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28. Beyond the Spotlight: Vicci Martinez on Sobriety, Sisterhood, and Staying True
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You might know Vicci Martinez as the fierce and unforgettable “Daddy” from Orange Is the New Black (Seasons 6 & 7) or from her soul-shaking performances on The Voice and role as Frida Kahlo on HBOmax’s Clone High. But behind the spotlight is a story few have heard — and in this episode, she tells it all.
A Grit City Local, Vicci gets real about her journey from national stages to personal healing with host and friend, Krystle Edwards. Through it all, she’s kept her core intact and she’s not here to play the game by someone else’s rules.
We dive deep into what it costs to stay authentic in industries designed to shape, market, and sell your story before you’ve lived it. This isn’t just a celebrity interview for being famous.
It’s about being whole. Join us a we discuss:
- Turning Rejection into Resilience: Navigating the path to success while staying authentic
- Sobriety Over Sales: The decision to choose healing, even when the industry glamorizes chaos.
- A Producers Ultimatum : A behind-the-scenes ultimatum on OITNB- a gift or a curse?
- Sisterhood, Not Rivalry: Choosing connection in a world that pits women against each other.
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Transcript
Introduction to the Podcast and Sponsor
00:00:03
Speaker
Welcome to Gritty is the New Pretty, where resilience meets real talk. I'm your host, Crystal, entrepreneur, leadership coach, change maker, and outdoor enthusiast.
00:00:15
Speaker
Join me as I sit down with powerhouse women leaders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who share their raw, unfiltered stories of success, struggle, and the grit it takes to make an impact.
00:00:27
Speaker
From navigating change to redefining success, we'll explore what it takes to rise, lead, and thrive. Expect raw conversations to fuel your journey, whether you're breaking down barriers in life or in business.
00:00:42
Speaker
We're redefining success, not by perfection, but by the strength it takes to rise again and again. Because in this space, gritty is the new pretty.
00:00:53
Speaker
Hit subscribe and let's get gritty with it.
00:00:58
Speaker
This episode is sponsored by Hey Becks Creative House, founded by brand strategist Becky LaFranche, known for building crave-worthy brands that blend story, soul, and strategy.
00:01:10
Speaker
Explore the work at heybecks.com.
Guest Introduction: Vicky Martinez
00:01:15
Speaker
On today's episode of Gritty is the New Pretty, we have Vicky Martinez, local Tacoma music legend who rose to fame on The Voice and starred in Orange is the New Black.
00:01:26
Speaker
Now based in New York, Vicky continues to break barriers in entertainment while building her brand and entrepreneurial ventures. Welcome, Vicky. Thank you for having me, k Crystal.
Vicky's Upbringing and Musical Beginnings
00:01:38
Speaker
Why don't you start off with telling us about yourself?
00:01:42
Speaker
Well, um I am Tacoma native. I am living in New York right now, but I have been was born and at Tacoma, Mary Bridge Hospital. um I went to Rogers Elementary, McOvey Middle School, and then Stadium High School.
00:02:00
Speaker
And i ah was raised in a pretty strict religious family, so i kind of... was a little sheltered um when it came to,
00:02:13
Speaker
ah you know, just worldly things. But I think when I was in high school and I started playing music, my own music and and singing and just feeling the freedom in that is when I kind of,
00:02:27
Speaker
um you know I left my religion and I just kind of became myself. and And with my music, I really just kind of try to tell my story and um hope that in some way it helps other people. And that's just kind of been my, um I guess, my path. Because when you relate when you're raised in a religion that's pretty strict, I mean, that's what your path is.
00:02:49
Speaker
And so growing up, I kind of was like... I don't know what to do next after this. You know, I didn't have any, um, goals for going to college or, or what kind of job, you know, that I could do because your, your main goal is to just kind of be a, you know, get higher in the church and do put more hours in preaching and things like that. And, and so when music, um, became my ah I guess you call it my life jacket or what it was the word that people use for, i don't know. It became my safety.
00:03:26
Speaker
um It, I transferred that mentality into my music and just was like, this is helping me. And, you know, this is my way that I can help others, you know, hopefully. So that's just kind of been what my goals have been, I guess, in my life and still in my future, I guess.
00:03:46
Speaker
You were pretty big in high school. We went to high school together. Yes, we did. I don't want to downplay your high school music career because you were playing in all sorts of venues as a teenager. I mean, what, 15? You started really young. And then I remember going to your shows and hanging out. And um i mean, you had a huge following. You still do, but it you even then,
00:04:14
Speaker
you had a ah large following for the Vicky Martinez band. I just kind of went straight for it, I guess, straight into it. Like, this is what I'm gonna do. So let's make it my job, you know, as quick as quickly as possible.
00:04:27
Speaker
Yeah. And then that journey at a young age, how did that influence sort of where you are now in regards to your career?
Navigating the Music Industry: Talent Shows and Career Choices
00:04:42
Speaker
Um, I guess in the music business, you kind of just, there's just like a pretty straightforward plan. You know, you you make records, you get fans, you sell records, you try to get more fans to sell more records. um And and then At that time, there was a lot of talent shows coming up on TV. you know They had Star Search way back in the day, but they kind of revamped Star Search again. So I i was on Star Search. I tried out for American Idol.
