Photo by Joseph Leeder Photography
Who is 0 Hi Mark?
0 Hi Mark is the musical alias of Alec Chapman, a South London based musician.
Alec started writing songs at age 11, before he had even picked up the guitar. His first full composition was written in his head in "those awful hours between going to bed and falling asleep when you creative brain finally starts to work".
Eventually, despite initial plans to take up the drums, Alec began playing Bass Guitar accompanying his brothers (both guitarists and songwriters in their own right) and several local groups (Ballistic Squirrels, Vivid Images) before his drive to write led him to take up first the guitar and then the keyboard as well. he has been writing songs for twenty years. Bitter Politics will be his first full release. He works slow, obviously.
For twelve years he was the lead singer in several covers bands in Essex, where he also grew up (or at least older), including Shadowplay, The Late Shift, Stealth Taxis and Plan C - experience that led to the eclectic musical tastes and varied writing genres that typify the music of 0 Hi Mark. A full interview with Alec about the album is available on the "WHY?" page.
...as for who Mark is, he was a main character in appalling pseudo-drama The Room, and the band's name is a quote from that movie.
Alec started writing songs at age 11, before he had even picked up the guitar. His first full composition was written in his head in "those awful hours between going to bed and falling asleep when you creative brain finally starts to work".
Eventually, despite initial plans to take up the drums, Alec began playing Bass Guitar accompanying his brothers (both guitarists and songwriters in their own right) and several local groups (Ballistic Squirrels, Vivid Images) before his drive to write led him to take up first the guitar and then the keyboard as well. he has been writing songs for twenty years. Bitter Politics will be his first full release. He works slow, obviously.
For twelve years he was the lead singer in several covers bands in Essex, where he also grew up (or at least older), including Shadowplay, The Late Shift, Stealth Taxis and Plan C - experience that led to the eclectic musical tastes and varied writing genres that typify the music of 0 Hi Mark. A full interview with Alec about the album is available on the "WHY?" page.
...as for who Mark is, he was a main character in appalling pseudo-drama The Room, and the band's name is a quote from that movie.
Other Contributors to Bitter Politics
David Bland - Alec's musical partner in crime for many years. By day, Dave is a jet setting and highly in demand live sound engineer and has used all his many skills in man management, cajoling and occasionally simple abuse to get this album finally made.
Bob Chapman - Drums. In an insane act of generosity provided all the drums for the album free of charge. Is, therefore, a legend.
Simon Cantwell - Provides piano and keyboard work on Canned Laughter, The Last Waltz, Trouble In Paradise and Straight Up. Has played with countless rock bands over the last 50 years. Also realised the front cover of the album and prepared the packaging using skills obtained as the head of art at Sony Entertainment for thirty years. Also worked free of charge.
Cindi Jackson - Female vocals on 15 Questions and (lies)
A singer/songwriter who has worked worldwide e.g. Spain, Italy, New York, Germany, both as a solo artist and with bands.
Cindi's first steps into music were taken working with heart throb boy band "Curiosity Killed The Cat" doing backing vocals, and sang on the very demo tape that landed them their first ever record deal. Following this, Cindi spent several years in Finland to work as a DJ.
She has been a stand in for “Boney M” and has worked with several music producers recording dance music & vocal samples, used for mainstream dance music. In addition has also performed in many of the most popular night clubs & jazz venues in and around London. This made her a regular feature in the “What’s on magazine” UK.
In 2002 Cindi attended an audition of 5000 singers held by Patti Boulaye, and was amongst one of only 20 singers selected for an act put together as a support for Michael Jackson on a few of his public appearances, together with performing at the Royal Albert Hall, and the Queens Jubilee, and in 2005 was the FM radio presenter for “The Gospel Show”
Nathan and Sarah Wacey - 110% awesome Lord and Lady of Long Track studios, where much of the late stages of the album were tracked, mixed and mastered. please visit their website and use them if you can. They are great.
Bob Chapman - Drums. In an insane act of generosity provided all the drums for the album free of charge. Is, therefore, a legend.
Simon Cantwell - Provides piano and keyboard work on Canned Laughter, The Last Waltz, Trouble In Paradise and Straight Up. Has played with countless rock bands over the last 50 years. Also realised the front cover of the album and prepared the packaging using skills obtained as the head of art at Sony Entertainment for thirty years. Also worked free of charge.
Cindi Jackson - Female vocals on 15 Questions and (lies)
A singer/songwriter who has worked worldwide e.g. Spain, Italy, New York, Germany, both as a solo artist and with bands.
Cindi's first steps into music were taken working with heart throb boy band "Curiosity Killed The Cat" doing backing vocals, and sang on the very demo tape that landed them their first ever record deal. Following this, Cindi spent several years in Finland to work as a DJ.
She has been a stand in for “Boney M” and has worked with several music producers recording dance music & vocal samples, used for mainstream dance music. In addition has also performed in many of the most popular night clubs & jazz venues in and around London. This made her a regular feature in the “What’s on magazine” UK.
In 2002 Cindi attended an audition of 5000 singers held by Patti Boulaye, and was amongst one of only 20 singers selected for an act put together as a support for Michael Jackson on a few of his public appearances, together with performing at the Royal Albert Hall, and the Queens Jubilee, and in 2005 was the FM radio presenter for “The Gospel Show”
Nathan and Sarah Wacey - 110% awesome Lord and Lady of Long Track studios, where much of the late stages of the album were tracked, mixed and mastered. please visit their website and use them if you can. They are great.