#MusicExchange: Mark Haze

19 Apr 2017

Mark Haze is a consummate professional and hardworking musician who was runner up on Idols South Africa in 2011. He has produced some lovely work including the album Where Angels Fear to Fly which produced the hit single “Wake Up (Dreaming of You)”, which went to number one on the Take 40 SA chart in 2012 and remained on the chart for a record-breaking 23 weeks.

He has just released a new single “Star” and is having his own show at Hillcrest Quarry in Durbanville Cape Town on 26 April with Sweet Resistance. The show kicks off at 7pm with tickets costing R150, available from Webtickets or the door.

I caught up with Mark last week in the middle of rehearsals and got some fun, honest answers.

What does music mean to you?

I like to describe it as a very special gift. Something God gave to me, so that I could enjoy it on my own and even share it with others. It never stops giving me joy. I just can’t see myself without it.

Any funny moments on stage?

So many! They happen so often that it’s difficult to just mention one.

One of my personal favourites was the time myself and my manager engaged in a bet. At the time, during this particular tour, I really felt that no matter what I say to the crowd, that they were so enthusiastic, that they would cheer, no matter what I say to them. He felt that this was not true, so he bet me a fair sum of money to prove it, on his terms. We had just finished watching the classic Superman movie from the 80s. The one where the bad guy yells at Superman to “Kneel before General Zod!” My challenge was to somehow successfully place into my crowd talks the phrase, “kneel before General Haze”.

At the near-end point of the show, the crowd was completely off the chain. I riled them up and dropped the line. The band couldn’t believe I actually did it – they just about fell to the ground laughing, as they’d thought that I’d chickened out, being so late in the show. Sure enough, the crowd loved it and cheered even more.

Your heroes?

Eric Clapton; Steven Tyler from Aerosmith; Freddie Mercury from Queen; The Beatles; Tina Turner; Ray Charles; Michael Jackson - I think that these people really are the sounds that moulded me into what I sound like today.

What is your most treasured possession?

My 2005 American Standard Fender Stratocaster. It looks just like Clapton’s “Blackie” from the early 90s and it’s the guitar that I’ve wanted my whole childhood and still love to play now.

It’s your round what are you drinking?

Double Johnny Walker on the rocks.

The song you wished you wrote?

“The Show Must Go On” by Queen.

What makes you stand out?

I try my best to work harder than anyone else. This business is all about “the next big thing”, when it should be about how the music matters above all else.