00:05:17
Speaker
I didn't do American Idol because my dad, um at the time, you he was just like, you know they're they're giving you the go to go to Hollywood, but he he was there with me at the audition and and heard a lot of people, and he was like,
00:05:30
Speaker
there's a lot of really good people here. And so I think, you know, you have some growing to do. And the contract for American Idol was like, if you, you know, get anywhere with the show, you basically sell your soul, you know, for the rest of your career. And, and he just thought like, you know, you're going to do more writing and you're going to, you know, just get better. So i just, he was kind of pushing me to, to slow down with the American Idol. And, um,
00:06:00
Speaker
And it was funny because like maybe 10 years later, I was like, man, I should have done the American Idol. Cause I was just still in town in the West coast, just doing the same gigs. And i i remember saying, i wish there was a show that I could go on that, you know, let me be myself more and let me tell my story more. and And then people could hear where I'm coming from and and make their um opinion or or choice ah if they like me or not.
00:06:27
Speaker
And that would be a quick way to get some fans. And and then like seriously, a couple of weeks later, my manager got a call from The Voice and they were like, hey, we're interested in this person and we'd like to have our audition for this new show. and And so I guess that's kind of what in my mind was like, that's the next thing, you know, otherwise, you know, you get signed by a label, you know, i I was buddies back in the day with Brandi Carlile and she was kind of doing the, um getting a, getting a label to sign her. I tried out for some labels. I had some people that were interested, but people kind of said the same thing that my dad said. They were like, you know, I think that you got some growing up to do, but I think you're good, you know, for your age and everything. But I think that they're, you know,
00:07:14
Speaker
You could do a little more to, you know, I guess get some get some more experience. So ah I ended up just being like, well, what's the quick way I could do? And so I went on The Voice and that kind of got me my label deal from there.
00:07:32
Speaker
I cheated. Well, how did it feel when they were telling you that? Did you feel any sort of rejection or were you just all about like, yeah, I have growing to do.
Industry Pressures and Personal Challenges
00:07:43
Speaker
How did you take it? Yeah, I did. And you know what was interesting is that one of the things that I realized my pattern in a lot of these things is I wanna be the good kid. Just like when I was in my religion, I was like, I wanna be, I want you guys to think I'm doing good and I and i i want you guys to be proud of me.
00:08:03
Speaker
And so when people would suggest stuff to me, i would do it. I mean, I remember coming back to stadium and and being in l LA and like my whole hair color had changed and I was like trying to look like a rocker and everybody was like, whoa, like trying almost looking pop star-ish. And it was like, that's not you. You're like Vicky with your flip-flops just like little hippie kid.
00:08:25
Speaker
And i i remember some of my friends just being like, you know, like even saying like, are you trying to sell out? And I didn't think I was. I just was trying to make my managers at that time proud of me. And i was just the yes man. I was just like, yes, yes, whatever you think I should do to, you know, you guys know. So and in that, I think I lost myself a bit.
00:08:51
Speaker
um And so when I look back on that, I get annoyed that I cared about that rejection in the way of just trying to instead of just like standing my ground and be like, well, this is me, so get over it, which is like what Brandi Carlile did. And I talked to her in the past and I was like, man, I should have done what you did. Like just stay true to myself. But she's, you know, she and other people who have said like, you've done it in many other ways, you know, like leaving a religion and um being out. And, you know, there was, there was some things, um hurdles that I kind of had to get by. Everybody's journey is different. So,
00:09:29
Speaker
you know I had some things some soul searching to do, um I guess you could say. So um that rejection definitely did have a play in and how i was...
00:09:44
Speaker
um I don't know. I don't like to say sellout, but you know, kind of not staying true to what kind of music I wanted to do and and what I wanted to sing. in Yes. Thank you. That's the word. I was definitely being influenced and I, and I was seeing people like, well, they're making money there, you know, and when you think about it, the people that were trying to influence me were producers and they were people behind the scenes. You know, I wasn't really talking to many artists.
00:10:10
Speaker
And when I did like Brandi Carlisle, she was like, stay true to you. Don't, stop touring and don't stop doing what you do live, you know? And so I'm now taking that, um, advice into account for sure.
00:10:29
Speaker
That makes sense to me because producers and anybody behind the scenes, their primary motivation is probably the dollars, right? You know, it's a business for them.
00:10:42
Speaker
And it is a business when you're, you know, famous and you're a movie star, you have to make money. um But you being an artist, you have to balance that out.
00:10:55
Speaker
And it sounds like that was a big part of kind of the struggle, this discovering. And I was young. I was young. So I... One of the things that I've realized and I've done some therapy over is like, I, I thought that everybody's advice was because they loved me and because they wanted the thing that was best for me. And then, you know, when you do mixed business and,
00:11:20
Speaker
people that you're around daily, like managers and whatnot, they love you, but they're also like, Hey, I got to get my percentage. I need her to work. I need her to, you know, I burnt out, you know, uh, 10 years ago, like I had my little and, and had to get, um, quiet.
