The Answer to a Buskers Dilemma…Tinderfield

by Monica Kade

“I heard her voice and
thought yea,
she’s a good singer,”
and “I just knew
he liked
beer and guitar”.

Imagine a dimly lit lounge, lull chatter amongst guests whilst they all sip their drinks, each unwinding from a days work. Then, the gentle strumming of a guitar lingers… A young, blonde beauty (resembling the young Joni-Mitchell-meets-Mischa-Barton) stands at the mic, accompanied by a ruggedly handsome, dark-haired guy on guitar. As she opens her mouth, the room is filled with a sweet, piercing sound. The crowd’s lulling chatter turns to silence as this duo capture each individual’s stare. Her movement is subtle, yet the jerky-fluidity mesmerizes the crowd. The lyrics, “oh yea, it’s really quite a show,” couldn’t be more accurate. The more intently I listen to Half Past Three, the more I want to close my eyes and melt into the melody or the more “I don’t wanna go” - the duo is Tinderfield.

Tinderfield is singer Holly Martin and guitarist Josh Poretti. Whilst singer/songwriter Holly has grown up here in the Land of Oz, Josh originates from New Zealand. Their story is quite an interesting one. Rodd Martin (Manager of Tinderfield) was over in Wellington, NZ at the time, when he stumbled across a busking Josh. Amazed by his brilliance, Rodd gave him the chance of his lifetime – a ticket to Oz, to give guitar playing a real chance.

Now, they hadn’t been friends, nor had they met through any of their networks – the pair were two, star-crossed musicians united by… I’d like to say fate but really, Rodd.

“Did you think you guys would work as a duo?” I ask. They look at each other and simultaneously laughingly respond with “Nope,” and, “nah”. Let’s just say they both weren’t sure if it’d work, “I heard her voice and thought yea, she’s a good singer,” and “I just knew he liked beer and guitar”.

So in the past few months, after filtering through mainstream stage names, they decided on something random as Holly puts it. Rodd presented them with a list of words and Tinderfield was one of them (Tinder meaning the combustible twigs and material to start a fire). Furthermore, in 3 months they have produced a compellingly addictive album. The journey, I’m sure, has taught them a great deal, most probably a lot of patience. With Holly’s lyrical content driven by “what’s in my head at the time,” and Josh having to take his intricate tunes and “cut them around,” to make it work with Holly - they’ve really reined their individual musicality and created a unique sound.

While neither of them presents shyness, they don’t present any sign of pretentiousness either. I think the lyrics “I can be quiet, I can be loud” (Be Nice to Me) really sum them both up. Throughout the interview that’s what it was - quiet and loud. Josh is a man of few words, but when he does speak, it’s intelligent, and a often really funny. Holly is very likeable. She has charm. She’s also got this sweet porcelain face. While she may try and repress it a little, she’s infused with a wild, free spirit; which I’m positive is occasionally released. They are inspired by Kings of Leon, Fleet Foxes (Holly), and Tommy Emanuel (Josh). All in all, the tinder pair are certain to kindle fire.

With hopes to be playing to American audiences within two years, the duo that have been likened to Joni Mitchell, Joss Stone, the early acoustic Led Zepplin and John Mayer will no doubt make their mark in the music industry.

You can listen to their album at www.tinderfieldmusic.com or www.myspace.com/tinderfield .

Just note, they’re sound is infectious!

- Monica Kade