Getting to know Aussie multi-instrumentalist Byron Mark

Maggie Tra

9 years ago

Sydney multi-instrumentalist Byron Mark has released a classical flamenco inspired track dubbed ‘Piano Dance.’

We interview Byron Mark to get to know the multi-talented musician. Margaret Tra writes.

How did you get your start in music?

I began learning the piano when I was 6 years old. I was very lucky to have extremely supportive parents and continued to study classical piano and complete all my grades. During this time, I also began playing the drums and alto saxophone.

Tell us a little bit about your sound and how it developed.

My sound is a mix of a whole lot of music experiences: gigs, recording sessions & tours with various artists amongst differing genres. My strength is rhythm, and I love African and flamenco rhythms, so these have played a large part in my compositional inspiration. I also listen to a lot of funk & jazz music, which surfaces in my writing too.

Who have been your musical influences?

Jamiroquai, Herbie Hancock, tower of power, Beethoven, Gershwin, the list goes on!

What are your favourite songs of all time?

Tough question! “King for a Day” by jamiroquai and “tell me a bedtime story” by Herbie Hancock.

Give us a little fun fact about yourself that people might not know.

Aside music, I love VW beetles and kombis!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in your career?

Persistence…stay true to yourself and always keep practicing and listening. No matter how much you know, music is an endless journey of knowledge, no one person will ever know everything, and I love that there is always something new to learn in music.

Tell us about your latest release.

My debut single release is titled “Piano Dance”. Combining my 2 strengths of piano and flamenco percussion, I decided to compose and record a piece that captured these elements, whilst also creating space for the cello, my favourite string instrument (I could hear cello in the piece as the composition developed).

Whilst composing the piece, I envisioned some flamenco-like dancing during a performance of the piece. So, when it came time to plot the music video, that’s exactly what I did. I had 2 close professional dancer friends and music colleagues work with me to film my first video. I hope you enjoy the listening and viewing experience.

What do your future plans involve?

I will be releasing new material following “Piano Dance” in early 2016: beginning with some more single releases, and then an album mid way through the year.

Links: Piano Dance, Website, Facebook