystle Edwards
So tell me about, tell me how they offered you, you said they asked you to to do it. Tell me that story and then let's talk about the like experience.
08:13.39
Vicci
It was crazy. Like, I mean, obviously I've talked about being religious or whatever, but I've definitely felt Like there's a source and ah whether it's frequency or Holy Spirit or self, like I've definitely always been connected to my, to that thing. And um I was in a pretty toxic relationship that I couldn't leave.
08:38.16
Vicci
And I just was sitting by a tree one day and I was just like, God, like, or universe or aliens, like, please help me leave help me leave this relationship. Like I am stuck and I don't know what to do. And we were on a camping trip and then um the next day we were coming to where my phone had service.
08:59.78
Vicci
And I had an email from the casting director at um Orange is the New Black that just said like, hi, we've been looking for somebody to play this role. And when we typed in all of the characteristics, you came up.
09:14.73
Vicci
And so um we're just wondering if you've seen the show, if you ah yeah you're familiar with it. And I just wrote back like, yes, yes, yes, whatever.
09:24.86
Vicci
Like, um that you know, I'll do it.
09:25.82
Krystle Edwards
you
09:27.07
Vicci
And then I just even was like, what she's like, well, we have to do an audition tape. And And so she just told me um what to do. And I had a wife beater on and she was like, perfect. And I was like, I have a white wall that we just built in this loft of ours. And I was kind of annoyed with the white wall that we even built it. And was like, that's what you need. You a white background. was like, okay, everything's lining up.
09:47.88
Vicci
And, um, and so I just, within a couple days I was in New York and, um, you know, the deal wasn't great, but it was just what I asked for, like something to get me out of here. And, um, and they had told me that, you know, it was a three to five episodes kind of thing. And then it ended up being way more than that.
10:10.07
Vicci
Um, And they I remember when I was on set at one point, they I was still in my toxic relationship and kind of coming back and forth. And one of the producers was like, look, we're we're on to you.
10:24.35
Vicci
And we really like you. And we see that you're stuck in this thing. But um she was like, I'm going to do something weird. And I'm going to let you know we're going to offer you a backstory and keep you kind of on as a guest star.
10:36.19
Vicci
But you have to break up with your girlfriend. And I was like... She was like, i she's like, she's like, and this is not normal.
10:40.72
Krystle Edwards
What?
10:43.17
Vicci
She's like, but I just, I just see myself in you. She's like, I've been in relationships like that myself and it's it's hard to leave, but, um, she's like, this is how I'm going to help you do it.
10:55.64
Vicci
And so I was like, okay. And, and I went and, um, I stayed there and, uh, I started just Airbnb and, um, And then I met somebody somebody on the set, Emily Tarver, who was just... The the minute i met her, i was like...
11:13.98
Vicci
you know I'm a weirdo, so I was just like, you look like a sunshine. And then I ran away, and she was just like, wow, she's crazy. And then um i I showed her some my music. She started singing along to it, and I just was like, wow, you can sing backups you know with me at a show I'm doing next week. And she was like, okay. And she she was opposite of all the actors. um like A lot of people in that business are just like, you know,
11:41.27
Vicci
Me, me, me. Look at what I've done. Like, you know, and, and sometimes I think that they do that to like promote themselves and like to try to get more jobs. So I don't want to throw any shade to people that do that, but she was the exact opposite.
11:50.00
Krystle Edwards
Right.
11:53.91
Vicci
She was normal and real. And, um, and i did the whole lesbian thing where I just, she was like, do you want to stay for the weekend?
12:04.42
Vicci
And I was like, I had my suitcase and my guitar and and then, yeah, I never left.
12:06.68
Krystle Edwards
You moved in.
12:09.91
Vicci
So that's I've been in New York for seven years.
12:12.11
Krystle Edwards
Oh my gosh, that's hilarious. I can't believe that your producer told you you had to break up with your girlfriend.
12:20.07
Vicci
i know.
12:21.55
Krystle Edwards
hate that and I love that at the same time. And one of the reasons that I hate it because I don't want like anyone to ever pressure anyone you know who they want to be with, right? like Who they do and don't want to be with.
12:39.02
Krystle Edwards
However, I love that she saw that it was hurting you and that it like it probably wasn't going to work out anyways.
