Today, on Guitaa Artist Centerstage, we have an amazing Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist “Mark Newman”. The NYC based musician has played with many music industry legends and has even opened for Don Felder, David Bromberg, and The Doobie Brothers.
From working alongside Sting, Elvis Costello, and Travis tritt to sharing the stage with John Oates, Jim McCarthy, Willy DeVille, Sam The Sham, Bobby Whitlock, and Sam Moore, Mark has done it all.
So Let’s get to know more about this gem of an artist, how his journey into music began, about his latest album, and many more.
- Introduce yourself to our audience, what genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Hey Guitaa followers. Mark Newman here. I’m a singer-songwriter/guitarist with a roots-rock band.
- What and who were your early passions and influences, What inspires you to make music?
My early influences were The Beatles, Stones, Traffic, Little Feat, Allman Brothers, Frank Zappa, anything on the Stax and Motown labels.
- Tell us about that one memorable performance and favorite venue which you still wish to happen again?
Opening for Delbert McClinton at BB King’s in NYC. His keyboard player, Kevin McKendree, played with us.
- Any funny Story of a fuck up during your performance where you handled that situation like nothing happened.
I was playing with Sam Moore (Sam & Dave) at a charity event in NYC. I was supposed to go right into “Soul Man” from “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby”. My E string popped out of the nut. I was scrambling to find the opening riff on a different string with no time to do it. There was another guitarist sitting in. The whole band looked at him. I copped to it later.
- If you could collaborate with any musicians dead/alive, who would you collaborate with and why?
That’s a long list: Steve Winwood, Lowell George, Gregg Allman, Anyone in the Beatles or Stones, David Porter and Isaac Hayes (who wrote for Stax).
- Any Tips to keep the balance between professional and music life?
For me, being a fulltime musician, my professional life is my music life. Get out and play as much as possible. Practicing is one thing but you need to play with other musicians. Try to find the things that set you apart from other musicians. If you have a fulltime job it’s important to find a situation to play as often as possible. If you’re a fulltime musician, find other activities so you don’t go crazy.
- What has been your biggest challenge as a Musician? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
One challenge is financial. It’s important to network to increase your contacts. Another challenge is not getting stale by playing the same riffs over and over.
Anytime something catches your ear, try to incorporate it into your arsenal. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a different genre. That goes for vocals and your instrument.
- What Tools and techniques you use to improve your singing/instrumental playing?
I do vocal exercises while I’m driving alone. Try to use what you practice when playing live, as long as it fits the music but do not overplay.
- What type of Gadgets and instruments do you use while practicing?
I have all my vocal exercises on my phone so I can practice in the car. When you practice your instrument, start out slow and increase your speed in small increments.
- Would you like to share a testimonial for Guitaa? If Yes, Why do you love Guitaa?
It’s a great site, whether you’re a music fan or a player. Players at any level can benefit from Guitaa.
- What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
No matter what level player you are, it’s important to play with other musicians. It’s also important to network. Also, try to write. It will help you develop your playing style. You could have success as a songwriter if others cover your work. It can also be just instrumental. Listen to advice from others but always go with your gut.
So, this was “Mark Newman”. Want to know how you can follow him on social media? Then, check out the link below:
Instagram:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/marknewmanmusic
Website:
