Mark Borino is one of the most promising R&B singers hailing out of the New Jersey independent music scene. After releasing his EP MCMXCII featuring hit single “Don’t Worry”, the heartthrob has gone of the do many things. His cover of fellow singer, Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” was a viral hit! While his music is rooted in R&B, listeners can feel both Pop and Hip-Hop influences. Long story short, the Garden state native is an artist worth knowing!
I had the opportunity to chat with the singer and songwriter about his EP MCMXCII, the current state of R&B music, his formal training in music production and much more. Check out the full interview below!
Over the past year, R&B and Pop music has branched out into multiple subgenres including Trap&B, Haunted Pop and more. As a R&B singer, how do you feel about the changes your genre is currently undergoing?
Any change that keeps the R&B Genre evolving, I’m all for. I appreciate hearing other major/independent artists as they take the genre to a new level and sound! I feel that all artists should push the sound of their genre to new heights and keep it exciting. Nobody likes the same thing for too long, at least that’s how I feel.
Your latest EP MCMXCII is R&B at its core you even sample the Kings of the genre, Jodeci. What was the inspiration behind the project? Who did you work with?
MCMXCII definitely served its purpose as an R&B EP. I sampled Jodeci on “Don’t Worry” just off the simple fact that I love their music. As for the EP as a whole, I really don’t know what inspired me for that. All I know is that I was due for a new project and that’s what was created! Usually how a project comes together is off of vibes I catch. Once I start of with a good song, usually the others follow naturally. The one talented producer I worked with goes by the name of “Notes” and he helped with the record “Somebody Else.” The rest of the project was solely done by me. From vocals, lyrics, production, editing and mixing.
Recently you released the official music video for single “Be Me” featuring Goody. Typically, I found that you tend to not have features. What was different about “Be Me”? How did you and Goody come together?
I’m not big on features! Since the beginning of my career, I’ve been making music by myself so I tend to keep it that way unless I need a feature to fill out a track. I’m very selective with who I work with and I’m also pretty reserved as a person so that’s another reason HAHAHA. But Goody is actually a good friend of mine and he did his thing on that record. I was really impressed. From flow to lyrics, everything fit perfectly into the song.
As technology advances, the difficult of creating decrease. Aspiring singers can now grab a beat offline and record their vocals on their smart phone. Many artists on the rise now longer have an interest in studying the craft of creation. However, you have a formal education in music production. What are your thoughts?
I agree, technology is allowing artists to be creative at a quicker pace. As much as this is a positive thing, it also has a downside. Since everyone basically has access to this technology, it made the industry much more saturated. I believe every up & coming artist should take the time out to learn the craft and genre their getting into. Me personally, I’m always trying to listen and learn from others, surround myself with others who are better than me, as well as taking the time out to teach myself. There are times when I open up YouTube and watch Donny Hathaway, Teddy Pendergrass, Michael Jackson, Peabo Bryson etc., performing live or just to listen to some old records to see how they sing. Paying attention to their cadence, how they pronounce certain words and the timing of their singing. That’s just me. I love music. As for formal education, I went to SAE in NYC but to be honest, I’ve learned the most about music through trial and error. Making plenty of mistakes before getting it right. I have only progressed my vocals, songwriting, production and mixing from making mistakes and I’m still continuing to learn and become a better artist everyday.
A while back you signed with minor label Armada Music announcing it on Instagram. What the status on that? How’s the team? Are you looking to sign to a major in the future?
We actually signed the single “Don’t Run From My Love” over to Armada Music which was a HUGE step for me. It was something that gave me not only motivation to create but validation that I could be in this industry and do what I love. HUGE thanks to everyone over at Deep Root Records, 1WayTKT and Cossy for making it happen. Something I’ll always be proud of. By the way, a good friend of mine Francis Mercier put out a remix to the record that’s really dope. Check it out if you haven’t yet! As for signing with a major in the future, I’d say that’s the end goal but for right now I’m remaining independent until the right opportunity comes my way.
What’s next for Mark Borino?
Well right now I’m working on a new project (after scrapping 2) that I’m pushing to finish and release sometime after the new year. I’m producing a futuristic/electronic R&B sounds. Experimenting with vocal/production effects more. I really like the direction its going in and can’t wait to release it. I would say The Weeknd “STARBOY” album inspired this. I will be performing at the Dunkin Donuts Lounge at iHeart Radio in New York that I’m truly excited for. I’ve been doing some behind the scenes writing and producing as well. Also I will be performing ALOT more in 2017. I haven’t done many performances which is think is the last piece to the puzzle when it comes to me being an artist and getting my name and music out their more. Just staying busy at all times!
Stay connected with Mark Borino on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or on his official website www.markborinomusic.com Take a listen to Mark Borino’s full project MCMXCII and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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