Meet Ilford, Essex-born UK Open Mic performer The Stellar Mark Dellar:

Hi The Stellar Mark Dellar, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

64

Where were you born?

Ilford, Essex

Where did you grow up?

Ilford, Essex

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

It’s on the outskirts of London. I had access to all the London venues during the 70’s/80’s , music was huge to me.

Where are you based now, and why?

Same rough area.

What got you into making music in the first place?

I started playing guitar around 14 years old, I guess I just wanted to be Keith Richards, Lowell George, Ry Cooder and many others.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Guitar
Guitar
Bass
Ukulele

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

So many. In my early teens I was listening to a lot of American West Coast music, Eagles, Jackson Brown etc, which I think has stayed with me. That was taken over by New Wave music. My main hero is Nick Lowe, if anything he has done has rubbed off on me I’d be delighted.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

1

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

Varies. My best songs have started with words and then set to music.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

3

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

I’ve always played in bands and sang, I wanted to have an alternative. It also really stretches me.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

Great advice given to me was take your time. Very easy to rush through things when you’re nervous.

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

Usually combating audience conversation noise. Depends very much on the venue.

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

My band played a party in the Kew Bridge Steam Museum. The decibel meter cut the power as soon as we said hello. Did the whole thing unplugged with the drummer hitting his sticks on his drum cases. Amazingly, we went down a storm.

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

No

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

I’m so new to song-writing. I never thought I could, but I’ve suddenly become quite prolific.

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

I planning on recording 4 songs or so and making an EP.

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

https://www.facebook.com/share/15cVDCdjzh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

www.facebook.com/share/15cVDCdjzh/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.facebook.com/share/15cVDCdjzh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!