Punktastic's Laïs Martins on Norma Jean Martine's Only In My Mind
I first encountered Norma Jean Martine at Oslo in Hackney. As someone with a fairly short attention span when it comes to watching artists I don’t know already, the main thing I noticed was that Norma kept me completely captivated for the entire time.
Originally from Middletown New York, the London-based singer-songwriter is completely bewitching - her voice is incredibly powerful and timeless-sounding, and her simple, heartfelt songs about love hit me so hard I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She’s a hugely talented writer and performer: on top of singing, playing keyboard and guitar and leading her band, she managed to fit in some of the wonderful stories that have influenced her songs.
After the gig, I went home and listened to her debut album, Only In My Mind (out now on Capitol Records), and I was completely awestruck.
I remembered the songs word for word and I’ve played the record every single day since.
From the cheeky Hang My Hat to the hugely emotive highlight and title-track and current single I Want You To Want Me, these songs just speak to me.
There aren’t many artists who can articulate their experiences of love and heartbreak this well.
Norma is going to be massive - her voice makes me shiver, the music is catchy, and it’s impossible not to be touched by her lyrics. This girl has it all.
Laïs MW (@laismw)
Section Editor, Punktastic
