Cambridge singer-songwriter and musician Mark Shepherd is on the up-and-up, with his track, World On Fire, showing just why he’s been gaining so much traction within the musical world of late. I decided to sit down and have a chat to find out more – see how we got on below!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a track titled World On Fire, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?

The song is about the climate emergency, which is something I have been thinking about for a few years. It’s only in the past couple of years, I think, that people have started to take notice. So it’s a message to take the situation seriously and, hopefully reverse the trend.

How has the reception been for World On Fire and where can it be purchased?

It has had some very nice reviews so far, including yours, so I am really pleased about that. It’s available on all the usual digital platforms: Apple, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, Spotify…

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

Yes, a new version of Bad Man is coming out on December 9th! So that will make it three singles this year.

Are there any plans to release an EP or album?

I have an idea to get an album out sometime next year. I want to focus and write some more new songs first though, and that can sometimes take me a while.

Has the pandemic hindered your work much?

The pandemic certainly spoilt the live scene for a while, so that had an effect for sure. I thought that lockdown would be a chance to concentrate on some writing and that I would get loads done, but that didn’t happen at all. My last single, I Wish I Knew, came out of that time. You should check that one out too, see what you think!

Your music has quite a country/folk sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?

Your review said that although there might be country elements in there somewhere, it’s more of a folk/rock sound really and I think that’s probably about right. What I listen to and what comes out in my music doesn’t seem to follow any obvious pattern – not to me anyhow. I listen to all kinds of stuff really. For example, I supported a Belfast based band called Virgins last week and they reminded me of a grungy version of the Cocteau Twins, so I’ve been listening to some of their stuff today. It’s mysterious how it all works.

You’re based in Cambridge. What is the local music scene like?

Cambridge is quite friendly, but it’s not a big city. So obviously the scene is not as active as it is in, say, London or Manchester. That’s why I tend to play in those places quite a bit too.

Do you have any UK tour dates lined up?

No tour dates fixed at the moment, but I want to do that in the new year. I just got back from a few dates in the North West which was fun.

You recently performed at Camden Live. What was that like?

I play quite often at The Fiddlers Elbow and Dublin Castle for Camden Live and I will be doing that again, probably in February. It’s nice to play regularly and get known outside of Cambridge. It’s also a good chance to meet and hear other artists. There are usually a few bands on the bill and sometimes quite a mix of genres, so it can be pretty interesting.

Any last words for the fans?

Thank you very much for listening and please spread the word!