Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Mark Sunrise

Introduction of the project:

Mark Sunrise is the pseudonym of Marco Silvioli, italian producer and songwriter. He was born with music in his heart and has been playing the piano since the age of six. A deep passion that, from a young age, led him to seek beauty within every note, striving to share with others the profound emotions that sound gave him. His goal is to create music that makes your heart vibrate. He opens his eyes and intensely perceives the world around us, trying to capture its beauty and joyfully set it to music. This isn’t a superficial joy, though; it’s born from a deep exploration of form, content, and intention. Every sound is the result of meticulous aesthetic research, designed to excite, touch intimate chords, and promote a sense of well-being. Similarly, his lyrics aim to convey positive messages that can inspire and guide listeners toward a good state of mind. In music, as in all forms of art, Mark sees a path of evolution, exploration, and self-discovery — an ascetic journey where the pursuit of beauty and harmony is both the foundation and the goal. This path toward self-knowledge leads Mark to share his own perspective with others — unique, just like everyone’s point of view. As if the universe itself, through each person’s eyes, were walking the path toward its own understanding. Music is joy! Enjoy the experience!

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My first memory connected to music goes back to when I was about three years old. I used to listen on my parents’ stereo headphones to Tina Turner’s The Best, Stars by Simply Red, and Seven and the Ragged Tiger by Duran Duran. I absolutely loved that music — it filled me with joy. I also remember that, out of sheer curiosity, I was always touching the vinyl records and constantly breaking the stylus. I must have broken dozens of them… much to my parents’ dismay!

I also remember that my mother used to make me listen to a lot of classical music. We would go to the theatre from time to time, and I have very fond memories of listening to cassette tapes of Vivaldi’s 4 stagioni, Chopin’s Nocturnes, and especially a CD compilation of Mozart’s works. Classical and sacred music played a very strong role in my childhood; I remember it with great affection, and I still listen to it often today.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

My passion for making music started when I was around 10 years old, after my parents took me to see a James Brown concert during a jazz festival. I believe it was around 2004–2005. I remember that on the way back home my mother gave me what was then the latest Duran Duran album, Astronaut. I listened to it during the drive on my portable CD player, which I always carried with me, and I was completely captivated by its refined blend of electronic music, synths, rock, and pop. I remember thinking to myself: “This is it. This is what I want to do. This is something important. This is beautiful”

Some time later my father made me choose between a drum kit and a synthesizer as a Christmas present and since I already played the piano a little I chose a synthesizer and from there a whole new world opened up to me.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

Over the years, I’ve contributed to many cover bands and artistic projects, which allowed me to gain experience with live music, even though I’ve always been more drawn to composition and music production. I don’t really consider myself a stage person; instead, I want to convey messages through my music. I believe music is an incredibly powerful tool, a way to speak a universal and positive language.

There is always some reference in my songs to my esoteric and spiritual path of personal evolution, a journey I’ve been pursuing for years thanks to the help of incredible people I’ve met throughout my life. I’ve always believed that music is a creative process best carried out with as many people as possible. It’s a team effort in every sense, from the initial idea to its practical execution, and that’s something I find truly exciting.

Viaggi Sonori was born from this very vision: a songwriting and music production project open to as many talents as possible, with a clear purpose —to help create a better, more beautiful, more harmonious, and more peaceful world.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I’m a Pisces, and defining what I do is very difficult for me—I tend to move across many musical genres, depending on what I’m feeling. If I had to say what kind of sound I’m currently searching for, I’d say I’m chasing the idea of new wave music. An elegant sound, delicate synths, and I often use brass instruments. I especially love having saxophone solos in my tracks, along with rhythms that are meant to be danced to.

But I also love ballads, I love orchestral arrangements, slow tempos, and Mediterranean rhythms. Mid-tempo ballads are wonderful for me.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

Every day I learn something new, but one fundamental aspect for me is definitely the study of harmony in classical compositions.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Silence is fundamental to my creative process. I need to be alone, and only then am I able to “receive” something. Because I believe that all artists— whether in the visual arts or in music—receive a message they are meant to share. Only after that does the more earthly phase begin, and for this part I use classic music production software such as Logic, alongside “old-school” synths. My Alesis Andromeda and Roland V-Synth are truly irreplaceable creative companions.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I listen to a lot of emerging artists, especially on SoundCloud, and I feel there are so many truly interesting projects out there. I couldn’t name specific ones right now because I’ve listened to so many, but I can say that I really appreciate artists who experiment while keeping the right balance, without overdoing it.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I believe everyone has something special to express. In our everyday lives, we are all greatly underestimated. I think artists have a duty to give beauty to others and, if possible, to offer a vision. My experiences of spiritual growth— through the study of astrology and the practice of yoga—have helped me understand how important it is to support others on their life journey, to help them grow, mature, and see beauty even when it seems absent.

A quote I often use is, “We are surrounded by paradise; hell is not noticing it.” And that act of noticing—of recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary —is, in my opinion, the real turning point. Especially in a world that today moves at a pace far removed from the rhythms and ways of human nature. We should stop growing only in material terms and grow more in spirit and in humanity.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? I hope that everyone can find something that brings them happiness and joy.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far? The most important lesson is that you can achieve very little on your own. To go far, you need to do things together—bring talents, knowledge, and different ways of seeing reality together. Each of us has a unique and unrepeatable point of view, and that is an immense richness.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at? I really don’t know yet. My only wish is for my music to reach as many people as possible. As for the rest, I’ll just take it as it comes.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

There isn’t just one single artist I would have liked—or would like—to collaborate with. There are many, each for their own unique characteristics. Simply Red for their elegance, Queen for Freddie Mercury’s extraordinary voice, and Tears for Fears for the melodies and lyrics, which I absolutely adore.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Spotify: