The Jangling Man is the story of UK-based artist, poet, and Cleaners from Venus frontman Martin Newell. Regarded by many as an influential figure in the history of cassette culture and DIY recording, Newell has been an integral part of the British music scene since the 1970s, and his music career spans over six decades.

In 2012 Captured Tracks began an extensive reissue campaign, covering most of the Cleaners From Venus and Martin Newell catalog. Though it would be wrong to call him an “unknown,” he has never been directly in the limelight. This film brings to light the amazing career and life work of the artist, who, on top of being the most published contemporary British poet as well as an established gardener, continues to record and release music today.

“He has this unique way of making you feel like you’re at home in the British countryside”

What sparked the initial idea behind The Jangling Man?

Mike Sniper (Captured Tracks): There was already some footage from a prior doc that was abandoned, so James had the idea to finish that, I think? James?

James Robert Sharp (Director): Yes Mike’s on the money! After seeing the failed makings of a film about Martin Newell, it seemed a shame there was relatively nothing biographical out there! I was on tour with Michael Stasiak’s band, EZTV, and we were chatting about how something needed to be made. Before I had even returned home to the UK, we’d spoken to Mike (Sniper) and Pamela Garavano-Coolbaugh, and I had been in touch with Martin Newell and had planned a liaison. The fact that there was SUCH a huge body of work, and little about his character, it seemed too good to be true to have the opportunity to put something together.

How did you first get to know the music of Cleaners From Venus and how did it make you feel?

Mike Sniper (Captured Tracks): If I remember correctly it was from one of those compilations of “hits” on Tangerine or Cherry Red that were made in the mid-90s. I didn’t have room for records in my dorm so I was buying a lot of used CDs at Kim’s and Other Music. I would pretty much grab anything like that I could find and it immediately blew me away. My suitemates hated it. They hated everything I played, they were only into the jungle and drum-n-bass.

James Robert Sharp (Director): I’d been a fan a while, after hearing ‘Vicky Grey’ in the early days of YouTube, and then finding the odd song, but it wasn’t really until Captured Tracks reissued EVERYTHING I was really able to delve deep (and became slightly obsessed with all over Martin’s doings). In the time in between I’d picked up on the poetry, and writings, and loved it just as much as the music.

I think as an artist, he has this unique way of making you feel like you’re at home in the British countryside, kicking your way through the leaves, staring at autumnal pastures. He somehow manages to paint this pastoral vision of EXACTLY what it’s like to live in England. So, I could say it made me feel at home. There’s a Martin song for every occasion.

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor): Around 2010 a good friend of mine / the biggest music snob I know put ‘Only a Shadow’ on a mix and I was immediately hooked. Then once I realized how much more quality tunes this guy had written I kind of lost my mind.

Sometimes I’m having a difficult time preparing interview questions for artists that have been active on so many fronts and for so many years. Did you have any trouble with how to present the story of Martin Newell?

Mike Sniper (Captured Tracks): He’s pretty good to just turn on the camera and let him go.

James Robert Sharp (Director): I did some heavy research – and tried not to leave any stone unturned, as to prepare some questions for him, which really helped. Chatting with Martin was a pleasure, and no trouble at all, he loves to chat! Which is amazing when you want to know the ins and outs of somebody! And considering he has an elephant’s memory, it was no trouble to get some fantastic stories from him about his life, and career. I think when chatting with anyone, you can only dig as deep as they’ll allow you, but Martin was very open and happily talked about his career and personal life, deep enough to paint a good picture.

The real mastery came from Jim’s editing, though. I think he had to watch around 100 hours of footage, which I had shot and managed to unearth, so for him to build such a captivating and interesting film was really amazing. To know every single piece of information on someone, and whittle it down to 83 minutes was a real feat. I think it would killed lesser of a man, like myself! It could have given ‘Let it Be’ a run for its money with the amount of stuff we did not include.

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor): As the editor, it was the biggest challenge I’ve ever had. Decades of brilliant archival footage combined with hours upon hours of intimate interviews with Martin that are all complete gold made it really difficult to decide on what to use. Each moment I had to choose not to use in the film really stung. I honestly feel like I could make 2 or 3 more alternate versions of this film that would be just as entertaining.

I’m glad you will bring his work to a wider audience! How was it to work with Martin Newell?

Mike Sniper (Captured Tracks): Bumpy but worth it.

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor): I edited his life story for a few years and didn’t meet him until the night of the premiere in London and he’s even more entertaining, hilarious and charming in person.

“There’s a Martin song for every occasion”

There were a lot of bands self-producing tapes and being part of DIY, what in your opinion makes The Cleaners’ music special?

Mike Sniper (Captured Tracks): I think the conscious decision to make pop music with hooks, not be too dark. There’s a Martin song for every occasion.

James Robert Sharp (Director): I think it’s the sheer volume of work, and longevity of Martin’s career, he’s made to such a high standard. Sure, other people have done it, and are doing it, but no-one like Martin. There is no-one I’ve met who has a sheer love and passion for their craft like him, it’s almost indicative of what the Japanese would consider a takumi. I don’t ever see him stopping, OR lacking in quality!

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor): It’s way better than all that other shit.

You interviewed a truly impressive list of musicians and notable figures, how long did you work on the documentary?

James Robert Sharp (Director): We started the film in February 2018, and a majority of the filming was carried out within 18 months, whenever I had the spare time/money to complete it. It was really the whole Covid thing that put a bit of a stop to it, luckily I had most of it done, and was able to send it to Jim and he got the editing and post work carried out. In its entirety it took four years to have the film finished. There were a few more people lined up, but sadly Covid, a long list of let downs, and “fuck-off’s.” But I guess that’s business…

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor): Editing took roughly three years, I’m not even sure when James began filming.

One of the most fascinating things about The Cleaners is their sincere labour of love DIY attitude, did that inspire you to a certain extent when it came to film making?

James Robert Sharp (Director): Absolutely! The film aesthetic really had to match “Martin,” it would have been quite mad to make a beautiful art piece film when his whole career is based upon, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Jim did the perfect job of matching the movie style, to his music, when it came to the edit. I mean, something super polished would have not been in any way similar to the whole Martin Newell and The Cleaners from Venus aesthetic.

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor): Absolutely. This was a complete labor of love made with a minimalist, DIY approach. James filmed everything while often running sound and conducting the interviews himself. And all post production was done in a 100 year old log cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, not in some fancy post house with meddling producers. Mostly during Covid lockdown.

What are some future plans now?

James Robert Sharp (Director): It would be great to have the film spread as far and wide as possible, and perhaps open the door to a new age of Martin fans! Which I’m sure it will. I’m actually continuing to work with Martin, on some other film pieces, there’s still so much going on with him. I’ve also been working away at another film about Johnny Echols and Love – as well as an English group Heron.

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor): I’m available for hire.

Your top 5 desert island Cleaners From Venus songs?

James Robert Sharp (Director): Impossible, there’s too many. Off the top of my head, a few favourites (all round Martin, not just Cleaners):
‘The World Strikes One’
‘Governor’s Only Daughter’
‘Corridor of Dreams’
‘Miss Van Houten’s Coffee Shoppe’
‘I Can’t Stop (Holding On)’
Extra 6. ‘Young Jobless’

Jim Larson (Producer / Editor):
‘Young Jobless’
‘Kool of the Night’
‘Wivenhoe Bells’
‘Julie Profumo’
Neo City (The Plod)

Klemen Breznikar

All photos: Courtesy of Captured Tracks

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Larson Media Official Website