00:11:39
Speaker
So, and that was a lot of just, like I said before, you know, trying to make, trying to please everyone. And, um, And then when I didn't have the natural energy for it, you know, i had to look for other things to, to keep me going. And that's where, you know, every artist has that story of like, you know, I turned to this to help me and, and keep me, you know, keep it going. And so I definitely have that story as well.
00:12:11
Speaker
do you want to share? Yeah. You can say no. I don't want to put you on the spot. I think, like I said earlier, like my stories and and what go my experience is, like if they can help anyone, you know, that's what they're for. And so, yeah, yeah I was on The Voice and um after being with the label and and a lot of pressure, like of...
00:12:34
Speaker
Getting up, going to radio stations and oh because trying to promote a record is nuts. and and it And one of the things that used to get me before, the you know, the carrot for me was like, I'm getting paid.
00:12:45
Speaker
I'm going to be able to pay my bills with this. So it was easy for me to to be OK with that. But. these radio tours were like, you're not getting paid and you're going and you're selling yourself and you're trying to make these people like you because it's up to them if they're going to play your record.
00:13:00
Speaker
And not only is it just like, is this record pop enough or is it going to keep people wanting to listen to our station? It was also like you had to... you know, make that DJ like you because they had a whole stack of other people and it was kind of creepy. There were some people that you'd meet that you're like, like, why are you trying to get real fresh with me? You know, it was like, cause they were, yeah.
00:13:22
Speaker
So in those settings, you know, it was just like more alcohol, more, you know, weed, more whatever to keep me just like, you know, excited. And, and, and then I was prescribed Adderall And I overdid it.
00:13:41
Speaker
I overdid it. I, you know, I found the doctor that was just going to give me what I needed. And, um, and then I became addicted. And so I had all of these things that, um,
00:14:00
Speaker
I had to follow through on. And what's interesting is like you take your Adderall and you're like, yeah, I'm gonna do this. You have a plan and everything. And then it's like, you crash. And I burned a lot of bridges. I you know i my a d d i feel like my ADD was more activated um when I started taking medication because I had something that was getting me through. And then when it wasn't there, it was like, I needed that. So then my addict mind was just like,
00:14:28
Speaker
I need my meds. I need my meds. And the, foot door my total focus changed. It was just like, just chasing dopamine, you know, and, and losing sight of what, um, I was really here to do, which was sing and, um, and exchange that frequency with the audience. And, you know, like I said before, that was my preaching, you know, that was my way of of healing myself and healing others. And I,
00:14:57
Speaker
Not that I was a hypocrite, but I was just doing the exact opposite. You know, I was chasing something else. And um and so it was interesting.
Recovery and New Beginnings
00:15:05
Speaker
i After a couple years of being on my label, I um had this business manager that um had gotten me a deal with a tequila company. And right before that, I had told my manager, like, I think I need to go to rehab.
00:15:21
Speaker
And she was like, no okay, let's not do the tequila deal, but we have to do a radio tour. And like, it's already scheduled. Like you can't go now. So she was just like, let's just see if you can do this cold Turkey and, and I'll help you. And you know, her parents were alcoholics. Like she was, it was really good to have her on my side. And so I did that radio tour, tour sober.
00:15:43
Speaker
And, um, and then right on the radio tour, like on my birthday, I was in Sweden and she got a, um, uh, an email that I was getting dropped from the label.
00:15:57
Speaker
And she was just like, look, I know it seems really sad and I know rejection is going to come up, but she's like, dude, you don't owe half a million dollars. So just be happy about that. You get a clean slate. I've negotiated to where you don't have to pay back anything and you can, um,
00:16:15
Speaker
you can keep touring, you can keep selling the record if you want. And, and you know, but she's like, it's not normal where they you just get a clean slate. So um that's kind of what happened. And then after that, I came home and I tried to do, release an album independently, which I did, but I was still in my active addiction, you know, just coming home to that doctor, getting my pills and just like, go, go, go. And um before you knew it, like, I just...
00:16:44
Speaker
Like my heart couldn't take it. I was having like, can't breathe. Like I saw the light at one moment at one time. i goes like um I felt like I was passing out and I saw the light and just like said to God, I was like, okay.
00:16:58
Speaker
I didn't say I would stop drinking, but I said, I'll go to rehab. And then like, I felt like the life got thrown back into me. And I went to rehab and I was sober for a year.
00:17:11
Speaker
And then, um, i got asked to be on Orange is the New Black, which, you know, we could talk about that as well, but I, you know, that was a whole other venture. And then little insecure Vicky was just like, I can't do this sober. So I went back to that doctor and I got my pills and i had another, um,
00:17:33
Speaker
you know i had another binge, little bender, I guess you call it, and for a few years. And then ah two years ago, I got sober again. So I've been sober for almost three years in September.
00:17:46
Speaker
Congratulations. Yeah. That's amazing. Awesome too. I feel great. Well, yeah. Thank you for sharing that and being vulnerable. ah I really try to share those kinds of stories because it it does help people to hear that. And so there will be somebody that listens.
