Today the online column “Piazza Navona” is pleased to offer you and present the interview made to Mark King: the British singer and musician founder of the known band Level 42.
All ready to take a step back in the 80’s and then return with enthusiasm to today’s music and sound. Because, as Mark King states: music is an universal language that stands out only between Good and Bad.
So … Good Music and enjoy the reading!!!
- How was born your love for Music?
I was drawn to play drums from an early age, and my parents were really supportive and bought me the instruments I needed.
My first musical ‘obsession’ would have been the band Cream. I just loved what they were doing, and as an eight year old looking for something to relate to, they were the perfect role models.
- When did you begin to play bass?
I began messing about on the bass when I was 21. I had stayed in Italy for a short while whilst trying to get something going with a local band there, but on my return to the UK I got together with Boon, Phil, and Mike to form Level 42, and that’s when I started taking the bass seriously.
- How did you meet other members of Level 42?
I had known Phil and Boon Gould from playing in various local bands on the Isle of Wight from the age of 14 or 15, and when we all met up in London several years later, Phil introduced us to Mike Lindup, who he had met at college. The other member of course was Wally Badarou, and he came into our lives when we were making the first single Love Meeting Love in 1980.
- How was born your Group? And why did you call it Level 42?
We began very much as friends just wanting to make music. I think we were all hanging out waiting for our careers to come along, but it turned out we had already started it! The number in the name was taken from a sci-fi comedy novel The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, and our first producer Andy Sojka added the ‘level’ bit.
- Do you remember your first concert? What did you feel when you met your public for the first time?
Haha! Yes, our first gig as Level 42 was at The Guildhall School of Music, on a Monday evening in the Students Union Bar. We got to the third song and were asked to stop because it was too loud…
- If you have one, what is your favourite song (even if it was sang by Level 42)?
I don’t have one favourite song I’m afraid. Music for me is all about the moment, and your mood at that moment, and no one song can cover all of that.
- What is your meaning of Music?
To me, music is a language that can travel around the world and be understood by anyone who wants to listen. If love and hate are two sides of the same coin, then music is the bit in the middle.
- In your opinion, how the Music is changed from 80’s?
Not much really. The old adage that ‘a good song will always be a good song’ is as true today as it was aeons ago.
Production styles and fashions are always changing, but it boils down to the fact that there are only two kinds of music: Good music and Bad music.
- So, how did the public change ?
They got younger!
- Do you think this new way to listen music (mp3, Itunes, Youtube…) has changed the way to create and to produce Music?
Being able to record and master tracks in your own bedroom is something I would have loved to have back in the 1970’s, and then to be able to get it out there in the wide world via Youtube is pretty mind-blowing, so yes music production has changed massively, but it still comes down to the same thing, is the music any good..?
- Could you tell me more about your next projects and engagements?
The guys and I are currently working on the next Level 42 record and we have just finished a big tour. I have a few shows with another band I play in called Gizmodrome, which is very different from Level 42, but also great fun.
With this last joke and with this look at the future so enthusiastic I would like to thank Mark King for his kind availability and for having wanted to become part of our virtual square. Obviously my invitation to come back soon is already renewed!!
