My name is Mark and I play bass in Bellusira; a four piece rock act from Melbourne. I was also born in NZ so cop heaps of shit of my band mates for saying the word ‘fish’ and asking ‘where is the chilli bin?’
Your debut record comes out this year, what can fans of Bellusira expect?
It is a step up from our previous work. We have matured as musicians and songwriters and we believe that the album showcases that. There is diversity throughout the record and we have put everything into making sure the release is a high quality product.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of the recording process?
Recording an entire album is a very challenging experience and it is very demanding on any band. There are always issues that come up in the studio and the band has to adapt and make it work on the spot. I take my hat off to anyone who has managed to record a complete album!
Is the album self-produced, or did you seek out a particular producer?
We worked with a great local engineer Ricki Rae on this album. It was great to get some of his knowledgeable insight at various times throughout the record.
Are there any bands you’re keen to see on the Rock The Bay line-up?
The whole line up is strong, right from the opening band. There are a couple of acts, The Beards and Sleepmakeswaves (on directly after us) that I am interested in seeing for the first time.
Why should we come check you out at Rock The Bay?
We place a lot of emphasis on the live show and making sure we deliver a high energy performance. It will also be an opportunity for people to hear a couple of new tracks to be released on the album played live for the first time.
What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?
I played a lot of violin at an early age so did a lot of school orchestras and what not. Once I heard Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’ on record though, I quickly dropped the violin for the guitar as it was so much cooler! Played in a few local bands back in NZ before heading over to Melbourne.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now?
At this particular moment, these guys have been getting plenty of spins: Tori Amos, Deftones, Lupe Fiasco, Filter and Bruno Mars.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
I like to be really organised before a show, I fold my leads up over and over about 5 times before I go on, go to the toilet about 11 times, even though I don’t need to. I also like to stretch a lot, like Olivia Newton-John.
Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with?
It would be cool if Bellusira did an acoustic track with John Butler. I would be interested to see how that would come out!
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
Probably the Hobbit.
What’s coming up next for Bellusira?
We finally release our debut record this year so that is a huge one for us. We will follow that up with a national tour.
Catch Bellusira at Rock The Bay this Saturday 16th February at The Espy in Melbourne.
