BLUES BYTES – MINNIE MARKS
Interview by Bob Gordon
What’s the best thing about playing festivals?
Festivals are where the magic happens. It’s the energy, the people, the connection, the worn-out shoes and croaky voices from cheering by the end of the festival. You’ve got folks from all walks of life coming together to celebrate music, and that’s such a powerful thing. There’s a real freedom in festivals. And I’m sure my fellow musos can agree that it’s special for us as we all get to catch up with our best mates from other bands and also get inspired by a whole new bunch of music that we haven’t come across before.
Do you have a Blues at Bridgetown experience that you’d like to share, either performing or as an audience member?
Oh absolutely! Blues at Bridgetown is one of those special places that just feels like home. I’ve played there over a good handful of times now, maybe even two! And every show has had its own unique thang going on. Some of my favourite sets over the years have been by the Hussy Hicks, Marshall And The Fro, Lloyd Spiegel, Blue Shaddy, Sweet Talk and more. There are too many rock solid memories to even begin to delve into!
Where do you feel you fit in musically along the blues and roots scale?
I reckon I sit somewhere around the upside down stank face end of the blues and roots spectrum – or at least that’s what I hope! I’m rooted in blues, that’s my blueprinted backbone, but I most certainly love to push it around a bit. Groovy beats and dirty slide and that’s where I live. I like to shake things up, surprise myself, and keep it real.
What have been the highlights of your music career thus far?
There’ve been some incredible moments so far; winning the Bluesfest Busking Competition, winning People’s choice award at Blues At Bridgetown and Nannup Music Festival, taking out ‘Best Guitarist’ at the Open Arms Festival Comp, annually touring Europe, touring the US of A and Canada on a 38-show tour over two months, releasing albums independently and just recently winning ‘Musician Of The Year’ at the Sunshine Coast Music Awards, but in all honesty, some of my biggest career highlights have been those sweaty, sardine-can packed out shows where I can see the audience light up, jamming with mates, being invited back to festivals I love. All of it’s been part of this crazy ride, and I’m super grateful.
What have you been mainly focussing on in 2025 and how is it coming along?
This year I’ve been really focused on finishing up my new album, getting into the studio, laying down some new tracks that have been bubbling up. I’ve also been working on evolving my live set, trying out some new gear, and just pushing myself to dig deeper musically. I’m excited to start sharing what’s been brewing.
What are your plans and hopes for 2026?
2026 is going to be a big one; I’m planning a new album drop and hitting the road hard nationally and overseas with a fresh live show. The plan is to play as much as physically possible. That’s definitely my happy place!
What can folks expect from your performances at Blues at Bridgetown?
High energy, raw emotion, plenty of stories, sometimes some pretty bad jokes and a whole lotta slide guitar! I bring everything I’ve got to the stage. Expect some new tunes, some old favourites, and hopefully a few surprises. Bridgetown always brings out the best in me and I can’t wait to catch up with a bunch of familiar faces and some new grins as well!