12:45.79
Vicci
Yeah.
12:50.67
Krystle Edwards
is what This is what I'm imagining.
12:53.29
Vicci
Yeah.
12:53.42
Krystle Edwards
And that she gave you... she gave you the carrot you needed the little carrot to end it and sort of gave you this gift, even though it was slightly taboo.
12:59.75
Vicci
Yeah.
13:06.07
Krystle Edwards
And it's a little bit of a gray line of what like I would never do that to an employee or a staff member, but, um, at the same, no, go ahead.
13:11.97
Vicci
yeah
13:16.11
Vicci
It was kind of like what I said earlier. Sorry, don't let me interrupt. Go ahead. what
13:19.37
Krystle Edwards
No, go ahead. I want to hear.
13:20.23
Vicci
What I was saying earlier is that like you know I've had managers and people in my life where I'm like, you're asking me to do this because you want what's best for me, right? like it It was one of those where I could see like, no, she she knows.
13:27.17
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
13:32.43
Vicci
like They're getting emails from this person. theyre They're seeing that I'm checking my phone in the middle of of this and that because that person's like, what's going on?
13:36.45
Krystle Edwards
Ooh.
13:40.97
Vicci
you know And they were like, you're losing yourself in this.
13:41.61
Krystle Edwards
Ah.
13:44.52
Vicci
And this is a big opportunity. And we just don't want to see that happen. So I kind of just... I was like, okay, this is one of those things where, yeah, this is going to be better for them because they want me to perform my best and that's going to be good for their show.
13:59.98
Vicci
But then I was like, but the balance is like, I asked for it too. I was like, please, God, help me get out of this.
14:06.93
Krystle Edwards
Right. Mm-hmm.
14:07.54
Vicci
And and i needed I needed help. so And it was easier to ask for help um after being in rehab and and when you are so vulnerable and in a situation like that.
14:13.50
Krystle Edwards
Yep.
14:20.47
Vicci
Because before I went, it was like, okay, there's no going back. Once I admit that I have a problem, then everybody in my life is going to know like, oh, she doesn't got this.
14:31.82
Vicci
She don't got this. you know she like And one of the things that I always felt like that I... that I put on this this facade of like, oh, I got this. You know, like you were saying earlier, like, man, you were doing shows and and things that were really stressful um that I now in my age, or in some sense, I was still just like, God, this is stressful, like having to keep all this stuff together. But like at that age, I was like, no, this is what you got to do.
14:57.93
Vicci
This is how it is. And I didn't realize at that time, like what an anxious... you know, your body keeps a score. And so at that time I was just like, come on, keep them coming until ah my body just decides no more, can't take it.
15:05.52
Krystle Edwards
Right.
15:10.10
Vicci
And so i think I was just, you know, like I said, rehab helped me break that open and realize that it's okay to ask for help and it's okay to have these weird things, you know, just show up and, and, and, and be able to know like, okay, that is help.
15:26.91
Vicci
That is the universe doing, you know, throwing me a bone.
15:33.69
Krystle Edwards
right How has having this exposure with Orange the New Black, how have you navigated your personal brand and visibility in the entertainment industry, sort of like being authentic to yourself? Because, I mean, i imagine that you got quite a bit of exposure from that.
15:57.77
Vicci
Yeah. um I guess it was pretty good that I was just cast as a an inmate, you know, just like a low life, like, hey, this is what you get. And and even when I went there, like my hair was exactly, was already dyed.
16:11.95
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
16:12.04
Vicci
And um and so they ended up ah building the the other people in my gang, you know, they were like, okay, we want blonde hair.
16:12.09
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
16:18.68
Vicci
We want people to, you know, you know i had I had a black eye already when I came on set because of something that my partner didn't at the time didn't punch me, but like I was running away from an argument and I fell off something and I had my whole face busted.
16:36.80
Vicci
And so it was like, I was coming in as me and I was coming in hot.
16:41.33
Krystle Edwards
Right.
