Five places that made me: Jeff Martin, singer and songwriter

WINDSOR, ONTARIO, CANADA/DETROIT, MICHIGAN, USA

Windsor is a somewhat small city in southern Ontario that shares a border with Detroit "Rock City" in the USA. Windsor was the city where myself, Jeff Burrows and Stuart Chatwood, the three members of the Tea Party, were raised … but, we grew up, musically speaking, in Detroit. I need to make it clear that the three of us are very proud to be Canadian, but the influence that came from across the Detroit River exposed us to a compendium of music, opening up the proverbial Pandora's Box that became what we know now as the music of The Tea Party. Throughout the '80s and early '90s, it was the menace, the unknown pleasures of Detroit City, as dangerous as they were, that drew me in. But, as Nietzsche said, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA

The somewhat unexpected success of The Tea Party's first record Splendor Solis afforded me the opportunity to create a lair and the most ideal recording situation in Old Montreal, Quebec. The old port of Montreal, its architecture and its charm is like stepping back in to the early 18th century. It was there where The Edges of Twilight and Transmission were conceived and created. The creativity that ensued was lit by candlelight and fuelled by an encomium of wine, warmed by wood burning fire and inspired by an ever-growing collection of esoteric literature. My favourite memories of old Montreal will always be the silent, somewhat desolate winters. Alone with my thoughts, walking those old cobblestone streets, solely focused on the potential of what could be for the music that was possessing me … Bliss.

ISTANBUL

Depending on your predilection, Istanbul is one of the world's most ancient cities, forever dividing, or uniting, the east and the west. My wonderment towards Istanbul began in my adolescence and I knew back then that it would be a gateway to exploring the many musical landscapes that fascinated me. Walking through the Grand Bazaar, the scents, the sounds, the beautiful chaos, the labyrinth of tiny walkways peppered with musicians playing traditional songs that were as old as the walls themselves … I felt like I found home. And with this kaleidoscope of culture, I received the greatest gift as an artist … the confidence to step into the unknown.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

My interest in esoteric philosophies began in my late teens and continues to this day. As many spiritual traditions havetheir places of pilgrimage, for me the cities of Prague and Luxor have both been beacons as far it concerns my studies with regards to my spiritual pursuits. Throughout the middle ages, Prague was a safe haven for those who practised the art of alchemy among other occult sciences. The Golden Mile, the laneway that housed the mystics, was a must for me to see as well as the old astrological clock in the main square.

MOROCCO

Rhythm is the chariot on which music and melody must travel. There is nothing more primal than the rhythms that exist throughout the musical traditions of Morocco. In November 2015, I embarked on a music sabbatical that included a group of fans from different parts of the world to experience the cities of Fes, Marrakech, Moulay Idriss, and a desert camp at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It provided me with a kaleidoscope of musical traditions that was both inspiring and intoxicating.

The Tea Party is touring Australia in October to mark Transmission's 20th anniversary. See teaparty.com