Kris Mark Cardenas aka Kris Mark (born in 1988) is a California-based singer/songwriter whom garnered much attention through his YouTube channel and through his first indie release on iTunes, the single "Who Is She? (First Love)". Like many other big YouTube music stars, he manages a tight schedule which includes schoolwork as it is his last year at UC Irvine.
How long have you been doing music for? Are you doing it professionally or independently?
I got into guitar when I was 13, but it really started flying for me when I hit my first year of college 4 years ago. Ever since then, I've been seeing where I can take music independently.
What style of music do you generally play?
Generally, I'm an R&B/soul/funk kinda guy, but I love versatility... I've written some folk, rock, and club songs in my time too.
How did you first get involved in music?
In high school, I was never really much of an athlete, nor did I have many friends... I was in desperate need of a hobby, so my mom actually suggested guitar. She taught me the basics, and I locked myself away in my room until I got a song down. From then on, I would learn a bunch of songs by ear (back then, I listened to Green Day, Weezer, Foo Fighters and Incubus), and would play for my sisters and parents... it was the release I needed in high school.
What made you decide to starting YouTubing your musical talent?
Actually, the only reason I did was so I had a way to look at my hands while I played guitar. That's why, if you look at some of my older videos, I never showed my face--I just wanted to record my hands so I could focus on and spot what needed to be fixed! People started commenting, and that just egged me on to make more!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Definitely Incubus. They'll always be my favorite band of all time-- 'cause each of the band's members are virtuosos at what they do and the versatility is just ridiculous! Other than them, Musiq Soulchild and Robin Thicke heavily influence my style.
How does it feel to be getting all this support from people for doing what you do?
I still can't wrap my head around it. I feel so undeserving especially 'cause I know exactly where and how I can improve myself as a musician, but can't be thankful enough that people hear and actually enjoy what I do. One thing for sure is that I will never be comfortable calling someone a "fan".
Is there ANY musician that you would like to do a collaboration with in the future?
Oh man, if it were really up to me to just pick and choose, I'd have to say Pharrell Williams.
Your first song to hit iTunes was "Who Is She? (First Love)". What was the inspiration behind that track?
I wrote that piece with young love in mind. It's about that first relationship that really sticks--the one that has everyone around you talking, and it just makes you do things that are completely new to you. Definitely inspired by a high school type of love. haha!
What has been your most popular cover on YouTube? Your most popular original song on YouTube?
My most popular cover on my own has to be my Justin Timberlake - Take it From Here cover. I did a cover with my good and lovely friend Alyssa Bernal (of YouTube fame and now Star Trak); that got the most attention. We covered Jason Mraz & Colbie Callait - Lucky.
I imagine you have a lot of music tastes; what do you normally play on your iPod and/or when you’re at home?
My playlist is all over the place... I'm a big fan of jazz, so you hear a lot of Wes Montgomery, Coltrane & Miles. I listen to Nujabes on a regular basis, but otherwise I'm playing Daft Punk, Ne-Yo, The Dream... I dig groove.
Where’s the one place where you can go and get your creative flow going in order to write/create music?
Honestly, I don't have a specific location. It's an atmospheric kinda thing for me. If I have my guitar and there's dim lights and something to record with... that's how I work. I've noticed that the further past midnight it is, the better my songs turn out!
Who is your closest musician friend, and how did you two meet?
I'm actually lucky enough to have more than one musician friend that I consider really close and really dear to me. They'd have to be my boys Kinh, CP, and Matt. We each met on pretty separate occasions but it all stemmed from this one music club that I helped create at UCI. We all had similar tastes in music and were open to collaboration, so we jammed and ended up performing a grip of shows together.
What do you do in your spare time when you’re not playing music?
I'm a pretty big geek, actually. I'm a technophile so I'm always on Engadget.com. It's either that or playing Modern Warfare 2 on the 360. Other than that, my music, my lady, and my fam are my life.
What do you hope to accomplish while being involved in music?
The fact that I've made someone's day through the emotion and hard work I've put in my music is already a trip, but a major songwriting placement or collaborating with someone high up there would be pretty legit, too.
Do you have any final words for the readers?
It's pretty cliché, but doing what I do wouldn't be half as fun if it weren't for all you listeners. But as for shameless plugs, be sure to check out the No Labels EP on iTunes or sub to the YouTube if you haven't already! It's literally only the beginning. Much love!
Chyeah, Kris Mark, ladies and gents. Thanks to Kris for the interview, till next time, I am O-U-T!
J~
Kris Mark Cardenas
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