16:42.63
Vicci
And, um and so I think what it kind of allowed the world to see was that like my real personality that, you know, I'm, I'm pretty,
16:53.90
Vicci
I'm pretty rough around the edges and what you see is what you get. Um, I'm not trying to put on a a facade anymore. Um, I, I just try to give as much of me as I can. And I've learned to, you know, when I can, I'm just like, eh, you know, like, um, this is as much as I can do. And, um,
17:17.76
Vicci
And it's, you know, there I wish that I was doing more, but like I said, I went on my own bender again after being on the show and I needed to get sober again. I needed to experience,
17:28.77
Vicci
um I guess you could say my own little ego death of like coming to terms with with if I want to do this thing and and do my music and, and, and help and heal people that I have to heal myself first.
17:43.75
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
17:43.74
Vicci
I have to take care of this thing that has never been taken care of since she was a kid, you know, got kicked out.
17:44.01
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
17:51.14
Vicci
You were around when I got kicked out as a kid. And, and I mean, your, your family was supportive and and helping me, um, you know, feel like I had a family.
18:02.32
Vicci
And so, um you know, and I think about that in my, when I get quiet of just like the people that I've, that I've just felt like, and i don't know if the viewers want to know, but we call each other cuz because we we look like each other and and people thought we were related in school.
18:15.73
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
18:19.91
Vicci
So we were just like, yeah, that's my cuz.
18:20.05
Krystle Edwards
they did
18:22.75
Vicci
And so i just have felt that there's been people in my life that have, um showed me that unconditional love that, you know, we all end up needing to have for ourselves.
18:34.06
Vicci
And so I just kind of take from that. And and I, you know, the process is forever and taking care of yourself and healing yourself. But that's why I'm back out there playing music now. And um and i i have a different approach, you know, like I feel like um I know myself and and that's all I can give.
18:56.72
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm. And I think that's what people want. You know, I don't know, like all the pop music and it's fun and stuff like that, but I loved your music from the Vicky Martinez Band and that was all original content that you wrote.
19:01.57
Vicci
Yeah.
19:16.01
Vicci
Yeah.
19:16.60
Krystle Edwards
And, you know, as far as I know, you weren't being influenced by, you know, maybe a little bit by your manager, but for the most part, that was all you.
19:25.90
Vicci
Yeah.
19:26.08
Krystle Edwards
um And I love that. And I, you know, love hearing some of the old songs and I feel really nostalgic when I do.
19:34.71
Vicci
Oh, good.
19:34.84
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
19:35.94
Vicci
Good. Well, that's what I'm doing now.
19:36.77
Krystle Edwards
yeah
19:37.65
Vicci
I used to do this thing where like, I'd just come out to my show. I had a binder of all my songs because I can't remember all the lyrics. And i just put a binder together um before this trip.
19:50.31
Vicci
And I'm going to do the thing that I did, which was like, what do I feel like playing? What is what feels right for this energy and um and not just have it so scripted, you know, so we'll see how that goes.
19:57.14
Krystle Edwards
Mm
20:00.46
Krystle Edwards
hmm.
20:03.21
Krystle Edwards
Do you see any more acting in your future?
20:06.72
Vicci
Oh, yeah. Like, i I just learned that the agent that I have right now is mostly for, like, voice and um commercial, like, TV commercial stuff.
20:16.53
Krystle Edwards
Hmm.
20:17.38
Vicci
And I just asked Emily, I was like, man, I'm, you know, i'm I've gotten more in shape and stuff. And I was like, I want to do a Marvel. I want to do something, like, dramatic. I want to get back. And she was like, well, we need to find you another agent.
20:29.22
Vicci
and And I was like, I thought i already had one. And she was like, no, babe. Like, You just, cause I got an agent through her. Like I met her commercial guy and he was just like, I love you. And I was like, I love you.
20:40.81
Vicci
And he was like, all right. And at first too, I was like, I don't want to sign any contracts. I've had too many bad experiences. And he like, okay, let's just see if we can get you some jobs. And he got me some jobs. And, um, but what, that's my goal when we get back to New York is to just, you know, hit the ground and, and really try to find somebody who, um,
21:01.85
Vicci
sees any gold or magic in me. and And like I said, I feel more comfortable with myself now.
21:05.11
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
21:09.02
Vicci
and And it takes a while, you know, like not drinking for a while. um You know, I feel more, you know, my anxiety and stuff is like gone. and But also, you know, I was leaning to marijuana for um a little while with without the drinking. And that's something I just recently, a few months ago, just was like, i need to put this down to just...
