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Mark Rose was the primary songwriter in the band Spitalfield. If you are fan of the band, fan of his new solo project, or a fan of music; this interview will bring you up to date where this artist is coming from and where he is going.

Q. The Greatest Lakes is your latest release. For those who have not heard, what can we expect upon first listen?
A.  I guess it depends what kind of expectations you having going in to the first listen.  If you’re expecting “Spitalfield Part Deux” then you’ll be a little shocked.  For better or for worse, depending on if you like the direction of my new material.

Q. How long were you writing for The Greatest Lakes, and what was the writing process like for the record?
A.  “The Greatest Lakes” is more of a collection of material and less of an “album”.  It’s my debut EP, and it was the seven songs I decided on putting together after almost two years of writing.  While Spitalfield was together, I had always written music on the side. It was just never a priority.  When the decision was made that Spitalfield was going on a farewell tour, I started to get a little more serious about the writing.  I think this EP is a great introduction to what I’m going to do next, a “starting point” if you will.  I’m very excited to put together my first full length album.

Q. How was Spitalfield part of your life, and how has it made you who you are today as a person and an artist?
A.  The band started when I was 14 years old.  It was a part of me since I can remember.  It was late 2002 / early 2003 when the band became a full time commitment.  Dropping school, putting our normal lives on hold, and kicking off what would become our “normal” lives for the next five years was a pretty defining moment.  We definitely worked hard, and not too many things came easy. I’d like to think that helped build character & understanding of the music business, at least on some level.  We really got to experience so much, and there is nothing that can substitute for that.  We were a band for almost ten years, from the first song we wrote to when we stepped off the stage on December 23, 2007.  I turned 26 a few months ago, and it really feels good to look back on everything and realizing there is still so much to do & I still have the time to do it.

Q. You have some big shows coming up with The Academy Is & The Secret Handshake (November 19 in Poplar Grove, IL) and four days in California with Craig Owens.  What can fans expect from the live performance?
A.  Most of my performing has been with a backing group, from a trio to a five piece, depending on what dates we’re talking about.  Part of the fun of the solo singer/songwriter direction is the ability to switch things up.  Most of my upcoming dates, through the end of 2009, I am performing with just a guitar (most, but not all).  Some new songs, some songs from “The Greatest Lakes”, a Spitalfield song or two, some covers…

Q. What bands/artists do you look up to as songwriters?
A.  I am all over the place regarding both style & time periods.  Some groups/artists that have had a huge effect on me include:  Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, The Promise Ring, Phil Collins…  I could go on, but that’s a good start.

Q. You have been making music since 1998.  When did you know this is what you wanted to do with your life?
A.  Spitalfield started in 1998— I think I wrote my first song in 1993.  I think I knew I wanted to play music when my uncle gave me “Jimi Hendrix:  Are You Experienced?” on cassette for Christmas when I was about nine years old.

Q. With over a decade being in the music industry, what advice can you give to baby bands just starting up? bands just signing to a label? and bands in general?
A.  When it comes to bands, it’s important to have everyone on the same page regarding what your goals are and why you have them.  Being passionate about what you’re doing is the most important thing when it comes to making music, but having an understanding and good head on your shoulders when it comes to the business side of it is also extremely important (if it gets to a point where business becomes a factor).  I think all bands are different when it comes to what makes them work out together (or not) as musicians.  On that same note, it’s not always easy to figure out what makes a band successful or not. The industry can be a bit of a game at times.  Some things you have to figure out the hard way, but the more you know, the better.

Q. If you could tell people something they can do to help you continue your career in making music, what would you ask them to do?
A.  I think in general, and now more than ever, it’s important to truly support the artists you care about.  In a new era of digital music (legal & illegal), picking up merchandise, coming out to a performance or simply telling a few friends about the music can go a long way.  In my opinion, tours used to be in support of albums.  Now, it’s almost the exact opposite.  At least from a financial standpoint.

Q. Who are some bands you would like people to know about?
A.  There’s a lot of wonderful music out there.  If you have a minute, check out:  Empires, Halloween Alaska, Owen, and Hey Mercedes.

Q. What bands did you listen to while you were growing up?
A.  The first bands I really got into were artists like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Metallica, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Before getting into bands, my parents always had the radio in the car tuned to “oldies”. I listened to a lot of older stuff that really helped me understand where the newer music was coming from.  Whatever phase I went through (alternative, punk, metal, jazz, soul), there was always a side of me that appreciated most all music. You name the genre. I’ll name artists I enjoy.  That’s how it’s always been.

Q. What books/movies/songs are you into right now?
A.  There are so many movies out right now I’d like to see— I’ve made a list and am slowly checking things off.  I really enjoyed “Inglorious Basterds” & “Zombieland”.  In my car, I’ve been listening to the new Third Eye Blind, some older D’Angelo & even older REO Speedwagon.  Seriously.

Q. What are your thoughts on the music industry, and where do you think it is headed with the digital boom in full swing?
A.  I think it’s easy to become jaded when things change.  I think it’s even easier to be jaded when things stay the same.  That being said, I really miss an era where people actually bought albums rather than singles.  I know some people still do, and I am one of them.  I’m a bit terrified by the new wave of popular music, but I think that’s how it always is and will be regardless of what era we are entering as a society.  I just hope record sales make a comeback and that Pink stops making music.

Q.  What can we expect from a new release, and when can we expect it to be available to the public?
A.  TBA & TBD (laughs).  How’s that?  I’m working on it.

Q. Logging shows in three continents, what were your favorite places to play? and who were some of your favorite bands you’ve toured with?
A:  Touring in Australia was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had.  My favorite tour I’ve been on to date was Spring 2005:  The Early November, Hey Mercedes, Spitalfield, and Limbeck.  It was almost too much fun.

Q. For the gear heads, what kind of equipment do you use on stage? for recording?
A.  For most of my new stuff, I’ve been rocking a Fender American Strat Deluxe & a Hot Rod Deville 4x10.  I have a few different guitars I use for different things, but that has been my main axe of late.  I used to be mostly Gibson/Marshall, but this makes sense with the direction I’m going.

Q. What records have had the biggest impact on your life?
A.  “Clarity” by Jimmy Eat World, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “Nevermind” by Nirvana, “Do You Know Who You Are?” by Texas Is the Reason, “Continuum” by John Mayer, ”What’s Goin’ On?” by Marvin Gaye, and “Invisible Touch” by Genesis.

Q. Being from Chicago, what local bands that are just starting up would you want to give a shout out to?
A.  Empires & Skad and the Apostles.

Q. What are some of the classic venues you’ve had the chance to play in Chicago?
A.  I’ve played tons of great venues in Chicago.  Some classics include the Fireside Bowl, The Metro, and The Riviera Theatre.

Q. What are your thoughts on the astonishing numbers of bands/artists that have sprouted up from the Myspace/iTunes age? Does if have any effect towards you?
A.  I think it’s impressive and scary.  It does have an effect on me, because that is now the age I am in.  In a lot of ways I’m starting over— just with a platform to jump off of.

Q. Do you think people are too bombarded by new bands and “flashy lights” to be able to actually find bands who are genuine and real?
A.  I think there is always gonna be BS mixed in with the real deal.  People who can’t figure it out on their own get what they pay for.  I’ve spent far too much time and effort being confused by what people like and don’t like.

Q. What are some last words you might have for everyone reading this interview?
A:  If you’ve made it this far— thanks so much!  Hope you enjoy what you hear, and don’t be a stranger.

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Myspace: myspace.com/markdanielrose