© 2008 The Honest Johns

Made by Serif

Mark Lawson - Songwriter, Lead Singer, Guitars

Mark originally formed the band in 1986 with a bunch of school friends.  Over the past 20 years there have been many different line-ups but the consistent quality of Marks songwriting has been a constant feature.

 

Interview

 

1. Mark how old were you when you first picked up a guitar?  

I first started started mucking about with a guitar at the age of 13, but didn't start playing seriously until much later - say 16\17.  I played bass in the first gigging band that I was in. 

 

2. Can you recall the first time you got up and sang in front of a live audience.  What was that like?

It was a school production of  ‘The Gondoliers'.  I mimed most of it.

 

3. What kind of music did you listen to while growing up?

My Dad's 45's to start with - Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochrane, Elvis and The Stones mainly.  The first band I was mad about was ELO.  I liked just about everything except Phil Collins and Dire Straits.   Big influences later were Paddy  McAloon, Jello Biafra, Jim Morrison, Martin Stephenson, The Byrds and Microdisney.

 

4. Mark, you're the main song writer, but what started you writing music and lyrics?

I always wanted to be in a band.  I used to dance round my mothers front room singing along to ELO and Queen.  Countless times I had to dive behind her settee as people walked past her front window.  I wouldn't get up for 10 minutes.  When I was older and in a serious band I used to love trying to nail arrangements for songs and found it frustrating when things weren't the way I wanted them, becoming the singer\songwriter was a natural progression towards me having more control.  Once started I was addicted to baring my soul in public.  Never managed to kick the habit.

 

5. Given the type of music you listened to as a youngster, where does The Honest Johns music come from?   

Jeff Lynne.

 

6. How did The Honest Johns first come about?

We all went to school together but played in 'rival' bands.  I managed to persuade Richy and Jon to back me at a local church hall type disco.  That was the first time I'd sang my own songs live.  We went down a treat and ultimately left our respective bands and started playing together.  That's how I remember it but you should ask Jon.   He can probably remember everyone who was in the audience that night and tell you their phone number.  He remembers all that stuff but sometimes forgets his sticks for practice - the knacker. 

 

7. From your point of view, what's it like being back performing and writing new songs too?

It doesn't feel like I ever stopped.   The Honest Johns have been part of my life now for nearly 20 years.  Sometimes that has meant full time commitment touring, regular recording etc and sometimes it's been me in my bedroom trying to sing something that will impress the cat.  The thing ebbs and flows but it's always been there  like some sort of loyal companion\therapist.  I guess things are well and truly flowing again and that's good.

 

8. Do The Honest Johns have a lot to offer to both a newer and younger audience?

Yes.

 

9. There’s a new album planned for 2009.  What can you tell me about that? 

It’s being recorded at the moment, we’re about half way through and aiming for a release date around Spring 2009.  We've had the chance to play some of the songs live and they all seem to go down well so we’re keen to get it as soon as we can.

 

10. And after that, what then?

Somewhere between world domination and continuing my quest to impress the cat.

 

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