00:18:06
Speaker
I imagine that that will help. So thank you. Okay. So you mentioned Orange is the New Black. Yeah. And you played Daddy Duarte. Yeah.
00:18:18
Speaker
Yeah. Orange is the New Black on the sixth and seventh season. And that was your first major acting role, your first acting role as far as I know. Yeah.
00:18:30
Speaker
So tell me about, tell me how they offered you. You said they asked you to to do it. Tell me that story and then let's talk about the like experience. It was crazy. Like, I mean, obviously I've talked about being religious or whatever, but I've definitely felt like,
00:18:45
Speaker
Like there's a source and ah whether it's frequency or Holy Spirit or self, like I've definitely always been connected to my to that thing. And um I was in a pretty toxic relationship that I couldn't leave.
00:19:04
Speaker
And I just was sitting by a tree one day and I was just like, God, like, or universe or aliens, like, please, help me leave help me leave this relationship. Like I am stuck and I don't know what to do. And we were on a camping trip and then um the next day we were coming to where my phone had service.
00:19:26
Speaker
And I had an email from the casting director at um Orange is the New Black that just said like, hi, we've been looking for somebody to play this role. And when we typed in all of the characteristics, you came up.
00:19:41
Speaker
And so um we're just wondering if you've seen the show, if you ah yeah if you're familiar with it. And I just wrote back like, yes, yes, yes, whatever. like um that you know I'll do it. And then I just even was like, she's like, well, we have to do an audition tape. and And so she just told me um what to do and I had a wife beater on and she was like, perfect.
00:20:03
Speaker
And I was like, I have a white wall that we just built in this loft of ours. And I was kind of annoyed with the white wall that we even built it. And was like, that's what you need. and You need a white background. And i was like, okay, everything's lining up.
00:20:14
Speaker
And, um, and so I just, within a couple of days I was in New York and, um, you know, the deal wasn't great, but it was just what I asked for, like something to get
Acting and Personal Growth
00:20:26
Speaker
me out of here. And, um, and they had told me that, you know, it was a three to five episodes kind of thing. And then it ended up being way more than that.
00:20:36
Speaker
Um, And they I remember when I was on set at one point, they I was still in my toxic relationship and kind of coming back and forth. And one of the producers was like, look, we're we're on to you.
00:20:50
Speaker
And we really like you. And we see that you're stuck in this thing. But um she was like, I'm going to do something weird. And I'm going to let you know we're going to offer you a backstory and keep you kind of on as a guest star.
00:21:02
Speaker
But you have to break up with your girlfriend. And I was like... She was like, she's like, she's like, and this is not normal. She's like, but I just, I just see myself in you. She's like, I've been in relationships like that myself and it's it's hard to leave. But, um, she's like, this is how I'm going to help you do it.
00:21:22
Speaker
And so I was like, okay. And, and I went and, um, I stayed there and, I started just Airbnb and, um, And then I met somebody somebody on the set, Emily Tarver, who was just... The the minute I met her, i was like, you know, I'm a weirdo. So I was just like, you look like a sunshine.
00:21:43
Speaker
And then i ran away and she was just like, wow, she's crazy. And then um i I showed her some my music. She started singing along to it. And I just was like, wow, you can sing backups, you know, with me at a show I'm doing next week. And she was like, okay. And she...
00:21:58
Speaker
She was opposite of all the actors. Um, like a lot of people in that business are just like, you know, me, me, me, look at what I've done. Like, you know, and, and sometimes I think that they do that to like promote themselves and like to try to get more jobs. So I don't want to throw any shade to people that do that, but she was the exact opposite.
00:22:20
Speaker
She was normal and real and, um, And I did the whole lesbian thing where I just, she was like, do you want to stay for the weekend? And I was like, I had my suitcase and my guitar. I never left.
00:22:36
Speaker
So that's I've been in New York for seven years. Oh my gosh, that's hilarious. I can't believe that your producer told you you had to break up with your girlfriend. hate that and I love that at the same time. And one of the reasons that I hate it because I don't want like anyone to ever pressure anyone, you know, who they want to be with, right? Like who they do and don't want to be with.
00:23:05
Speaker
However, I love that she saw that it was hurting you and that it like it probably wasn't going to work out anyways is what this is what I'm imagining. Yeah. And.
00:23:21
Speaker
that she gave you she gave you the carrot you needed the little carrot to end it and sort of gave you this gift even though it was slightly taboo and it's a little bit of a gray line of what like I would never do that to an employee or a staff member but um It was kind of like what I said earlier. Sorry, don't let me interrupt. No, go ahead. No, go ahead. i want to hear. What I was saying earlier is that like, you know, I've had managers and people in my life where I'm like, you're asking me to do this because you want what's best for me, right? Like it was one of those where I could see like, no, she she knows. Like they're getting emails from this person. they' They're seeing that I'm checking my phone in the middle of of this and that because that person's like, what's going on? You know, and they were like, you're losing yourself in this.
