It was one of those happy accidents that could only happen because of the Internet. I don't even remember the exact details as to how it happened, but all of a sudden, I found myself reading about this amazing young woman who was making music on her own terms. Martha Redbone, is of mixed African and Native American heritage, with her feet planted comfortably in both worlds. On her most recent release, Skintalk, she was equally at home singing around the big drum as she was pushing the big beat of funk.

Like many strong-minded individuals of her musical generation, Martha has chosen the creative freedom of the independent route over the supposed security of signing with a major label. Along with her co-creator (they both write all the original material) Aaron Whitby from London, England, she has formed her own label, BlackFeet productions, to produce her music.

After I had read whatever article it was, I dropped over to the Martha Redbone web site. I was intrigued enough by what I saw to ask for a copy of Skintalk to review on these pages. It was after hearing and being impressed with Skintalk that I contacted Martha and Aaron to see if I could chat with them.

Life can get complicated for all of us, and reality can be nasty. Touring and the illness of an old friend kept this interview on hold for a while, but unlike others, Martha makes an effort. I received her answers to the questions I emailed her today – and here they are in their entirety – unedited or abridged. If you haven't met Martha before – please allow me to introduce you to one of today's most dynamic and gifted young performers, Martha Redbone.

1) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself; where you were born and any other biographical detail you feel like talking about.

I was born in New York City and raised in both Brooklyn, NY and South-eastern Kentucky, where I lived with my grandparents in a coal mining town. I've lived in NYC pretty much since I was 11 years old.

2) Was there music in your family when you were growing up - if not where did your interest in music come from?

My father had a beautiful voice; he grew up singing gospel music in church and played piano. He & my uncle sang together in a gospel group that performed for many churches. They sang for pleasure, and enjoyed it throughout their lives. My mother loved all styles of music; being from Kentucky she appreciated gospel, blues, country, and rock.

3) A number of people I've talked to have known at a fairly young age that music was what they wanted to do from fairly early on in their life. When did you first start to consider creating music as a means of creative expression?