Hey guys! Check out this interview I did with my good friend Mark McQueen, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter. A nice blend of pop and electronica, his music is catchy and provides a breath of fresh air to the music scene.
For people who may not know about you, tell us about yourself.
My name is Mark McQueen. I'm 18 and from Knoxville, TN. I make pop/electronic music. I started designing fashion when I was four, started theater when I was five, and started playing piano at six. Since then, all those elements have come together and I'm this machine of fashion, theatrics, and music. I started writing my own music in late 2008 and really haven't stopped since. I write music every day, and I'm determined to perform every chance I can get. It brings me to life.
What bands have influenced your music?
What bands have influenced your music?
David Bowie and Cyndi Lauper have influenced me so immensely, both sonically and visually. But also you gotta throw in some Madonna and Springsteen. But really, I'm mostly inspired by the music and theatrics of musicals.
What do you want people to take from your music?I want people to hear my music and realize how cool it is to be strong and independent. Not just realizing that it's okay to be single, but realizing how to be an independent thinker. My music is full of rebellion from all the social normalities in culture. I want to teach people how to have a brain, and a heart, and how to be free.
What is your favorite part of the recording process?
What do you want people to take from your music?I want people to hear my music and realize how cool it is to be strong and independent. Not just realizing that it's okay to be single, but realizing how to be an independent thinker. My music is full of rebellion from all the social normalities in culture. I want to teach people how to have a brain, and a heart, and how to be free.
What is your favorite part of the recording process?
My favorite part of the recording process is arranging. I love laying down the beat and later doing the vocals, but the process of instrumentation between is most satisfying to me. The beat is the foundation, the vocals are the roof, and the rest is the living, breathing souls of the house.
What artist would you like to do a collaboration with?
What artist would you like to do a collaboration with?
Quite selfishly, my dream is to write and record a duet with Cyndi Lauper. In the pop spectrum, however, I would love to do an epic song with Justin Bieber.
How important do you think things such as responding to fans, having are to a musician’s success?
How important do you think things such as responding to fans, having are to a musician’s success?
I -know- that a good relationship with your fans is something essential to a long-term success. With me, though, I don't want a relationship with my fans to just solidify my success. In all honesty, I often feel quite lonely and rejected, so I cherish the relationship I have with my fans. They're the only people in the world who understand me. They hear my music, they see my visuals, and they relate. They're the rejects of society. The weirdos, the kids that get made fun of. I want to come up to arms and defend them at all costs. I would love to revolutionize the artist/fan relationship by personally staying in touch with them somehow. I love them all so much.
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
This time next year I'll be living in New York City. I'll be at school, and writing and performing at the same time. As for my career, who knows how far along I'll be. I'm a very hard worker, so hopefully this time next year I'll be making a strong name for myself in New York, and beyond.
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