00:24:11
Speaker
And this is a big opportunity and we just don't want to see that happen. So I kind of just, I was like, okay, this is one of those things where, yeah, this is going to be better for them because they want me to perform my best and that's going to be good for their show.
00:24:26
Speaker
But then I was like, but the balance is like, I asked for it too. i was like, please God help me get out of this. And, and I need, i needed help. So yeah.
00:24:39
Speaker
And it was easier to ask for help um after being in rehab and and when you are so vulnerable and in a situation like that. Because before I went, it was like, okay, there's no going back.
00:24:51
Speaker
Once I admit that I have a problem, then everybody in my life is going to know like, oh, she doesn't got this. She don't got this. you know she like And one of the things that I always felt like that I...
00:25:03
Speaker
that I put on this this facade of like, oh, I got this. You know, like you were saying earlier, like, man, you were doing shows and and things that were really stressful um that I now in my age, or in some sense, I was still just like, God, this is stressful, like having to keep all this stuff together. But like at that age, I was like, no, this is what you got to do.
00:25:24
Speaker
This is how it is. And I didn't realize at that time, like what an anxious, you know, your body keeps the score. And so at that time I was just like, come on, keep them coming until ah my body just decides no more can't take it. And so i think I was just, you know, like I said, rehab helped me break that open and realize that it's okay to ask for help and it's okay to have these weird things, you know, just show up and, and, and, and be able to know like, okay, that is help. That is the universe doing, you know, throwing me a bone.
00:26:00
Speaker
Right. How has having this exposure with Orange is the New Black, how have you navigated your personal brand and visibility in the entertainment industry, sort of like being authentic to yourself? Because, I mean, i imagine that you got quite a bit of exposure from that.
00:26:24
Speaker
Yeah. um I guess it was pretty good that I was just cast as a an inmate, you know, just like a lowlife, like, hey, this is what you get. and And even when I went there, like my hair was exactly, was already dyed. And um and so they ended up ah building the the other people in my gang, you know, they were like, okay, we want blonde hair. We want people to, you know, had...
00:26:48
Speaker
I had a black eye already when I came on set because of something that my partner didn't at the time didn't punch me, but like I was running away from an argument and I fell off something and I had my whole face busted. And so it was like, I was coming in as me and I was coming in hot.
00:27:09
Speaker
And, um and so I think what it kind of allowed the world to see was that like, my real personality that, you know, I'm, I'm pretty, I'm pretty rough around the edges and what you see is what you get.
00:27:24
Speaker
Um, I'm not trying to put on a a facade anymore. Um, I, I just try to give as much of me as I can. And I've learned to, you know, when I can, I'm just like, eh, you know, like, um, this is as much as I can do. And, um,
00:27:44
Speaker
And it's, you know, there I wish that I was doing more, but like I said, I went on my own bender again after being on the show and I needed to get sober again. I needed to experience,
00:27:55
Speaker
um I guess you could say my own little ego death of like coming to terms with with if I want to do this thing and and put do my music and, and, and help and heal people that I have to heal myself first.
00:28:10
Speaker
I have to take care of this thing that has never been taken care of since she was a kid, you know, got kicked out. You were around when I got kicked out as a kid. And, and I mean, your, your family was supportive and and helping me, um,
00:28:26
Speaker
you know, feel like I had a family. And so, um you know, and I think about that in my, when I get quiet of just like the people that I've, that I've just felt like, and I don't know if the viewers want to but we call each other cuz.
Family Support and Self-Love
00:28:42
Speaker
Yeah. because we We look like each other and and people thought we were related in schools. And you were just like, yeah, that's my cuz. And so I just have felt that there's been people in my life that have,
00:28:53
Speaker
um showed me that unconditional love that, you know, we all end up needing to have for ourselves. And so I just kind of take from that. And and I, you know, the process is forever and taking care of yourself and healing yourself. But that's why I'm back out there playing music now. And um and i I have a different approach, you know, like I feel like um I know myself and and that's all I can give.
00:29:22
Speaker
Mm-hmm. And I think that's what people want. You know, I don't know, like all the pop music and it's fun and stuff like that. But I loved your music from the Vicky Martinez band. And that was all original content that you wrote. And, you know, as far as I know, you weren't being influenced by, you know, maybe a little bit by your manager, but for the most part, that was all you.
00:29:52
Speaker
Yeah. And I love that. And I, you know, love hearing some of the old songs and i feel really nostalgic. Oh, good. that's what I'm doing now. I used to do this thing where like I'd just come out to my show. I had a binder of all my songs because I can't remember all the lyrics.
00:30:10
Speaker
And i just put a binder together um before this trip. And I'm going to do the thing that I did, which was like, what do I feel like playing? What is what feels right for this energy and um and not just have it so scripted, you know, so we'll see how that goes.
00:30:29
Speaker
Do you see any more acting in your future? Oh yeah. Like I, I just learned that the agent that I have right now is mostly for like voice and, um, commercial, like TV commercial stuff.
