FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2016
Martha’s Trouble’s studio/creative space rehab project continues
Dedication to local community involves band members
in local March of Dimes event
Husband-and-wife folk/rock duo Martha’s Trouble (aka Rob and Jen Slocumb) purchased a historical Victorian house, originally built in 1910, in downtown Opelika, AL, earlier this year, and they have been working on rehabbing the abode into a creative studio space in their hometown over the past months. The renovation should be completed later this fall.
“We have a whole new front facade that’s been put on,” says Jen. “Insulation and sheet rock have been put in. The trim carpenters are currently trimming out the house and completing the rooms. We hope to be finished by Thanksgiving! We have already had two events at the space. We had a front porch concert presented by East Alabama Arts there already and a living room show presented by Cotton Seed. We have been getting great feedback from the community and are anxious to open! We wanted something that would be part of the town, to help support and grow the arts scene here, to support the community, and a space that would inspire artistic endeavors and creativity.”
“We hope The Sound Wall will become an extension to the already existing and expanding arts community,” adds Rob. The Slocumbs moved to Opelika from Canada ten years ago. “We are always asked, ‘Why did you move here?’” says Jen. “And really the short answer is we felt – and still do – that there is something special about the Auburn/Opelika area. Now that we are touring less and spending more time at home raising a family, we are very passionate about contributing to our local community.”
That dedication to the community has manifested in the pair’s involvement in a number of causes, including the upcoming March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, of which Jen is a co-chair. The fifth annual event is being held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center (241 South College Street, Auburn, AL). In addition to enjoying the culinary offerings of both signature and celebrity chefs, attendees can bid on one-of-a-kind auction packages. Martha’s Trouble will be performing at the event. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes to give every baby a fighting chance. Limited tickets are available online.
About The Sound Wall:
With The Sound Wall, the Slocumbs are hoping to provide a small town recording experience in a premiere space. Two studio rooms are planned for the first floor; the rooms can be used for recording, rehearsals, writing sessions, post-editing video, photo shoots, video shoots, and will be available for special events. A gourmet kitchen with a large family-style farm table will allow local chefs to prepare meals on-site for visiting artists and bands. A one-bedroom apartment will be housed upstairs, offering lodging to artists using the studios downstairs or to people who want an inspiring place to stay in town.
About Martha’s Trouble:
Martha’s Trouble, called “a hidden gem” by Billboard Magazine, is known for its signature sound of folk and country twang, which has been praised by some of the most influential and well-respected music critics of our time. Martha’s Trouble has been listed and featured in the aforementioned Billboard Magazine, as well as USA Today, AOL Music, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and Performing Songwriter. Their songs have received awards and have been featured in the show “Army Wives” and made-for-TV movies on Lifetime and CBS. The duo’s band name comes from a Bible story about Martha and Mary, one that they say is a reminder to stop and smell the roses and to keep an eye on the bigger picture and the important things in life.
Late last year, Martha’s Trouble offered some new additions to their holiday repertoire with two digital singles, “River” and “White Christmas,” which followed on the success of two independent holiday albums, Christmas Lights (2002) and This Christmas (2008). Prior to that, they also released: Jen Coates’ Seed Sessions (2014), A Little Heart Like You (2012), Anchor Tattoo (2011), EP (2008), Forget October (2006), Still (2003), Sleeping Dogs (2002), and The Road Ahead (2000).