What was life like for you before you got into music?
Not sure, I have been in music since childhood but only started releasing my music around the COVID lockdown in the UK before then I was writing and producing my own music by but didn’t release anything because I was nervous about it so before then life was pretty normal 9-5, now each release brings nerves and excitement.
What’s the live music scene like in Newcastle right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)
Venues are struggling throughout the UK but there are diverse groups and venues here from large venues like the fabulous Fire Station in Sunderland to the smaller Little Buildings and quirky venues like Station East in Gateshead . My favourite venues have to be The Globe in Newcastle and NE Volume Music Bar in Stockton for the diverse range of artists and passion for music also two venues that gave me a chance as a new solo artist. Local talent wise I am really impressed by the witch house music from The Nadine Hurley Band and the trip hope vibes of The Last of the Fallen Angels and the dream pop of Hannah Robinson or house music of CHOP5.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
I think it can be an added pressure as well as an opportunity when you are creating, performing and working full time and not very savvy with social media. It can feel a little false sometimes too and as a private person I find social media can be awkward.However I really enjoy seeing new people enjoying my music .
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I try to use scheduling tools during busy times at work and take a rest in-between releases otherwise I try to post once a day at least.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
Ageist with a focus on business and numbers instead of creativity hence a lot of artists go independent. Personally I also would say expensive too as there are recording and marketing and distribution costs which which can limit your reach due to financial constraints. However the diversity online is great but there is so much it is difficult to be noticed .
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry.
Ha,ha,ha, this is easy somewhere between nowhere, struggling and moderately respected.
Whats the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
I have learned to not be afraid to diversify and have grown from electronic pop to deep house, disco house to trap and recently started rapping a little and experimenting with drill trap beats and collaborating with other artists.
What was your best experience on stage?
Recently I hosted a night in Sunderland and had everyone dancing and singing back and it was so busy I had been nervous because I was worried people wouldn’t show up as the area is big on rock indie and guitar driven music so it was great to see so many people. Just before Christmas I did a surprise gig covering for a friend who couldn’t do it. I turned up and the place went crazy for me it was amazing.
What was your worst experience on stage?
I think the worst experience was when I did a cover gig in a pub and everyone was drunk or drugged up and people tried to steal my gear. I did the gig and left, the venues closed now thankfully.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
Im 55 in June so probably one of the older original dance music newbies!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes I’m excited to be mixing my deep and progressive house with darker moody music and possibly some rap but that’s possibly as another side project.
What was the recording process like?
Very easy I produce and mix at home then lay down vocals and mix and master professionally with Harbour Master Productions it saves time and I get lots of tracks done quickly.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I think learning I could rap was the biggest and it’s the breathing and rhythm it all seems new and it’s great to diversify. I only started it to cover the rap on my track when Josh the rapper on “My Table” couldn’t make it to a recent gig and the audience liked it
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
No I really worked hard on this track and usually leave a track then come back to it with fresh ears a while later to iron out any changes.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Yes I am excited to be diversifying writing tracks for other artists too and working on a new project as well as MARQelectronica.
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