Mark Northfield / Cherry Mint Koala

Introducing Mark Northfield and Cherry Mint Koala

I'm a pianist, composer and singer/songwriter from Berkshire, England. Also founder member of piano trio Cherry Mint Koala (alongside two seriously fine musicians: violinist Charlie Brown and cellist Tony Woollard). I tend to make precise, thoughtful and slightly melancholic rock/pop with a prominent classical and theatrical streak, often in collaboration with other vocalists. I've been labelled 'a treasure' (Bluesbunny), 'a maverick genius' (Rhythm n Booze) and 'an excellent composer' (Altsounds). I've also been accused of writing 'marvelously crafted tunes' (Sputnik). Well, someone ought to.

Musical comparisons? Neil Tennant, Rufus Wainwright and Morrissey co-writing a musical, possibly. Other influences include Kate Bush, John Grant, The Magnetic Fields, Tom Waits, Pink Martini, ABBA, Radiohead, Beethoven, Chopin, Nils Frahm, Underworld, The Divine Comedy, The Beatles etc.

My professional work as a pianist for dance has helped shape my eclectic output. Although I'd worked with Tony and Charlie on many previous recordings, Cherry Mint Koala developed as a result of project performances through my main employer, ArtsEd in West London, where I'm currently the Head Ballet Pianist for the Musical Theatre degree course. (ArtsEd was awarded 'School of the Year' at The Stage awards 2016.) It is a lively and creative working environment, and a great place for developing new ideas and twisting tunes from various genres and eras into unexpected shapes. I manage a team of class musicians there and have composed music for short films made by graduates from the school of Acting.

To date, I've self-released several albums/EPs, explored my visually creative side through promo videos (stop-motion animation, puppets, drag/zombie action etc), been a finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest (with 'The Forecaster' from Alterations) and gained BBC local radio play for a festive single co-performed with my partner Gareth Forster and a community choir from South London ('Christmas Eve, Gracechurch St' - a charity single for Crisis). BBC Radio 2 also used my cover of Robyn's 'Dancing On My Own' for a series of trails in 2014. This track happens to be included on my new covers album 'European Dream', which explores the darker side of Europop.

If you like what I do, please sign up to my mailing list about future goings on and releases. You won't get bombarded with tons of info, just info about new stuff when it happens.

If you have any questions, I'm always happy to try to answer.