Biography
My Mourning Belle is the vision of Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter Mark Allen...
As is evident on the debut EP, "A Place You Hope to Find," the music of My Mourning Belle blends the lyrical and melodic sensibilities of a classic singer-songwriter with the passion and exuberance of anthemic rock. The result is a sound that is both uplifting and melancholic with themes that are at once cynical and romantic. Lyrically, Allen addresses all of the usual topics of life, death, love, and relationships. The most persistent theme, however, concerns the challenge of being true to one's self in the face of the more conventional ideals of the world around us. Whether with the anthemic chorus of "Start Again," the haunted soul rock of "Lorelei," the reflective melancholy of "Shedding Skin," or the mournful cries of "When You're Gone," Allen fuses our sadness, hopes, and fears into melodies that we can sing along to.
With more than a decade of singing, writing, and performing behind him, Allen is a veteran of the Milwaukee music scene. As the singer of his previous band, the moody alt-pop rockers, G:Fuzz, he recorded three EPs, one of which was released on the Chicago-based independent label, Foray Two Music. With G:Fuzz, Allen performed all over the Midwest, including such venues as the Double Door in Chicago, the Annex in Madison, the Rave and Shank Hall in Milwaukee, and the world's largest music festival, Summerfest.
On the stage, Allen has distinguished himself as an artist to watch, captivating audiences with his emotive voice and ardent live performances. He debuted as My Mourning Belle on Good Friday 2007 with an acoustic set in front of a SOLD OUT crowd at Linneman's Riverwest Inn. In Fall 2008, My Mourning Belle toured extensively, with shows ranging from the Midwest to the West Coast.
2009 Highlights
***Interviewed on 88.9 FM Radio Milwaukee .
***"A Place You Hope to Find" is listed in the weekly "High Five" on JSITop21.com - Issue #340 (The John Shelton Ivany Top 21 is distributed to over 200 national newspapers).
***Locally ranked #1 Alternative Music Artist on the ReverbNation charts.
2008 Highlights
***Independently booked, promoted and completed an extensive fall tour including both west coast and regional dates.
***Made two appearances on the FM 102.1 Kramp & Adler Morning Show.
***Digital distribution of "A Place You Hope to Find" through iTunes and all other major digital retailers.
***June release of the debut EP, "A Place you Hope to Find."
***Teamed up with the premium denim line, Rich & Skinny Jeans, for a sponsorship opportunity.
***Selected as the June 2008 WisconsinMusician.com Spotlight Artist of the Month.
***Featured in articles for OnMilwaukee.com and MKE.
***Performed at a benefit show for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
Instrumentation
Live
Mark Allen - vocals/guitar
Generally, Mark performs solo. However, a full band may be available upon request.
Studio
Mark Allen - vocals/acoustic guitars/synth/piano
Medavon - guitars/bass/synth/drum programming
Discography
2008
A Place You Hope to Find (debut EP)
2007
Start Again (single)
"Start Again" has been aired on WLUM - FM 102.1 and on 88.9 FM Radio Milwaukee.
Links
| http://www.mymourningbelle.com |