Hot Property: Mark Haze
The music industry is often relentless and has the ability to dishearten and dispose of even the most eager aspiring musician. The aforementioned rings even more true when it comes to talent show contestants who, despite an often instant-claim-to fame have to work just that much harder to cement a place for themselves in an often heartless environment.
During 2011 Mark Haze was crowned the runner-up in Idols South Africa which landed him a recording deal with Universal Music South Africa. During this time he released his album ‘Where Angels Fear To Fly’ which produced the chart-topping single “Wake Up (Dreaming of You).
Mark is currently signed to Stone Studios International and is working on his 2nd solo album ‘Signs of Life’. Pre-release singles off the album are performing well on the South African radio charts and are also playlisted on a number of international internet based radio stations.
Sphinxed Magazine had the opportunity to chat to Mark and find out just what makes this winsome rocker tick.
It has been almost 4 years since you appeared on Idols. How have you developed as an artist since then?
So much has happened since then…
I’ve opened for Bon Jovi in stadiums, I’ve toured all over our country and throughout the continent and even overseas, I’ve had songs on charts and even brought in a few number 1s.
It’s hard to choose just one area to discuss, because so much has changed from my business ethic, to the size of my crew, the place where I live, etc
I think, as a songwriter, there are so many things that still keep surprising me in this world, that I am so blessed to be able to write and sing about them. My style keeps progressing thanks to all these experiences and I’ve learnt to really enjoy my life. I think that positivity is what’s really helping me to develop myself in all areas of my life.
Many a once avid South African Idol fan feels that the show is slowly decaying. Do you think that a talent show is still a viable way to break into the South African music industry?
In a nutshell… Yes! A lot of people forget that the show only lasts for the better part of a year – by the following year, it all starts again for new people. The show is what is popular, not the contestants – you’re never going to be bigger than the show, unless you plan ahead to what happens after the show and begin preparing yourself for that. I never entered to win – My main goal, the entire time was to Build contacts, get recognised as a good singer and hopefully get more gigs and potentially a recording contract.
You have been labelled by many as a superb stage performer. Is the Mark Haze we see on stage the same Mark Haze his family knows at home?
Thanks for that cool compliment J I’m definitely more of a normal dude at home with my family. I don’t think any artist brings home their stage persona. I think people would think me odd if I suddenly jumped on the couch and began a sing-a-long with a callback – hahahah!!
You have been performing for many years. Do you still get nervous before going on stage?
I’ve never really felt nervous to the point where fear sets in, but I’ve always felt butterflies before a show. I remember even back before school, whenever I had to do public speaking or before sports matches – it’s a bubbling inside me and I become quite restless and energetic. So, yes I still feel that way before any performance I do – big or small.
How do you balance your music with your family obligations?
I suppose it’s just like any other job. I have certain commitments to fulfil and I just make sure to dedicate enough quality time to my family and friends in order to balance out the time I spend away. Unfortunately, I can never really equal the time away, so the family and I try to make sure we really use our time effectively and do something together whenever we can. We’re very blessed to be in this situation and we just feel we need to use any moment we can to enjoy life together.
If you had to choose a single song to listen to for the rest of your life what would it be?
Wow!!! Questions like that make my brain hurt J
What do you have in the pipeline with regards to new music and performances?
My new album, “Signs of Life” drops in July and I begin my nationwide tour in the same month following the release of a new single off the album. We’ve had 3 successful singles prior to the release of the album, so I’m hopeful that the album will be well-received by the fans. All in all, I’m very proud of it!
August sees us recording a live studio performance of a few tracks from ‘Signs of Life’ for digital release and promotion.
I’m looking forward to touring the new material.
Where do you see yourself within the South African music industry 10 years from now?
It’s hard to pin-point where my goals will land me in the SA music industry – as long as I’m still happy making music and fans still sing my songs, I’m sure things will be alright with me.
Whether you attend one of Mark’s shows or listen to his music on the radio you can expect one thing – powerhouse vocals, astounding guitaring and engaging audience interaction. Each song promises to take you on a journey and you better buckle up because it is bound to be one hell of a ride!
