MVI are a group whose music truly transcends genres and styles. Fronted/led by Mark Vickness, the band has had a busy and successful year, particularly on the back of their new album ‘I Will Find a Way’ which was released back in July, and now they’re rounding off 2024 by sharing their new single “Mandolin Spring.” Here, Mark tells XSNoize about his musical background, reveals how the new single showcases who MVI are, and shares his professional and creative hopes for 2025.
How would you describe MVI to anyone who hasn’t heard of you before?
MVI is a progressive instrumental acoustic fusion group of virtuoso musicians that enables me to incorporate all of the music I have absorbed along the way into what is hopefully a fully integrated, accessible blend that listeners will find both refreshing and sometimes challenging, new and yet familiar. “Mark Vickness Interconnected” is meant to use the universal language of music to convey the reality that we are all part of one human family.
Can you tell me a little about your musical and artistic background and how/when you decided to make music a career?
Music has been many things over the years since I started on piano at age six: a mostly boring and frustrating kids nightmare at my mother’s insistence, my progress overseen by a stern private teacher in whose presence I cannot recall having an ounce of fun; years later, music was a magical way to transport myself out of horrors I faced at home as I became entranced by the popular music of that time. This is when I took up guitar and bass and joined my first band (Monsoon) at age 16. I was smitten with the guitar Gods of rock and roll, and loved pop, folk, then funk, fusion, progressive rock; then jazz, classical Indian ragas, African drumming, salsa, and later electronic music, New Age, Ambient music, modern finger style guitar and a bunch of other genres I’m sure I’ve left out.
I took up the sitar and other instruments and threw myself into learning theory and composition. Throughout this long arc, I was steeped in the Western Classical tradition, learning to play Bach, Beethoven, Mozart first on piano, and in college taking up classical and jazz guitar. I was incredibly fortunate to have wonderful teachers (save that first one!). Looking back, I’m not sure I can pinpoint how or when I decided on music as a career. It’s been a lifelong relationship with the most beautiful art form!
To bring your musical ideas and passion to life, you’ve got behind you a group of incredibly talented musicians – how would you say each of them impacts and influences each creation you go on to share with the world?
I have worked with each of the musicians in MVI for a long time. I write music for them first. Each of them knows I welcome their input on every aspect of each composition. I’ve now written three albums for MVI. Every piece, every rehearsal, recording session, mix session and concert is a learning opportunity for me and a means to further inspiration. I’m so lucky to work with these players!
Is there a particular idea, theme or story behind your latest single “Mandolin Spring”?
“Mandolin Spring” is a great example of the kind of interconnectedness MVI aims to advance. There is no story here, just the joy of making music in collaboration with a truly brilliant musician in Mike Marshall. The piece visits roots music, African rhythms, modern fingerstyle guitar, some classical elements, and great solos by Mike and our violinist, two-time Grammy winner Mads Tolling.
How did you come to collaborate with three-time Grammy nominee Mike Marshall on the track?
Mike has known and worked with Mads Tolling for years. That was the connection that brought us together.
How would you say “Mandolin Spring” highlights and showcases who you are, both as an artist and as an individual?
The piece is an amalgamation of different styles I have absorbed over the years – as is pretty much every piece MVI does.
Do you have any live show/performance plans in the works?
We are hoping to get out and tour in 2025.
Aside from this single release, what have been your highlights of 2024?
The release of our album, I Will Find My Way in July, 2024 together with the three YouTube videos we produced in conjunction with that album release.
Finally then, where do you see MVI going and doing artistically in 2025? What’s the one goal you want to tick of your personal/professional bucket list in the coming year?
We have done a lot of recording recently. All the musicians in MVI are seasoned touring pros who light up in front of an audience. It’s time to get out and put this music in the air. I’m really hoping to do a lot of concerts in 2025.
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