21:30.95
Vicci
You know, I think I can take care of my anxiety on my own now um without needing to look for that. And and I don't want to downplay any, but, you know, it's legal. I don't care. But, you know, it's just something that I've needed to break from ah for sure.
21:44.44
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
21:44.98
Vicci
So we'll see how how that manifests. And, um you know, it's easier to get things done, at least ah for me with not having that as a crutch.
21:56.97
Krystle Edwards
Yeah. I think it was really cool to see, you know, I guess being someone that got confused with you a lot. I don't I mean, we we don't really look alike, but we I did have short hair in high school.
22:10.35
Krystle Edwards
And so I remember that um there would be times where people would be like, oh, you were so good at your show last night. They they literally thought I was you. And I would say I got so tired of saying I'm not Vicky.
22:20.98
Vicci
That's hilarious.
22:23.70
Krystle Edwards
And they're like, oh, are you sisters? And i was like, no. So then I think I started saying that we were we started saying we were cousins. And then I think there were even a few times where I just went with it. And they were like, when are you playing again? And I knew when you would be playing again because we were friends. So I would just be like, OK, and then that would be it.
22:43.91
Krystle Edwards
But I have to say
22:44.40
Vicci
You were promoting it for us.
22:45.05
Krystle Edwards
it Yeah, I was just like, okay, cool.
22:46.58
Vicci
For us.
22:48.49
Krystle Edwards
um I have to say, it's really refreshing to see you on like Orange is the New Black because I'm like, oh, that's someone that looks like me, that's short, that's petite and, you know, Mexican and, ah you know, just like,
23:07.46
Krystle Edwards
having that sort of representation is it's cool. Cause you know, growing up, we didn't see a lot of people on TV that really looked like us. um
23:17.71
Vicci
Yeah.
23:18.76
Krystle Edwards
Yeah. And I'll say that the daddy role is probably like the perfect role for you.
23:24.54
Vicci
I mean, people called me Uncle Vicky, so, okay, I'm not anybody's daddy, but i' I've been everybody's uncle, so close enough.
23:24.84
Krystle Edwards
They got it right. Yeah. yeah Well, you you could be somebody's daddy one day. Who knows? Yeah.
23:34.85
Vicci
Who knows?
23:37.82
Krystle Edwards
um So you go back and forth between Tacoma a lot. How do you approach?
23:43.06
Vicci
Before, let's stop.
23:44.39
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
23:44.69
Vicci
can you pause real quick? um My phone, it looks like it might, it's like at 15%. um Let me connect a charger and then see if I can use my Wi-Fi thingies.
24:00.94
Krystle Edwards
Okay. Yeah.
24:02.20
Vicci
you want to do that?
24:02.52
Krystle Edwards
Sure.
24:02.78
Vicci
Okay.
24:03.61
Krystle Edwards
Sure.
24:03.94
Vicci
Let me see.
24:28.46
Vicci
Because it we probably don't want the microphone from my phone, right?
24:34.58
Krystle Edwards
No. Well, i I don't know. Well, you were using your headphones, right?
24:37.70
Vicci
Is it done?
24:39.50
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
24:39.62
Vicci
Yeah.
24:45.51
Vicci
I've seen some people use this, and and but sometimes people say it's a little delay. Can you hear me?
24:52.79
Krystle Edwards
Yeah, I can hear you.
24:53.76
Vicci
Does it sound the same?
24:55.93
Krystle Edwards
It sounds a little echoey, but I think it's fine.
24:59.78
Vicci
Okay.
25:02.10
Krystle Edwards
All right. Okay. So living and working between Tacoma and New York, how do you approach building and maintaining your brand across different markets?
25:13.46
Krystle Edwards
And what challenges have you faced in transitioning between local and national opportunities?
25:19.25
Vicci
Well, um I wish definitely that I could make the money gigging in New York that I make in Washington, but it's just what it is. My fan base is Washington.
25:31.26
Vicci
And so when I need a good, you know, chunk, that's why like in the summer i try to, you know, pocket some gigs in and, um, and, ah and see how I can make the year go on. Like I said, like, it's just been recent that I'm, I'm, I'm gigging again.
