Mark S Black (46) is a musician from Letterkenny, Donegal.
He began playing guitar in his teens. Mark has played in bands etc for 30 years. He went full-time as a musician in 2005.
What genre / style do you create in?
Music style is blues rock, roots rock and folk rock.
What would you be best known for?
Blues rock musician and songwriter.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
Playing and performing in Glastonbury 2009.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson youâve learned in your industry?
Never give up. Plan — short term— medium term and long term… adjust and adapt!
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Learning how to market efectively online. Self manage my music career from Donegal and away from the main industry hubs.
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
I am 46 years old. I’ve been a full-time musician for over 15 years and been playing music professionally for nearly 30 years. I am married and have 5 kids. My main hobbies are cycling, mountain biking and road bike, surfing, playing guitar, cinema and movies.
Tell us about your most recent work?
I’ve just released album number 5 which was studio album number 4, Wheels Keep Turning. At the beginning of lockdown in March I had scheduled to release the album and do a series of promo gigs nationally around Ireland. However, with lockdown everything went online including the album launch. I began live-streaming weekly gigs in March and to date have done 27 Facebook live streams which happen every Sunday at 8pm on FB live. I’ve also done many other live streams for online festivals and events since the lockdown so in total prob reached about 40 live stream events in the past 6 months.
What would you like us to tell people about?
New album Wheels Keep Turning available from my webstore www.marksblack.com and come check out the live streaming gigs every sunday at 8pm on my FB page.
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
Blues rock guitarist and musician.
Whatâs the funniest experience youâve had in your business?
Heading to Holland on tour and landing at the airport with my daughter’s passport!
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
Don’t expect overnight success. Plan for what you might achieve in 1 year, 3-5 years and 10 years!! Plan!!
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
Check out website www.marksblack.com
Who do you look up to and why?
Rory Gallagher. — humble, grounded, work ethic, amazing guitarist, outstanding songwriter. Performed like a master on stage and with unstoppable energy.
You can find Mark on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok!Â