Tell us a little bit about where you’re from?
I’m a native of Belgium with a passion for american music, arts and culture.
How has your location affected your music?
I used to live in a wonderful place in the heart of the Ardennes. A place that had its emotional impact during the production of my album Call Me the Moon. I’m mainly affected and inspired by landscapes, ghost towns and desolated roads.
What genre would you describe your music as?
I’m writing alternative/folk music with eclectic accents of americana, rock, acoustic, atmospheric and even ambient.
What are you listening to? What are your influences?
I grew up listening to all kinds of artists: Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers etc. In my late 30s I discovered the genius of Townes Van Zandt. His eponymous album featuring ‘Waiting Around to Die’ and ‘None But The Rain’ is my bedside favourite.
Where can we see you play?
I’m currently trying to get live dates in EU and in the US.
Are there any evocative personal experiences that come through in your music?
Almost everything in my music has got a personal and (auto)biographical dimension – Take a look at the lyrics, they’re the window to my soul.
Tell us about your live setup?
My main acoustic is a 1952 Gibson Southern Jumbo and I use Marine Band harmonicas. Concerning the electric setup, I’m mostly playing vintage Fender guitars through a 1964 Fender Deluxe Reverb with a bunch of old-style overdrive/fuzz pedals.
What’s next?
I’ve got a couple of full LP’s ready to be recorded and produced. More than 60 songs in my drawer…
Find out more on Mark L. Oakes and his album Call Me The Moon here:
Links:
https://soundcloud.com/mark-l-oakes
https://www.facebook.com/oakesmusic
https://twitter.com/markloakesmusic