25:50.56
Vicci
um
25:51.01
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
25:52.16
Vicci
I, my band and I just decided to do a reunion show last year because my first manager Reed passed away and i was trying to get everybody to come in and and be there for his funeral. And, um, as we were talking about it, we were like, let's, let's just book a show. And so i like, you know, one day at a time, I kind of have been doing this one gig at a time.
26:16.16
Vicci
Um, I, I don't know if I want to play with this band. If there's, there's people in New York that, um, I play with sometimes I started, ah we started a little project. These people, um, were kind of wanting to do a documentary of me and Emily songs that we've written and, and kind of just, um, because of the pandemic, a lot of things changed in the acting business.
26:42.45
Vicci
Um, a lot of stuff went away. and and so both her and I have kind of had this little bit of a roller coaster after orange and things getting, um really slow for a while.
26:58.56
Vicci
And so we had this chunk of money that, you know, we've kind of been living off of. Um, but it is really hard in New York. We're kind of at a place where we're like, well, where, where,
27:11.49
Vicci
where does the universe want to take us? Emily's family lives in Austin. My family lives here in Seattle. And one of the things that is really important to us after both of us getting sober slowing our role and slowing our, you know, just slowing life down is we love our families.
27:30.95
Vicci
Um, And in this, in the acting business, you it's like New York or l LA, but they're, they're kind of spreading out a little bit more. I know that some people do, ah are doing filming in like Canada and there's a lot of stuff here in Washington, but you kind of have to get out of the New York, l LA to, to um step into those markets and say like, Oh, I live here. And, you know, then people be like, great, you know, your local hire will have you for this and that. So I haven't done that yet, but yeah,
28:02.28
Vicci
I think that we're kind of up in the air of, of where we should go next. But like I said, our priorities have changed with just realizing that we, we love our families and we want to be around them as much as possible.
28:14.77
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
28:18.95
Vicci
So it's easier for me to come home, do some shows, spend some family time. I'm, I'm here in my nephew's ah bedroom. I'm going to be here for a month and I'm,
28:31.93
Vicci
and it's funny because I, I get into this headspace sometimes about, Oh, I have the shows going on, but, um, the in-between time is the family time. So I have to get good at just like really being present and, and not trying to make some crazy show that I can't do, you know, trying to produce some crazy show that, you know, like, it's just like, just go do what you used to do.
28:54.54
Vicci
Open your binder and, and play your songs.
28:57.35
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
28:57.39
Vicci
And I guess just kind of feeling like I'm starting over again. And hopefully if they build it, if you build it, they will come.
29:08.27
Vicci
Hopefully that my money and everything will start picking up again. But, you know, people know that I'm out and and doing it and wanting to do it. You know, that's how I've gotten some of these gigs.
29:19.22
Vicci
People are oh, I saw that you played Washington last summer. can
29:21.67
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
29:22.52
Vicci
Can we hire you for this? And it's been a few years. You know, they knew that I was in New York. So now they know that I'm willing to come out here and pretty much prefer it.
29:34.27
Vicci
So.
29:34.48
Krystle Edwards
Yeah. I mean, it sounds like if your family's out here, your fan base is out here, there's potential market for other acting out here that, um, that could be a good opportunity.
29:47.20
Krystle Edwards
And I'm sure that a lot of us would be very excited to have you back hanging around and going to your shows regularly. So, um, I, you know, i wish you the best of luck at figuring out your next step and it's, um,
29:59.61
Vicci
Let's figure it out.
30:01.19
Krystle Edwards
Very exciting. Life is short. You know, i think, you know, there's, you never know. We only have this moment. And if your family's your priority, then you got to seize that moment.
30:13.38
Vicci
I just love watching the kids grow up. I love seeing them at the different stages.
30:18.32
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm.
30:21.18
Vicci
And I know that there were people in my life that were really, ah you know, kind of life-changing for me.
30:33.19
Vicci
And it was people that just would listen to me. People that wanted, that just... gave a crap that, you know, just were like, hey, I wanna give you advice. i want to I wanna know what's going on in your life.
