Mark Allen

Mark Allen is a singer/songwriter/ambient instrumentalist who moved from Central New Jersey to Memphis TN to pursue songwriting and a unique blend of instrumental music. His main instruments are guitar and piano accompanied by vocals.
Currently Mark Allen is a student at Visible School in Memphis TN developing his craft in songwriting and as a guitar player. Recently he has been recording some of his works in the studio and has put together his first demo. He is continually progressing in his knowledge of full band arrangements and being able to notate and incorporate multiple instruments to accompany his songs. Besides songwriting, Mark is currently writing jingles for local businesses and plays out at local restaurants and churches. His styles cover a range of playing that include jazz, acoustic, ambient piano, new age, rock, and fusion styles.
Surrounded by a family of musicians, music was never far from being played around the house. At the age of 13, Mark began playing guitar, and at age 16 started to progress in his knowledge on the piano. The rich appreciation for music that runs deep in his family has given him a passion for creativity. Some of his major musical influences growing up were his older brother and uncle who inspired and guided him through his early years on the guitar. He developed an interest in artists such as Andy Mckee, Antoine Dufour, and Tommy Emmanuel as acoustic influences. Bands like Dream Theatre, Muse, Coldplay, and Mumford and Sons have given him a creative inspiration for his music combining a number of different genres. Through his music he wants to instill beauty and hope where darkness and hopelessness are prevalent.
His inspiration for writing lyrics comes from a deep appreciation for beauty in creation along with ideas that incorporate truth, love, and hope. Some songs express the uncertainty of life’s struggle and relating to those who are hurting and beat down by life. Some of his lyrics from his song Consuming Fire are “Don’t let your mind condemn, only God can comprehend. Your heart alone will stand the test, all that’s left is to confess.” By being real and honest in a world where people hide and cover up true emotion, Mark hopes to inspire and instill hope and light into people’s lives.