Scripted Laces Feature Article

Scripted Laces Article: Feb 5th 2016:      http://www.scriptedlaces.com/byron-mark/

Byron Mark recently released his classical flamenco inspired track called ‘Piano Dance’. Being a professional percussionist, pianist and composer, Byron has played national festivals and international tours in the past 10 years where he has established himself as a funk, flamenco, classical, jazz and pop performer.  We caught up with Byron to have a chat about his career.

Where did your passion of music come from?

My passion for music has been in my blood since little school. I began playing the piano at a young age and since then, have never looked back. I’ve picked up other instruments along the way and especially enjoy performing and collaborating with others. My passion for music also grows when I meet and perform with extremely talented people and am continually reminded of the amazing power of music.

How did you find the inspiration for Piano Dance?

Piano Dance was born through an improvised piano jam during a practice session. Straight away I began to work on it as a serious piece, recorded it on my phone, and after a few more sessions – it was composed! I am inspired to create music in the moment, and on this occasion, I was drawn to the initial melody and inspired to finish it!

What can people expect from this project you’re working on?

People can expect to discover the wide spectrum of music I have dabbled in over the years. Through my numerous recording and performance collaborations, I have experienced creating music in many genres – and this is what people will hear. Some pieces are instrumental; some feature guest vocalists I have worked with to compose lyrics to my tunes; some sound African; and some pieces are cool funk groove tunes. All tracks will feature guest musicians on various instruments to help capture the complete sonic palate in my mind for each piece. ‘Piano Dance’ featured my good friend Damian de Boos-Smith on the cello.

How do you want people to see your music?

I want people to enjoy listening to my music. I want them to hear how I enjoy adapting my piano and various percussion instruments into many different genres. When it comes to live performances, each one will be different and special in its own way, depending on which musicians I am working with on the stage.

Are their differences in working with others and doing your own thing?

I guess the biggest difference is that I have full creative control of the end product. Each artist hears music in a different way, and different ways a melody or musical phrase can be extended and structured. Working on my own music allows me to complete a piece the exact way I hear it in my mind, rather than coming to a compromise based on various other musical opinions. And don’t get me wrong, I love to hear other people’s ideas, but it’s nice to be able to hear these songs as I envision them.

What advice would you give to others who are trying to chase their dreams?

A good friend once told me that persistence is key in the music industry; and I couldn’t agree more. Music is not an overnight success. It has been a great journey for me over the last 10 years working with many amazing people, and I feel ready now to release some of my own music and be proud of what I put out to share with the rest of the world – and now is only the beginning!