30:48.48
Vicci
I want you to feel like I care. And I don't know, that's just been something that's been really important to me is knowing that I'm not alone um as I was growing up. And so if I can be that for the kids and, um you know, the kids that are growing up in my family, then, you know, I want to.
31:08.41
Vicci
ah One of the things that I realized sometimes you know, my family's like, dude, don't come over here and try to fix everything. Like worry about yourself sometimes.
31:14.17
Krystle Edwards
yeah
31:15.53
Vicci
Like, you know, like that's one of the things that they're like, you don't have kids. If you had kids, you would, you know, be busy working on that. And, and so just, you know, come and enjoy and, um, don't feel like you have to, you know, save the world when you come here.
31:33.85
Krystle Edwards
Solve the problems.
31:34.45
Vicci
Just, yeah.
31:34.69
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
31:35.55
Vicci
Yeah.
31:36.19
Krystle Edwards
Sometimes that unconditional love that you talked about earlier is what will make the impact, right? Like you don't have to fix their problems, you just have to love them.
31:43.49
Vicci
Yeah.
31:46.46
Krystle Edwards
And, you know, be there.
31:46.48
Vicci
Yeah.
31:48.58
Krystle Edwards
And, you know, you don't have to agree with everything they're doing or like everything they're doing. But you know, that unconditional love is really powerful.
31:54.44
Vicci
Yeah.
31:56.21
Krystle Edwards
So that makes that makes a lot of sense.
31:57.25
Vicci
yeah
32:00.87
Krystle Edwards
So you speaking of Tacoma, you have some shows coming up. You have several actually one this weekend. Tell us what that looks like for you.
32:11.04
Vicci
Yes. So Saturday is going to be Kitsap Pride. um I'm going to come out and and do an acoustic set. And I mean, like I said, like my being around the kids, you know, they've been influenced. And so my nephew, Dominic, he likes to sing.
32:28.61
Vicci
He's been singing an in choir at his school and he's a very shy boy, but it's like, The fact that he's out there singing, he's he's done a couple solos. um when he When he was in fifth grade, he did a solo. And then the sixth grade, brand new school, and they asked him to do a solo. And so going to have him come sing at the Pride Festival with me. And and my meet his little sister's just like, what about me? And it's like, great, you guys sing together. and And that I'm excited for that.
32:57.27
Vicci
um And you know i just want to help build their confidence. and and Like, you know, I was a kid when I was out there playing and and singing.
33:06.04
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
33:07.21
Vicci
So sometimes it just takes somebody to give you a little push and to know, like, this is what I want to do. So, um, KidSap is going to be a little bit more fun in that sense.
33:18.06
Vicci
And then, um, August 8th and 9th, me and my band are going to play the triple door and it's going to be the old Vicky Martinez music. Um, I have some new songs that are still in the Vicky Martinez vein. It's no pop stuff.
33:33.93
Vicci
I remember sometimes people would talk to me about the shows here and it's like, play your old stuff. And so don't worry, that's going to happen.
33:39.67
Krystle Edwards
Oh, yeah.
33:41.55
Vicci
And, um and then we're going to be heading to Eastern Washington, August 13th and August 16th. Emily's going to join me on those shows and we're going to play our songs and she sings on some of my old songs and, and,
33:58.33
Vicci
Yeah, it's just gonna be, it's gonna be fun. It's gonna be, like I said, like it's not a big old production. It's just singing along.
34:08.66
Vicci
And one of the things too that I've started doing is singing covers. Like when I first started, I sang a lot of covers because I didn't have enough of my own music and I didn't realize, but people love that.
34:15.31
Krystle Edwards
yeah
34:19.87
Vicci
So I started throwing him some covers, yeah.
34:20.74
Krystle Edwards
i loved your covers on the voice you um you did ah go florence in the machine right oh my god that gave me goosebumps when i was watching it i was like
34:28.09
Vicci
Yeah, with the drums, yeah.
34:34.01
Krystle Edwards
You're so good. And then you're rolling in the deep. Like, hello
34:38.09
Vicci
Roll in the deep, yeah.
34:39.39
Krystle Edwards
You picked great songs. Every song you did was great.
34:41.72
Vicci
I got lucky.
34:42.94
Krystle Edwards
Oh, my gosh. Do they and they do they give you a list of songs or do you?
