You may heave heard us playing out Johnny On the Spot recently. The song was written by Steph Madrid and Mark Salazar, and sung by Mark.
We caught up with Steph and Mark to find out more about their musical lives and loves.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
Steph: I developed my passion for music when I was 3 years old. I’ve been doing music since I was 5 years old. I started writing poetry at 11. I started writing lyrics since I was 18. I started recording music when I was 32 years old.
Mark: I went to see Elvis Presley in Love Me Tender when I was 7 years old and was so impressed.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
Steph: I loved listening to Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers, CCR (Creedence Clear Water Revival), Richard Marx, and NM Spanish music, and still do.
Mark: Dion, The Beach Boys, Sam Cooke and The Beatles.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
Steph: I write in different genres, English and Spanish. I’ve written 3 English gospels and 1 Spanish gospel, a couple of Pop and R & B songs, 2 Old school Rock songs, 2 Oldie songs with a sound from the ’50’s, and many more. I’m currently working on a children’s music video for a song i wrote for my 7 year old nephew. I really love writing music, it’s so refreshing.
Mark: My music is an eclectic mix of oldies, rhythm and blues and country. Nothing fancy, just toe-tapping stuff that comes from the heart.
What music have you recorded and released to date?
Steph: I’ve recorded only a few songs so far, but I plan on heading back to the studio soon. I mostly let others sing my lyrics, ’cause that’s really what I wanna be is a lyricist.
Mark: I’ve released a few songs with a band called Renaissance Man, with my sister Denise, and now with Stephanie as a collaborator.
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
Steph: I listen to all different genres of music, rock, pop, Spanish etc. The artists I loved listening to as a kid are still my favourites. It’s more like I get a word in my thoughts and it forms into a song, I get inspiration mostly from other people’s stories, and the way I was raised helps bring it into a different light, most of the time when I write I can visualize how to put it together. I don’t usually rhyme on purpose it just happens, I do more free writing than anything else.
Mark: I am currently enjoying the music of Tower of Powe, a funk/jazz group. I also listen to The Eagles and really enjoy their harmony. Every artist I listen to influences me a little. I’m always learning.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
Steph: I would love to write a song with everyone, there’s still so much to learn.
Mark: I would love to collaborate with Paul McCartney – a musical genius in my opinion.
What are your plans for the future?
Steph: To have at least one of my songs featured on a TV series or a movie.
Mark: Future plans have me keeping my musical skills sharp and performing as much as I can. Recording is a mainstay but playing for the people gives me such joy.
