BY ANGELA JOSSY for WEEKLY VOLCANO 5/9/25
Vicci Martinez is an adult now, but when I first met her, she was a twelve-year-old girl performing at the Antique Sandwich Company’s weekly open mic with a big guitar, a big voice, and an even bigger heart. She belted out a song she had written based on a classic novel she had recently read. This checked a lot of boxes for me. I thought to myself, she has it. That indescribable it factor that you just somehow recognize when you see it.
I already knew a lot of young singer-songwriters at the time because I was one, and I attended these open mics often. But this was different, and I wasn’t the only one who saw it. It wasn’t long before she was scouted for bigger things, including national television exposure.
One thing I always respected about Vicci was her absolute refusal to be anything but herself. Lots of A&R-type people tried to give her makeovers to be more of a pop princess, but she resisted that at every turn, and I think it was her authenticity that attracted people to her. Many of those people are still fans to this day, more than twenty years later.
This is especially true in Tacoma, where we watched her grow up and share her abundant well of talent with the world. So when I heard she was coming back to town, as she faithfully does from time to time, I knew it was time to reconnect.
Vicci Martinez shot to national fame with her unforgettable performances on The Voice and a major acting role on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black. She lives in New York City now—Sunnyside, Queens to be precise—but says that while life has changed dramatically, her roots in Tacoma still run deep.
“Sunnyside feels like Sesame Street,” she says. “Having parks all around to play is good for my soul. And I love all the people and the variety of culture—it makes me remember how big the world is.” One of the biggest surprises about New York life? “How easy it is to live without a car.”
Despite the exposure of TV fame, Martinez reflects on her career with characteristic humility. “I was approached by the show [OITNB] for the role, so I got lucky,” she says. “It’s something I wanted to try but thought I wasn’t any good at. I was very surprised how that journey came about and has continued.”
Though she calls herself an “out of work actor” with a laugh, she’s still auditioning and going with the flow. Music, however, hasn’t taken a backseat. Her return to Tacoma includes a long-awaited performance at Airport Tavern with her original band.
“I haven’t done a Tacoma show with my OG Band in over 10 years,” she says. “We really just want to have a blast and do what we used to do—jam out.”
Her creative process has matured along with her. While fans might be eager for a new album, Martinez has adopted a more intentional approach. “A new album will be coming… someday,” she says. “I’ve learned my lesson getting excited about almost releasing things, then getting held up. So now I’m focusing on what I can control. Things are in the works.”
One of those works, the catchy track Better Than A Dream, published on YouTube, is giving swanky Jamiroquai-type vibes. “I wrote that more than 10 years ago in Sweden with Erik Lewander,” Martinez explains. “I reached out to him recently to ask if I could make a silly video for it and get it out into the world. He said, ‘Please do!’ So I did it… that’s how I want everything to go in the future—that easy.”
Her energy is now focused on healing and exploration. “Aliens, chakras, fascia… I’m obsessed with healing myself after getting sick. Feeling pain and not knowing why—and doctors not knowing why. Don’t get me started! Or DO!”
She’s also embracing the benefits of social media as a liberating force for artists. Reflecting on fellow performer Benson Boone, who chose to walk away from American Idol after reaching the Top 24 level to then become Best New Artist at the Grammys a few years later, Martinez says, “So lucky he dodged that deal. Social media reaches way more than a TV show once a week. It’s already helping a lot of folks skip the hell of a ‘major label unreleased album sitting on the shelf’ limbo life.”
Though Martinez played many shows at Jazzbones in the past, she’s excited for the switch to Airport Tavern. “Reed Riley was Jazzbones for me, and so that chapter is closed. Danno [Airport Tavern’s owner] has been a friend since his time at Jazzbones and even managed me for a minute. I’m excited for him and what he’s bringing to South Tacoma Way.”
Beyond the stage, Martinez is enjoying a quieter rhythm. She visits Tacoma often, finding it a good excuse for family reunions.
In a full-circle moment, Martinez said, “I think it’s wild that you were like the first person to report on me back in the day and here we are and you own this paper! It’s so cool. I love Tacoma, the Northwest… it’s a beautiful place to be indeed.”
You can keep up with her on Instagram @viccimartinez and attend her upcoming show this weekend:
Vicci Martinez: Hometown Reunion Show
Airport Tavern Music Hall – Tacoma, WA
Sunday, May 11th, 2025
Doors at 5:00 p.m.
All Ages