34:47.19
Vicci
They give you a list at the beginning, and so everybody ah on that season wanted to do Rolling in the Deep, and i luckily got that. And... And then i was going I did a pink song for one of my battles and then they wanted to throw me into more pop.
35:04.46
Vicci
a producer called me and he's like, I'm not supposed to do this, but I see ah career for you. and And one of the songs I auditioned with was Jolene.
35:13.13
Krystle Edwards
It is.
35:13.35
Vicci
And he was like, your coach is going to call you CeeLo and he they're going to try to push you to sing a pink song. But I want you, if if you're up for it, he was just like, I want you to suggest singing Jolene.
35:25.67
Vicci
And um he's like, it's all it's up to you at the end of the day. So if you really want, if you really push for it, um I will make that happen. Cause he was like, I just, that's the kind of style that you are.
35:38.33
Vicci
And he's like, I think that he's like, I think things are going to happen for you after the show.
35:38.49
Krystle Edwards
it is
35:43.20
Vicci
So I want the audience to see what you do. And that was awesome. he He was like, and don't tell anybody I called you. Yeah.
35:51.11
Krystle Edwards
Too late. um Yeah.
35:52.52
Vicci
Too late. I don't give his name, that's for sure.
35:53.58
Krystle Edwards
yeah
35:56.32
Krystle Edwards
Yeah, no I thought that they were all really great. So definitely covers are fun. And, you know, they just have a new twist.
36:03.91
Vicci
Yeah.
36:04.83
Krystle Edwards
And there's you it's kind of weird because we're in our 40s now um that there are people out there that haven't heard those songs.
36:16.89
Vicci
Totally.
36:17.80
Krystle Edwards
Like Jolene. I mean, I honestly hadn't really heard of heard it, but like, you know, there's and so they're hearing it for the first time through you and then to be able to go back.
36:26.57
Vicci
Yeah, my nephew, that's the that's one of the songs. He was like, can I sing that with you? And I was like, well we're going have to practice and see how you sound on that one because that's um we don't want to mess up on that one.
36:35.77
Krystle Edwards
Yeah. Yeah.
36:38.19
Vicci
But just to know that that's one of the ones he wants to sing really bad, i was like, okay, that's awesome.
36:44.97
Krystle Edwards
Yeah, that's great. I'm so happy for you. And that sounds fun. um So anybody can go and just Google your tour dates and find out where you're going and probably buy tickets.
36:53.12
Vicci
Yeah.
36:54.92
Krystle Edwards
Do they buy tickets like on Ticketmaster or on your website? Or how do they get in?
36:58.41
Vicci
the the i don't have a website right now but i do um on my instagram i have like a little ticket link a little highlight reel of of tours and um if you go to bands in town and just look up vicky martinez um you i i've had that i have it to where it goes directly to their sites because you can buy tickets from their like triple door you you buy it from the triple door site and outskirts brewing and saylo you buy it from
37:19.51
Krystle Edwards
Got it.
37:26.17
Vicci
their website and then um the Leavenworth iSchool concerts it's also from their website as well so
37:32.46
Krystle Edwards
Great. What's your biggest piece of advice for grit city women?
37:38.76
Vicci
I guess i mean women need to support other women um I think one of the things I saw um like I said in the acting world was people seemed like they had your back but they also were just like you know, don't take my role, don't take my opportunity. And, um, it may, makes you feel some type of way. Like you're like, who can I trust and who really has my back? And I, and I just have this feeling that the more women having each other's back, promoting what each other is doing, um, that frequency just helps everybody in the end. And, um,
38:18.09
Vicci
You know, sometimes I get a little bit competitive, you know, I'll go on Instagram and I see, you know, even friends of mine that are just doing more than I'm doing. And I can feel some type of way. and I'm like, you know, check my ego. It's like, you know, you don't have to compare. If you can change that perspective and just be like, I'm happy for that person.
38:36.67
Vicci
Just like I want them to be happy for me in the next opportunity that comes along for me. Because I think if you, if you, if you can, change that perspective, um you know, everyone grows from that.
38:48.73
Vicci
Everyone can benefit.
