The Marked

What's the name of the band, and how did you come up with the name? The Marked. It came to me whilst very stoned and unhappy. Loads of cool bands have a 'The' like The Doors and The Beatles.

What are the individual members names and what do they play?

Joe (me) Guitar and vocal

Alex, bass

Rhonda - drums

How did you meet? Through an ad in Kerrang!, the rock n' roll bible par excellence.

How long have you been together? About 2 years Where is the band based? Harlow, Essex

Who or what inspired you to become a musician? Kurt Cobain and Ginger from The Wildhearts and basically being frustrated by 'The Norm' and channelling that into music

What bands are you listening to at the moment? Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, R.E.M.

What are some of your favourite songs? 'Country Feedback' (REM), 'Last Goodbye' (Jeff Buckley) 'Milk it' & 'Tourettes' (Nirvana)

Do you prefer to play in the studio or live gigs? DEFINITELY LIVE GIGS. We really come out of ourselves and things get trashed regularly.

Describe your sound. Weirdy Punky alternative-y New Wave.

Where can people come and see you play? Bandstand 2000, Harlow Town Park 27/8/00

What do you like about being a part of 25 Records? It seems like a cool Indie label, kicking against the corporate rock pigs.

What are most of your songs about? (love, partying, political, beer, etc.) Not fitting in and being proud about it. Alienation. Having your own mind.

Give us an interesting story that happened either at a gig, or while writing or recording a song. 'Evolver' on the '1, 2, Blow' CD actually started off really slow until various substances gave it a kick up the arse.

Do you play any weird or unusual instruments? Only my voice. I hate being the singer, but no one else has the guts (or stupidity) to make a fool of themselves.

Have you been in other bands? No. I was nearly in a bad AOR Bon Joniesque band in school. Phew! Lucky escape!

Do you have any interesting stories involving the police or breaking the law? (That we can post on the site) Alex, The Bass Player, once crashed my mum's car while not having a licence or anything! Insane! I was once busted for simply looking like someone The Pigs were after. They didn't believe I was who I said I was!

Does anyone in the band have any strange or unusual habits or superstitions? Our bassist, Alex, has tried to grow a goatee beard, but the top bit refuses to grow! Er, that's about it!