Published: July 6, 2010 6:04 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight July 2010 Edition
Supermodel
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Supermodel
Formed in 2006, Supermodel has been kicking asses in the music industry and taking no prisoners alone the way. With one of the most refreshing and fun sounds currently out, this super talented indie band is the act not to be missed. In our spotlight with the band, we were able to learn so cool facts about Supermodel. Here is what we discovered from our line conversation.
Isaac: Let’s get started with this interview. When and how did you first become interested in music?
Mark: I come from a musical family on both sides so I was singing as soon as I could make noise!
How long have you been playing music?
Mark: I started learning piano from age 5. I wasn’t very good at practicing because I would always work out the songs by ear and so my sight reading was never too good. Once I got to grade 3 I quit lessons and continued playing by ear. About this time, I picked up the guitar and discovered the band Queen. I then started teaching myself guitar by working out Brian May riffs and solos. I've been a huge fan ever since as I feel it was Freddie Mercury and Brian May who helped me learn my craft.
I'd have to say- All of my life.
Isaac: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why?
Mark: My Grandparents and my parents introduced me to a wide range of music from a young age.
I am heavily influenced by old show tunes- Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin as my mum played in a lot of shows. My parents were also in a covers band playing everything from the Beatles to top 40 stuff. Also, some kiwi music like Split Enz and Crowded House.
And of course - Queen!
Isaac: What has been the greatest highpoint in your career so far?
Mark: Playing a show with a 750 strong choir backing us to one of my songs called '”We All Will Live As One”. It was epic! The feeling you get when you're on stage and in the moment is very spiritual. Nothing compares to it- and that's what makes the hard work all worth it!
Isaac: What has been the greatest disappointment in your career so far? What did you learn from that experience?
Mark: Well we like to call them 'Learning Curves'. We have spent money on music videos that have been done on a tight budget. They just didn't work out and we know not to do things by halves!
Isaac: What draws you to want to play the type of music that you do?
Mark: We love to play music that has strong melodies and rich harmonies, -tunes you can whistle along to and we want to play in stadiums eventually having everybody singing along to our songs!
Isaac: What do you feel it takes to play this type of music that you play?
Mark: Lots of energy! Big amplifiers! Basically we go by the motto "the bigger the show- the better"
Isaac: What do you think you will create that will make your performances and who you are stand out in the music industry?
Mark: Our first focus is to write great songs that people can sing along to. We want the music to do the talking! But we also love having a big rock sound and lots of harmonies so hopefully that will make us stand out!
Isaac: If you had the opportunity to do one cover, what cover would you do and why? How would you put your own spin on this cover?
Mark: Somebody To Love by Queen springs to mind- It's a great song to play live with big sounding drums, guitars and layers of harmony. Plus, the big chant in the middle "find me somebody to love" Our own spin would be Rose "ad-libbing" singing and playing her classical style piano over the top.
Isaac: What does it take to be a good songwriter?
Mark: It takes hard work, dedication, passion and most of all self belief.
Isaac: How difficult is it to juggle music, family and work obligation, and life in general? Explain.
Mark: Basically, life has become those 3 things- music, work, and family because there is no time for anything else! If you take music seriously, it needs to be a full time thing- but you need to make money to fund your own music. I'm lucky because I make money through teaching a little and playing- so all my free time (which isn't much) is spent hanging with my family!
Isaac: What is your definition of being an Indie artist/band?
Mark: To me, indie isn't a sound or style. To me, it means independent. Independent of being told how your music should sound like…independently funded and independently free to do whatever we want!
Isaac: Where can fans access your music online?
Mark: We have a website which is http://thesupermodelband.co.nz/ and it has all the links to our MySpace and Facebook pages and buying our music on iTunes.
Isaac: In five years……
Mark: We will be playing to thousands of people singing along to our songs in the biggest stadiums...