38:49.28
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
38:50.65
Vicci
You're more in the abundance mindset as opposed to why not for me, you know, and, and I never thought that I was that way.
38:54.48
Krystle Edwards
Yeah. Yep.
38:57.65
Vicci
I used to see other people be that way. And and one of the things I've realized is like, Oh, if you, if you have a problem with somebody doing something, it's probably because you have it in you.
39:08.55
Vicci
So that's something that I was like, do I have that in me? And, Yeah, sure. I guess we all kind of do. And um so I say when you see somebody online and you you you think what they're doing is cool, or even if you're like a little jealous, just put a heart there.
39:14.81
Krystle Edwards
yeah ye
39:23.92
Krystle Edwards
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
39:24.17
Vicci
Just like it and and, you know, help them, you know, boost them up and, you know, karma.
39:28.67
Krystle Edwards
who
39:29.57
Vicci
It'll come back to you as well. That's think.
39:31.48
Krystle Edwards
Absolutely. Yep. It's something I think we all at times, I, ah it would be, i think it would be a rarity if someone never experienced that, right? Especially with social media.
39:40.96
Vicci
Yeah.
39:42.47
Krystle Edwards
So, you know, it's just sometimes you got to check yourself and count your own blessings and think, what would i want other people to, how would I want them to react and support me?
39:42.87
Vicci
Yes.
39:53.69
Vicci
Exactly.
39:54.52
Krystle Edwards
And how do i want to walk through life? And yeah, I mean, we all have so much work to do.
39:57.46
Vicci
Yeah.
39:59.81
Krystle Edwards
That's how life is. No one's perfect.
40:01.89
Vicci
Yeah. yeah
40:03.98
Krystle Edwards
Well, thank you so much for joining us and sharing your story. It's absolute pleasure to have you on.
40:11.23
Vicci
Thank you for having me. And it's so good to see you and congratulations on your kids and your awesome life.
40:14.20
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
40:18.41
Vicci
Like, don't worry.
40:18.49
Krystle Edwards
Thank you.
40:19.78
Vicci
I'm not on social media being like, oh, jealous of that. You know, I'm like, hell yeah. I did tell my girlfriend the other day, I was like, man, all, all these people are having kids. And, and it, you know, I'm like, i wish i had a little Vicky running around and, you know, if that's supposed to happen, that'll happen. But, you know,
40:37.99
Vicci
at least I'm available for the people that have the kids and when they need time off, you know, they're like, Vicki, come stay a week so that I can go on vacation.
40:40.62
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
40:48.60
Vicci
And I've been in town just for that sometimes, just so that my sister can go on a vacation.
40:49.09
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
40:51.90
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.
40:53.52
Vicci
So it's good to have an uncle Vicki around.
40:54.30
Krystle Edwards
Oh, that's so nice.
40:57.60
Krystle Edwards
I will say, you know, never, never being someone that imagined myself with a family and kids. It is amazing. And when you have one of your own and just watching them grow, i mean, you're so passionate about your nieces and nephews.
41:15.39
Krystle Edwards
and You were when they were born. I remember you sharing with me all the time about how cute they were and how cool they were.
41:18.32
Vicci
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
41:22.37
Krystle Edwards
um It truly is a blessing. So if you want it go for it.
41:28.92
Vicci
Go for it. Yeah.
41:30.31
Krystle Edwards
here
41:30.36
Vicci
My girlfriend was like, look, if we were rich, we, we'd do it.
41:33.67
Krystle Edwards
Yeah, it's tough.
41:34.54
Vicci
She's like, if, if we, you know, i don't want it to be something that we just are like, let's just go for it.
41:35.51
Krystle Edwards
Yeah. but
41:40.96
Vicci
You know, she's like, if it's supposed to happen, it'll happen. So.
41:45.47
Krystle Edwards
Yeah. Yeah.
41:46.98
Vicci
The clock is ticking.
41:47.05
Krystle Edwards
Well, thanks again.
41:47.86
Vicci
I'm 40.
41:48.42
Krystle Edwards
i know. i know.
41:52.02
Krystle Edwards
All right. Well, thank you so much.
41:54.35
Vicci
Thank you, Crystal. and Thank you, Grit City.
41:56.74
Krystle Edwards
Yeah.