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WHO IS THIS MARK NORTHFIELD PERSON?
A classically trained pianist, thoughtful singer/songwriter, string arranger, musical collaborator and professional accompanist for dance. Mark has a natural melodic sensibility, an eclectic ear for inspiration from many eras and genres, and a mission to make music on his own terms rather than chase what is deemed fashionable. His new album of Europop reworkings is typical of his desire to avoid the obviously 'cool'.
BIO
Mark Northfield is a maverick pianist, composer, arranger and singer from Berkshire, England. He is also the founder member of piano trio Cherry Mint Koala (alongside violinist Charlie Brown and cellist Tony Woollard).
He produces precise, thoughtful and frequently melancholic pop/rock with a prominent classical and theatrical streak, often in collaboration with guest vocalists. Musical reference points include Kate Bush, John Grant, The Magnetic Fields, Tom Waits and Pink Martini.
His professional work as a pianist for dance has helped shape his eclectic output. Cherry Mint Koala developed as a result of collaborative performances at ArtsEd in London, where he's currently Head Ballet Pianist for the Musical Theatre degree course. (ArtsEd was named School of the Year at The Stage awards 2016.) He manages a team of class musicians there and has composed music for short films made by acting graduates at the school.
This working environment is an excellent laboratory for both developing new ideas and twisting existing tunes from various genres and eras into unexpected shapes. The latter approach is exemplified by Mark's new album 'European Dream', which brings darkness and emotional heft to the generally maligned genre of Europop.
To date, Mark has self-released several albums and EPs, and also shown his visually creative side through promo videos featuring his own stop-motion animation, choreography, puppetry and drag/zombie action. His latest video - for a slightly sinister interpretation of Whigfield's 'Saturday Night' - is one of his most colourful yet, and features the animal mask designs of Steve Wintercroft (www.wintercroft.com).
He produces precise, thoughtful and frequently melancholic pop/rock with a prominent classical and theatrical streak, often in collaboration with guest vocalists. Musical reference points include Kate Bush, John Grant, The Magnetic Fields, Tom Waits and Pink Martini.
His professional work as a pianist for dance has helped shape his eclectic output. Cherry Mint Koala developed as a result of collaborative performances at ArtsEd in London, where he's currently Head Ballet Pianist for the Musical Theatre degree course. (ArtsEd was named School of the Year at The Stage awards 2016.) He manages a team of class musicians there and has composed music for short films made by acting graduates at the school.
This working environment is an excellent laboratory for both developing new ideas and twisting existing tunes from various genres and eras into unexpected shapes. The latter approach is exemplified by Mark's new album 'European Dream', which brings darkness and emotional heft to the generally maligned genre of Europop.
To date, Mark has self-released several albums and EPs, and also shown his visually creative side through promo videos featuring his own stop-motion animation, choreography, puppetry and drag/zombie action. His latest video - for a slightly sinister interpretation of Whigfield's 'Saturday Night' - is one of his most colourful yet, and features the animal mask designs of Steve Wintercroft (www.wintercroft.com).