Minnie Marks’ is a multi-instrumentalist - and her original performance style is hard to pigeon hole - but as she says:
“It combines a blues and funk element….the aim for me is to conquer impeccable groove.”
Alternatively Jennifer Batten (Guitarist for Michael Jackson and Jeff Beck) sums it up as “Badass” !
That sums it up and it was her guitar groove performance chops on Instagram made her come to the attention of Melodyvibe.
It is indeed an honor to feature such an original artist - and grateful Minnie took some time out of her busy touring schedule to be interviewed.
She performs with an old gold Gibson ES295 arch top guitar, together with a Farmer Foot Drum at her feet-combine that with her powerful voice and roots blues funk compositions - then you are in a very original territory.
She delivers a full live sound, thats uniquely her own.
Alternatively check out “Voodoo and Honey” - this live clip shows just acoustic slide guitar and voice that nails down the groove.
You can hear Delta roots influences -but to my ears the great Nigerian guitarist and performer Keziah Jones and his “Bluefunk” style, that fuses blues and funk couched in African roots.
Taking it right back to the beginning - I asked Minnie about her initial inspiration to start playing:
“My eldest brother was always playing the guitar around the house and I thought it was the coolest thing to have the endless possibility, to be able to press and pluck a piece of wood with strings - to make whatever sound your heart desired.
It really was love at first sight seeing a guitar being played!”
Regarding influences and how she approaches songwriting and guitar technique:
“Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, Joey Landreth, Sean Costello, Matt Zarb, Hussy Hicks, Neil Young - there’s so many to name!
My approach to playing and writing is really a subconscious flow, whatever my being needs at the time. My technique has come from playing noisy pubs growing up, wanting to become a strong woman who is undoubtedly certain of her music.”
That confidence has definitely fueled her success with 3 studio albums and a live album.
She has garnered praise in her native Australia and is 100% focussed on performing her own original songs live.
She adds:
“Normally I play solo with my foot drum kit, sometimes I play in a duo with my best mate Johnny Curran and sometimes I guest with my hero’s/best mates the Hussy Hicks. “
Regarding motivation and the drive to keep going and keep creating:
“It’s a natural drive that hasn’t failed me yet - every night I dream of creating something new and come morning I’m chomping at the bit to bring that dream to life. It’s perpetual.”
Minnie Marks is a truly innovative artist working within established musical and rhythmic forms - but re-inventing and making her own distinct genre at the same time.
As a result she should be commended for having the courage to focus on her original art 100% and take her music to a wider audience.
More info here:
www.facebook.com/minniemarksofficial
www.instagram.com/minniemarksofficial