00:30:43
Speaker
And I just asked Emily, I was like, man, I'm, you know, I'm, I've gotten more in shape and stuff. And I was like, I want to do a Marvel. I want to do something like dramatic. I want to get back. And she was like, well, we need to find you another agent.
00:30:55
Speaker
And, and I was like, I thought i already had one. And she was like, no, babe. Like, You just, cause I got an agent through her. Like I met her commercial guy and he was just like, I love you. And I was like, I love you.
00:31:07
Speaker
And he was like, all right. And at first too, I was like, I don't want to sign any contracts. I've had too many bad experiences. And was like, okay, let's just see if we can get you some jobs. And he got me some jobs. And, um, but what, that's my goal when we get back to New York is to just, you know, hit the ground and, and really try to find somebody who, um,
00:31:28
Speaker
sees any gold or magic in me. and And like I said, I feel more comfortable with myself now. and And it takes a while, you know, like not drinking for a while. um You know, I feel more, you know, my anxiety and stuff is like gone. and But also, you know, I was leaning to marijuana for um a little while with without the drinking. And that's something I just recently, a few months ago, just was like, I need to put this down to just You know, I think I can take care of my anxiety on my own now um without needing to look for that. And and I don't want to downplay any, but, you know, it's legal. I don't care. But, you know, it's just something that I've needed to break from ah for sure. Yeah. So we'll see how ah that manifests. And, um you know, it's easier to get things done, at least ah for me, with not having that as a crush. Yeah.
00:32:25
Speaker
I think it was really cool to see, you know, I guess being someone that got confused with you a lot. I don't I mean, we we don't really look alike, but we I did have short hair in high school.
00:32:37
Speaker
And so I remember that um there would be times where people would be like, oh, you were so good at your show last night. They we literally thought I was you. And I would say got so tired of saying I'm not Vicky. And they're like, oh, are you sisters? And I was like, no.
00:32:53
Speaker
So then I think I started saying that we were we started saying we were cousins. And then I think there were even a few times where I just. went with it and they were like when are you playing again and I knew when you would be playing again because we were friends so I would just be like okay and then that would be it but I have to say you're promoting it for us yeah I was just like okay cool um I have to say it's really refreshing to see you on like Orange is the New Black because I'm like oh that's someone that looks like me that's short that's
00:33:27
Speaker
Petit and, you know, Mexican and you know, just like having that sort of representation is it's cool because, you know, growing up, we didn't see a lot of people on TV that really looked like us.
00:33:44
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah, and I'll say that the daddy role is probably like the perfect role for you. I mean, people call me Uncle Vicky, so okay, I'm not anybody's daddy, but um' I've been everybody's uncle.
00:33:57
Speaker
close enough. You could be somebody's daddy one day. Who knows? Who knows?
00:34:04
Speaker
um So living and working between Tacoma and New York, how do you approach building and maintaining your brand across different markets? And what challenges have you faced in transitioning between local and national opportunities?
00:34:18
Speaker
Well, um I wish definitely that I could make the money gigging in New York that I make in Washington, but it's just what it is. My fan base is Washington.
00:34:30
Speaker
And so when I need a good you know, chunk. That's why like in the summer i try to, you know, pocket some gigs in and, um, and, uh, and see how I can make the year go on. Like I said, like, it's just been recent that I'm, I'm, I'm gigging again.
00:34:50
Speaker
um I, my band and I just decided to do a reunion show last year because my first manager Reed passed away. And i was trying to get everybody to come in and and be there for his funeral. And um as we were talking about it, we were like, let's let's just book a show. And so, i like, you know, one day at a time, I kind of have been doing this one gig at a time.
00:35:15
Speaker
um i I don't know if I wanna play with this band. if there's There's people in New York that um I play with sometimes. i started ah We started a little project, these people, um we're kind of wanting to do a documentary of me and Emily songs that we've written and, and kind of just, um, because of the pandemic, a lot of things changed in the acting business.
00:35:41
Speaker
Um, a lot of stuff went away. And, and so both her and i have kind of had this little bit of a rollercoaster after orange and things getting, um really slow for a while.
00:35:58
Speaker
And so, We had this chunk of money that, you know, we kind of been living off of, um but it is really hard in New York. We're kind of at a place where we're like, well, where where does the universe want to take us?
00:36:14
Speaker
Emily's family lives in Austin. My family lives here in Seattle. And one of the things that is really important to us after both of us getting sober um and slowing our role and slowing our, so you know, just slowing life down is we love our families.
00:36:30
Speaker
um And in this, in the acting business, you it's like New York or LA, but they're, they're kind of spreading out a little bit more. I know that some people do ah are doing filming in like Canada and and there's a lot of stuff here in Washington, but you kind of have to get out of the New York, l LA to, to um step into those markets and say like, Oh, I live here. And, you know, then people be like, great, you know, your local hire, we'll have you for this and that. So I haven't done that yet, but,
00:37:00
Speaker
Um, I think that we're kind of up in the air of, of where we should go next. But like I said, our priorities have changed with just realizing that we, we love our families and we want to be around them as much as possible. So it's easier for me to come home, do some shows, spend some family time. I'm, I'm here in my nephew's ah bedroom.
