Mark Newman is a guitarist-at-large. In addition to playing with John Oates and Sam Moore, he’s working on new material and already has several strong solo albums to recommend him. He’s graced several Music Gorilla showcases, so we thought we’d put him on the spot and ask him how DOES he do it?

Mark, you’re from New York originally: how has the City’s music scene changed since you started playing here? In fact, do you remember your first NYC gig?

I think it was at Kenny’s Castaways, which closed last year. I played solo. My first band gig was at JP’s which is no longer there…Not my fault. A lot of clubs are gone. New ones open and close quickly. Some have moved to Brooklyn.

Tell us a bit about playing in Music Gorilla showcases. What did you play?

I played a showcase for Columbia at Kenny’s Castaways and SXSW twice.

What’s it been like collaborating with John Oates and Sam Moore?

Both John and Sam were a big influence on me. John as a singer/songwriter and Sam as one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. Generally speaking, you get hired to learn and play their show. You play all the signature parts and bring your own solos to the table.
I got the gig because John Oates was looking for a slide guitar player. I got to solo a lot. In fact, there was a lot of jamming. He’s a great guy to work for because he’s a good player himself and can tell you what he wants.

With Sam Moore, I knew all the Steve Cropper guitar parts on all the Sam & Dave hits. Sam recorded a “duets” CD— “Overnight Sensational”—with lots of great artists like Sting, Springsteen, Travis Tritt, Steve Winwood…I had to cover a wider range of styles. That gig was all about being a good rhythm guitar player with an occasional solo. With both situations, I was recommended by someone in the band. That’s usually the way it works. You have to be good enough to keep the gig and show up prepared and on time.

What type of guitar(s) do you play?

My main electric is a custom Tele built by Peekamoose. They’re based in NYC. I also have a few G&L Strats. My acoustic is a Guild DCE 5. I also have a 1970 Gurian that was built in NYC.

As a singer/songwriter, do you have a method? Do you find the melody or the lyrics first, or is it never quite the same?

Being a guitar player, I usually start with the music. It could be a riff or a chord progression. Sometimes I’ll start with a title that pushes me in a direction musically.
Once in a while it’s the lyrics first.

Life on the road. Does touring inspire writing, or do you find it hard to write while you tour?

It’s hard to write if you’re playing almost every night. There’s sound check, dinner, the show and then you might leave for the next show that night. Having said that, I have written songs while on tour. Sometimes an idea hits you and you have to chase it.

You had an album in ’06 and in 2010 — how do you see your material evolving?

I usually don’t consciously seek out a direction when I write. If a subject sticks with me for a few days, I pursue it. The lyrics on “Walls Of Jericho” were more “to the point” than “Must Be A Pony.” I’m trying to be more detail oriented.

Do you have a favorite song from either, or both, of these records?

On “Must Be A Pony” I like “Mean Season” best. On “Walls Of Jericho” I like the title track.

Are you working on anything now?

Always…I’m hoping to release something later this year.

Favorite type of venue?

Festivals. I like big outdoor concerts like Jazz Fest in New Orleans. The sound systems are usually great and there’s plenty of room. You get to hear other recording acts that you might not have heard live. SXSW is more of a music conference and showcase with bands playing in various clubs around Austin. It’s great to play the conferences if you have your promo machine in order. I’ve played the Music Gorilla Festival in Austin the last two years. They run a great showcase.

If you were musician just starting out today, where do you think you’d move to? Or do you think you’d focus on getting all your material on the web regardless of where you lived?

As far as being a working musician—Nashville or Austin. I have friends in both cities. They’re pretty busy recording and gigging. As far as being a songwriter, getting your music on the web is important wherever you live.

Can a song be heard the same way downloaded vs. on vinyl?

Vinyl sounds warmer. If you’re not going to A/B a download to a record I think it can be heard the same way. You can still enjoy the recording.

Your favorite record. If you had to choose one.

If I had to choose: Revolver.

Mark Newman, everybody. Check out marknewman.us for more on Mark.