5 Q&A With Martin Packwood
What was the creative process like for this track?
I actually sketched the main ideas two years ago, before my debut single “Dreamweaver.” The intro riff and verse melody had been rattling around in my head for ages, but the chorus eluded me. Then, on a morning run, the hook suddenly arrived fully‑formed. I sprinted home, grabbed a guitar, and captured it before it vanished. So this tune feels half‑planned and half‑serendipity, very different from my usual, more methodical process.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition for “Beach Street Boogie?”
I like a clear, punchy structure, so the track opens with a statement riff that doubles as the “drop” between verse and chorus. The form is essentially verse–chorus–drop, repeated, but I tweak each pass so nothing feels copy‑and‑paste. The final verse even introduces a fresh melody. Little surprises keep listeners on their toes!
What impact do you hope the track will have on listeners?
“Beach Street Boogie” is my love letter to Beach Street in Felixstowe, a string of repurposed shipping containers now buzzing with street‑food stalls, murals, and summer energy. I want the track to bottle that seaside buzz so people can feel a bit of sun, salt air, and carefree fun wherever they are.
Every composer has a unique style. How would you describe yours?
First and foremost, I’m a composer who happens to speak through guitar. My “voice” is melody‑forward. Memorable lines over beautiful harmony, with tones that feel organic rather than polished to perfection. I try to steer clear of guitar clichés and shred‑for‑shred’s‑sake, the goal is music that resonates beyond the guitarist community.
Do you have a personal favourite among your pieces? Why?
I’m still proud of all ten releases, which honestly surprises me a bit. “Dreamweaver” will always be special as the first release, but “Living in My Dreams” edges it. The guitar solo at the end, wide harmonic leaps peppered with unexpected chromatic twists, and then the big ending. It captures exactly where my head and heart are on this unexpected musical journey.