00:37:27
Speaker
Um, I'm going to be here for a month and, um, And it's funny because I, I get into this headspace sometimes about, Oh, I have the shows going on, but, um, the in-between time is the family time. So I have to get good at just like really being present and, and not trying to make some crazy show that I can't do, you know, trying to produce some crazy show that, you know, like, it's just like, just go do what you used to do. Open your binder and, and play your songs. And I guess just kind of feeling like I'm starting over again.
00:38:00
Speaker
Um, And hopefully if they build it, if you build it, they will come. Hopefully that my money and everything will start picking up again. But, you know, people know that I'm out and and doing it and wanting to do it. You know, um that's how I've gotten some of these gigs. People are like, oh I saw that you played Washington last summer. and Can we hire you for this? And it's been a few years.
00:38:26
Speaker
You know, they knew that I was in New York. So now they know that. I'm willing to come out here and pretty much prefer it. So, yeah, I mean, it sounds like if your family's out here, your fan base is out here, there's potential market for other acting out here that, um, that could be a good
Community and Performance
00:38:46
Speaker
opportunity. And I'm sure that a lot of us would be very excited to have you back hanging around and going to your shows regularly. So, um,
00:38:55
Speaker
ah you know I wish you the best of luck in figuring out your next step. Let's figure it out. Very exciting. Life is short. you know i think you know there's You never know. we only have this moment.
00:39:06
Speaker
And if your family is your priority, you've got to seize that moment. I just love watching the kids grow up. I love seeing them at the different stages. And I know that there were people in my life that were really,
00:39:27
Speaker
ah you know, kind of life changing for me. And it was people that just would listen to me. People that wanted, that just gave a crap that, you know, just were like, Hey, I want to give you advice. I want to, I want to know what's going on in your life. um I want you to feel like I care. And I don't know, that's just been something that's been really important to me is knowing that I'm not alone um as I was growing up. And so if I can be that for the kids and, um you know, the kids that are growing up in my family, then, you know, I want to.
00:40:07
Speaker
ah One of the things that I realized sometimes you know, my family's like, dude, don't come over here and try to fix everything. Like, yeah worry about yourself sometimes. Like, you know, like that's one of the things that they're like, you don't have kids. If you had kids, you would,
00:40:21
Speaker
you know, be busy working on that. And, and so just, you know, come and enjoy and don't feel like you have to, you know, save the world when you come. Solve the problems. Yeah. Yeah.
00:40:35
Speaker
Sometimes that unconditional love that you talked about earlier is what will make the impact, right? Like you don't have to fix their problems. You just have to love them and, you know, be there and, you know, you don't have to agree with everything they're doing or like everything they're doing, but you know, that unconditional love is really powerful. So yeah, that makes, that makes a lot of sense.
00:41:00
Speaker
So you, speaking of Tacoma, you have some shows coming up. You have several actually one this weekend. ah Tell us what that looks like for you. Yes. So Saturday is going to be Kitsap pride.
00:41:13
Speaker
um I'm going to come out and and do an acoustic set. And I mean, like I said, like my being around the kids, you know, they've been influenced. And so my nephew, Dominic, he likes to sing.
00:41:28
Speaker
He's been singing an in choir at his school and he's a very shy boy, but it's like the fact that he's out there singing, he's he's done a couple solos. um when he When he was in fifth grade, he did a solo and then the sixth grade, brand new school, and they asked him to do a solo. And so gonna have him come sing at the Pride Festival with me and and my meet his little sister's just like, what about me? And it's like, great, you guys sing together. and And that I'm excited for that.
00:41:56
Speaker
um uh, and you know, I just want to help build their confidence and, and, um, like, you know, I was a kid when I was out there playing and and singing. So sometimes it just takes somebody to give you a little push and to know, like, this is what I want to do. So, um, Kitsap is going to be a little bit more fun in that sense. And then, um, August 8th and 9th, me and my band are going to play the triple door and it's going to be the old Vicky Martinez music. Um,
00:42:27
Speaker
I have some new songs that are still in the Vicky Martinez vein. It's no pop stuff. I remember sometimes people would talk to me about the shows here and it's like, play your old stuff. And so.
00:42:39
Speaker
Oh yeah. That's going to happen. And, um, and then, we're going to be heading to Eastern Washington, August 13th. Um, and August 16th, Emily's going to join me on those shows and we're going to play our songs and she sings on some of my old songs and, and yeah, it's just going to be, um, it's going fun.
00:43:02
Speaker
It's going to be, uh, Like I said, like, it's not a big old production. It's just singing along. And one of the things too, that I've started doing is singing covers. Like when I first started, I sang a lot of covers because I didn't have enough of my own music and I didn't realize, but people love that.
00:43:19
Speaker
So i loved your covers on the voice. You, um, you did, ah Florence in the machine, right? The drums. Yeah. Oh my God. That gave me goosebumps when I was watching it. I was like,
00:43:33
Speaker
You're so good. And then you're rolling in the deep. Like, hello. Yeah. You picked great songs. Every song you did was great. Oh my gosh. Do they, and they do they give you a list of songs or do you, they give you a list at the beginning. And so everybody yeah on that season wanted to do rolling in the deep and I luckily got that.
