Hollow River is the musical moniker of American artist Mark Macdonald, a songwriter and producer with a really unique sound to his music. His song Aspartame really caught my attention, sounding like nothing else I’ve ever heard before! If you missed it, you can also find it at the bottom of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a solo single titled Aspartame. What can you tell us about the track?
Aspartame is a song I wrote at the end of my time at Berklee. It’s about the line between what’s real and fake and the effect confusing one for the other can have on people. I drank a lot of Diet Coke growing up, so it’s definitely influenced by that.
The recording was also cool because this is the only song I’ve released where I performed all the parts. Usually I at least have a drummer playing with me, but everything you hear on the song is me, including the gang vocals.
How has the reception to Aspartame been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
Yeah, people have been really liking it, it quickly jumped into my top releases. The song can be purchased on iTunes or streamed through online stores.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes. My next single comes out February 22nd and it’s called I’ll Break Them Down. It’s a song about panic attacks so there’s a more serious tone than my last few releases. I’m excited.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
Yes, I have an EP coming out through Ninetone Records in April and I’m already working on a follow up EP that I hope to release in the summer. I’m taking a break from recording my harmonies to do this interview.
You currently attend Berklee College of Music. How are you finding it? Is it hard to find time for your music?
I actually had to drop out of Berklee a year ago. It was a really tough decision and it would be easy to play this off like I left when I signed my deal, but I didn’t get a label offer until six months after dropping out.
I completed both my recording program and songwriting program but had some liberal art classes and 2 semesters of jazz guitar to finish. My problem is that I’m disabled due to a spine injury and several years of over practicing at school that have caused permanent issues in my hands.
I knew I was already a decent guitar player and 2 semesters of jazz guitar to make punk music seemed like overkill, so I left. The decision seems to have worked out for the best.
After signing with Ninetone, my whole life has shifted. I wake up everyday and get to work on the things I’m most passionate about and live the dream I’ve had since I was a kid.
Your solo music has a pop-punk sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Some of my biggest influences are Blink-182 and Green Day, but more modernly I’m a huge Marianas Trench fan. I think Josh Ramsey is a super talented writer, producer and performer, and he kind of blows my mind.
On the rap side of things I’ve always gravitated towards fast rappers. Obviously Eminem, but I’m also a huge Tech N9ne fan. I don’t know how much of it shows in my work, but I’m also a big Kendrick fan, as any good fan of the genre should be.
Most recently I have the new Paramore record on repeat in my apartment.
Do you have any other side projects on the go?
Currently I’m focused on writing and releasing a lot of Hollow River music, so there hasn’t been any time for side projects. I get some occasional mixing work, which I love. It’s really fun to make a song shine as brightly as it can.
What do you think is the biggest challenge in the music business at the moment?
Touring — it used to be the biggest income stream for smaller artists and bands and every day it gets harder and harder to make it work.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not yet, but I’d love to make it across the pond at one point in my career. That would be really special.
Any last words for the fans?
Just that I’m working really hard to give you a lot to listen to this year, and I’m having fun doing it. Thanks for giving me this chance and supporting me.