Review Fix chats with Mark David Nelson, who discusses a few of his tracks and goals for the rest of the year.
Review Fix: How did the project start?
Mark David Nelson: ‘Lost love in a day’ is a soulful pop ballad about regret love and life. It’s a brand-new single which I made along with Animal Farm Music out now on Spotify.
The single first came about through a riff I played on the guitar – it had a slightly contemporary R&B edge to it along with a soulful, bluesy feel. The lyrics came about through the tone of the melody and it follows a cry of regret following arrogance and stupidity over love.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Nelson: I tend to get ideas noodling on the guitar or when I’m out walking or making a cup of tea. Often I get the complete song at once musically, with a selection of lyrics. Once I think an idea is good enough I’ll sit down and concentrate on getting the lyrics right to match the mood of the song. I write songs both for my acoustic blues band and pop ballads for myself. Being principally a songwriter, I’ve been writing songs since I was seven. With the band, I tend to write complete songs and then allow each member to bring their talent to the table as well.
Review Fix: What’s your standout song? How was it written?
Nelson: I have quite a few songs that I am particular proud of. I guess one of them I wish is a particular favourite because the lyrics and the melody blend so well together. It’s an easy song in some ways to play and a hard song to sing as it’s quite emotional. Like most of my songs the guitar riff came first then the melody and then finally the lyrics; the words dictated by the mood of the music. It’s a song about longing and remembering someone and the good times with that person who is now gone. However, there is ambiguity in there as you’re never sure if the subject of the song has left the singer or has died.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2020?
Nelson: Staying alive and healthy for one! No, seriously, musically I have this brand new single out now and another one coming out at a later date. I’m working on producing my blues band’s new album of original blues songs and I’m about to start my own funk/punk album project. I’m also quite keen to learn more piano licks as I hear a lot of piano in my songs. So quite a lot really when you consider that it’s nearly August already!
Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?
Nelson: I want people to enjoy my music whether that’s my guitar playing or my voice but particularly I want them to get something from the songs, as I am a songwriter at heart and songs mean everything to me. You can communicate so much in a song. A lot of my songs tend to be poignant ballads and blues I also enjoy writing uplifting, soulful songs and I often try to inject humour where I can. I want people to be entertained and enjoy my music and if I can also put a smile on their faces, my job is done.
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