Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Mark Donovan
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My fathers side of the family, most of them sing & play guitar. So going to family reunions as a young kid, there would be big jam sessions of old tunes. Playing spoons and all!!
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I was eight years old, sitting on the floor with my back against the big speakers, I popped in a cassette single of the song “regulate” by Warren G. The melody and the story telling really captivated me, & that’s where my interest in words and melodies began!
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My latest project, is actually a secret group! So I can’t divulge any details.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d describe it as a multitude of genre blending, so chances are, they’ll enjoy a few songs if they scroll through my catalogue! (Which is around 80 tracks on all streaming platforms.)
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I think I’m always changing and learning, it’s the little increments as I grow, I learn how to pluck the guitar a new way, or find nice inverted chords on the piano, or even learning new tricks for mixing & mastering my records, they seem to all open up a vein of new creation!
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Simply a MacBook Pro, a good Audio Interface, & a decent Mic & headphones! That’s the staples for sure.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I really enjoy the group Vacationer, their older albums “Relief” & “Mindset” are incredible listening front to back in my opinion!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
What a long strange trip it’s been..
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
It depends on the song! I hope they feel all the feelings. There is something for everyone, truly.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
To just be yourself!!
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado is high on the list!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’d like to collaborate with my father. He was killed two months before I was born. He wrote a lot of songs!
I also wouldn’t mind a song with Prince.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Here’s a Spotify link!
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I have a goal to land my first Sync Placement this year!
2026 will be full of releases!!!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I’m a pretty cool & nice person.
Below is a documentary I made called “Hitchhiking America” where I hitchhike across the country & back, and ask the drivers what their best life advice is.
