Mike Markov

Story

A long time musician that started learning guitar at age 10. I had a couple of high school bands that went nowhere but we had a lot of fun. I got into computer programming and that took my creative juices away from playing for about 20 years. Once I got back into it with open mics etc I started recording a lot at home and shooting my own videos. My first CD "A Momentary Lapse Of Talent" came out December 2019. My 2nd album "Not My Cup Of Tea" came out July 2020 and my latest "All 5 Mike Markov Fanes Know He Can't Sing" came out January 2021.

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Influences

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is my escape, my expression and my greatest joy. I usually have an earbud in most of the day.

What is your music dream?

My musical dream is to have someone remember me long after I am gone. I am going to continue to release music and hope my grand kids can take of it for me.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Ideally I would start by calming down the immense amount of hatred there seems to be these days. Realistically I would like to bring people closer together to work towards shared goals. Anything positive is an improvement.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Maggie May by Rod Stewart, it was on the first LP I bought in 1972 and for some reason that song just gets to me. I never tire of hearing it.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Way too many to list but off the top of my noggin, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams, Counting Crows, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Jackson Browne are some of the older crowd. Recently Mary Lou Lord, You, Me & The Other Folks, Ella Vos, Elise Trouw, Molly Sarle, Rose Of The West, Queen Of Jeans, Ayla Nereo, Mogli, Amaya Laucirica, Jade Jackson, Dol Ikara, Jenny Hietbrink, Lucy Dacus, Louise Connell & Phoebe Bridgers all round up my continual repeat playlist on my phone.

What inspires you to make music?

When I was younger teenage angst was my driving force and I had a lot of it back in the day. These days I just like to try new things and see what I can make the outcome be.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Have fun, don't take things so seriously. I know that is hard and it's hard for me some days but it's all in the effort.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Scared, scared that I will make a mistake which causes me to make a mistake.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Playing live is about the only way to make money at this anymore. With so many getting "free" music and small streaming rates there's not enough to keep the smaller artists encouraged to keep performing.

What do you think of Drooble?

I think it's a great platform and idea. The timing is good as I'm gearing up to release my first CD and I am finishing up the videos for it. This will be a great way to get my presence out there.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Right now, my memory. I can't remember half of my own songs without paper in front of me.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

It's been a while but I go to open mics more to listen than to perform. I used to video tape a lot of bands in the Sacramento area .

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Engaging the audience while playing live. Having something unique to get you in the door.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Louise Connell is my current "can't get enough of" artist