00:43:54
Speaker
And, um and then i was gonna, I did a pink song for one of my battles and then they wanted to throw me into more pop and, a producer called me and he's like, I'm not supposed to do this, but I see ah career for you. And, and one of the songs I auditioned with was Jolene. And he was like, your coach is going to call you CeeLo and he, they're going to try to push you to sing a pink song.
00:44:18
Speaker
But I want you, if, if you're up for it, he was just like, i want you to, um, suggest singing Jolene. And, um, he's like, it's, all it's up to you at the end of the day. So if you really want, if you really push for it, um,
00:44:34
Speaker
I will make that happen. Cause he was like, I just, that's the kind of style that you are. And he's like, I think that he's like, I think things are going to happen for you after the show. So I want the audience to see what you do.
00:44:46
Speaker
that was awesome. he He was like, and don't tell anybody I called you too late. Um, yeah, I don't give his name. That's for sure. Yeah, no, I thought that they were all really great. So um definitely covers are fun. And, you know, they just have a new twist. And there's it's kind of weird because we're in our 40s now um that there are people out there that haven't heard those songs yet.
00:45:16
Speaker
Totally. Like Jolene. I mean, I honestly hadn't really heard of, heard it, but like, you know, there's, and so they're hearing it for the first time through you and then to be able to go back.
00:45:28
Speaker
That's one of the songs he was like, can I sing that with you? And I was like, well, we're going have to practice and see how you sound on that one. Cause that's, um, yeah, we don't want to mess up on that one, but, uh, just to know that that's one of the ones he wants to sing really bad. I was like, okay, that's awesome.
00:45:44
Speaker
Yeah, that's great. I'm so happy for you. And that sounds fun. Um, so anybody can go and just Google your tour dates and find out where you're going and probably buy tickets. Do they buy tickets like on Ticketmaster or on your website or how do they get it?
00:45:59
Speaker
The, I don't have a website right now, but I do, um, on my Instagram, I have like a little ticket link, a little highlight reel of, of tours. And, um, if you go to bands in town and just look up Vicky Martinez, um, you could,
00:46:13
Speaker
I I've had the, I have it to where it goes directly to their sites because you can buy tickets from their triple door. You buy it from the triple door site and outskirts brewing and say, well, you buy it from their website. And then, um, the 11 North high school concerts, it's also from their website as well.
00:46:31
Speaker
So great. What's your biggest piece of advice for grit city women?
Women Supporting Women in the Industry
00:46:38
Speaker
I guess, i mean, women need to support other women.
00:46:42
Speaker
Um, I think one of the things I saw, um like I said, in the acting world ah was people seemed like they had your back, but they also were just like, you know, don't take my role, don't take my opportunity. And um it makes makes you feel some type of way. Like, you're like, who can I trust and who really has my back? and i And I just have this feeling that the more women having each other's back, promoting what each other is doing,
00:47:11
Speaker
um that frequency just helps everybody in the end. And, um you know, sometimes I get a little bit competitive, you know, I'll go on Instagram and I see, you know, even friends of mine that are just doing more than I'm doing.
00:47:26
Speaker
And I can feel some type of way. and I'm like, you know, check my ego. It's like, you know, you don't have to compare. If you can change that perspective and just be like, I'm happy for that person. Just like I want them to be happy for me in the next opportunity that comes along for me.
00:47:40
Speaker
Because I think if you if you if you can change that perspective, um you know everyone grows from that. Everyone can benefit. You're more in the abundance mindset as opposed to Why not for me? You know? yeah And I never thought that I was that way. I used to see other people be that way. and And one of the things I've realized is like, oh, if you, if you have a problem with somebody doing something, it's probably because you have it in you.
00:48:08
Speaker
So that's something that I was like, do I have that in me? And Yeah, sure. I guess we all kind of do. And yeah, yeah so I say when you see somebody online and you you you think what they're doing is cool, or even if you're like a little jealous, just put a heart there.
00:48:23
Speaker
Just like it and and, you know, help them, you know, boost them up and, you know, karma, it'll come back to you as well. Absolutely. Yep. It's something I think we all at times, I, it would be, i think it would be a rarity if someone never experienced that, right? Especially with social media. so you know, it's just sometimes you gotta check yourself and count your own blessings and think, what would i want other people to, how would I want them to react? Exactly. And how do i want to walk through life? And yeah, I mean, we all have so much work to do. that
00:49:00
Speaker
how life is no one's perfect yeah yeah well thank you so much for joining us and sharing your story it's absolute pleasure to have you on thank you for having me and it's so good to see you and yeah congratulations on your kids and your awesome life thank you don't worry i'm not on social media being like oh jealous of that you know i'm like hell yeah Born from the spirit of Grit City Women, Gritty is the New Pretty carries the torch, amplifying the voices, stories, and power of women who lead with resilience, purpose, and unapologetic grit.
00:49:38
Speaker
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