Interview with Martika

November 1, 2011

LT80s: At what age did you know you wanted to be a performer? How did you get started?

Martika: I knew I wanted to be a performer as soon as I was put on stage at The Cuban Club. I started performing for family and friends and my first big taste of the stage was when Neil Sedaka pulled me onstage in Vegas.

LT80s: Where did the stage name "Martika" come from?

Martika: MARTIKA is the children's derivative of MARTA which is my name.

Everyone called me 'MARTIKA' as a child and it stuck.

LT80s: What was it like to be on the show Kids Incorporated (I was a big fan of the show!)? Do you still keep in touch with your co-stars? Mario Lopez? Fergie?

It was an amazing time in my life and I cherish every moment of it. Yes I still keep in touch with some of my co-stars. So many of them went on to big success. So proud of all of them!!

LT80s: I love the cover of Berlin's "Masquerade" that you did on the show. Do you have a favorite song that you got to do on the show?

Thank you. :) My favorite song was The Cars 'Drive.'

LT80s: When you wrote the song "Toy Soldiers," did you have any idea that it would go to #1?

Martika: Absolutely no clue! We knew it was a cool song, but you never know what will become that special 'thing' that takes off and is a #1 song.

LT80s: I read that "Toy Soldiers" jumped over Madonna's "Express Yourself" to land in #1; what was that like?

Martika: I was busy doing promotion when it happened and I was told that the song had gone number one. I had to sit down and just breathe and take in the moment.

LT80s: What were your favorite bands/musicians in the 80s?

Martika: Culture Club, Peter Gabriel, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet.

LT80s: Aside from music and performing, what do you like to do?

Martika: Read, cook, bake, hang out with my family, watch old movies.

LT80s: Any plans to tour?

Martika: Most DEFINITELY. All next year. :):)