Alert: Mark Joseph
Mark's a true child of Britpop and, if you are too, you'll love it.
Who?
Mark Joseph hails from Luton, and is the true definition of 'independent'. Barely into his 20s, Mark risked everything by ploughing all his (and his families) money into self released single 'Get Through', and following that, a self-played and self-produced album entitled 'Scream'. A few years back, this boy made quite a buzz...
What's The Deal?
It's been done a million times before, sure - a billion and one bands must have released music off their own label, but it's rare any of them get anywhere near the chart, and that usually includes big internet advertising. Mark didn't need that, he simply toured relentlessly until enough people saw his way of thinking, and pushed his debut single into the top 40 (number 38 in fact). The initial hype (one tabloid even hailed him 'The Boy Who Beat The Music Business') has long died down now, and Mark has slipped heavily under the radar. But he's still around, now signed to 14th Floor Records and with the original 'Scream' being a collectors item after it was re-recorded and re-released with his back-then new label. During his time hiding away from the limelight he's even had every guitarist's dream come true - Gibson issued a signature guitar for him in early 2006.
Will I Like It?
Mark's a true child of Britpop and, if you are too, you'll love it. Not only that, but unlike the more modern Britpop of Kaiser Chiefs, Mark puts some soul into his lyrics rather than singing about condom machines. Each track on his album is unique, from the quiet, soul-inspiring hum of piano-led 'Fly' to the so-Britpop-it's-almost-one-of-the-Gallaghers 'Moody Blues'. Even if that doesn't inspire you, big Damien Rice fans will want to hear his proper-Britpop cover of 'Volcano'.
What's Next?
Mark's second album, currently titled 'Sold To Sound' will be released in the new year, closely followed by some tour dates of his own and no doubt some high profile support slots (he's already played Wembley Arena as well as having shared a stage with the mighty Paul Weller). Keep an eye on this lad, in an effort mirrored by the likes of Hot Chip, he will remain undiscovered until the new album comes out, at which point it will surely let him explode.
RSS Feed
