Hailing from Phillip Island in Australia, singer-songwriter Mark Howard is a talented musical storyteller with a global impact. His journey through 45 countries has earned critical acclaim, establishing his reputation not just as a rising artist in Australia but also on the international stage.
Mark’s creativity draws inspiration from the ocean, the untamed outdoors, the enchantment of theatre, a wanderlust spirit and the universal language of music. In May 2022 he capture his sound in the studio and shared it with the world via his debut single “Pick Me Up,” before releasing his debut full-length record Passing Strangers while in the midst of the global pandemic.
Across its twelve track, Mark delivered the perfect run through of his unique sound of melodic grooves that cut across styles of alternative country, folk, pop, rock and blues. His talents have not gone unnoticed, earning accolades from prestigious festivals like the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe.
Mark’s relative new, but already decorated career has seen him share stages with iconic Australian artists such as Tim Rogers, Billy Thorpe, Ross Wilson, Tash Sultana, Alex Lloyd, Thirsty Merc and Pete Murray. His extensive tour across Australia, New Zealand and the UK in promotion of his record further staked his claim as a must-watch artist in global music scene.
Now, returning with new music to follow the success of his debut album, Mark Howard unveils his latest single, “Scarlette.” This pop-infused folk rock outing delicately treads the fine line between love and anguish, crafting a song of bittersweet context and elegant sound. Mixed by Dave Prideaux of Sunderland Studio and mastered by Andy Stewart at The Mill, the song distils a heartfelt tale of Mark’s personal experiences. It stands as an ode to a lost love, a relationship suspended in the amber of memory yet eternally unreachable.
Opened by soft guitar tones, a laid back beat and Mark’s soulful vocals, aching with emotion to cast a sombre and melancholic mood that lifts with the snap of drums and bright instrumental textures. Spinning instantly memorable melodic leads carrying poignant lyricism, Mark’s expressive and impassioned vocal performance is backed by lush a female voice, resulting in a hazy and utterly alluring sound.
It’s a spectacular showcase of his songwriting flair and performance talent, peppered with his slick guitar work and wrapped up in a beautiful arrangement. At once timeless and thoroughly current, “Scarlette” sees Mark Howard return with a dazzling new song as he continues to go from strength to strength with a stunning new release.
Commenting on making the song, he shares, “The song was first workshopped with my previous band on a rainy day in Cape Woolamai. Once the opening lyric, “She breaks” came bursting out, I knew what direction the song would take but it would eventually take a few years to find the right sonic atmosphere.”
Listen to Scarlette below
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