Marc X Hashy is a music-making duo whose music is best described as intensely passionate. Marc and Hashy first made their debut on the reality show, The Final 1. Their premature eviction from the show did not deter them from music, but rather kick start a beautiful relationship. Their decision to be together, privately and musically, has sparked unbridled emotions in the sounds of Marc X Hashy since.
1. How would you describe your musical influence and style as one, given that Marc comes from a rock and blues background while Hashy leans towards folk?
H: A middle ground - exactly in between of folk and rock/blues. What do you call that?
M: We have been asked this many times and I think our answer fluctuates. There is a blend of many styles. Some songs are closer to Hashy and others a little closer to me. Battles is better centered, I believe, but the next single, Photographs, that is launching soon, is definitely more of Hashy's style.
2. What is Battles about, and what is the statement line of this song?
H: Battles was about persevering through difficult times, no matter the obstacles. When I wrote the song, our relationship was not exactly smooth sailing but in the end we triumphed! If I were to choose the statement line, it would be "Building my own fort, Fighting my own battles". Everyone has their own battles to fight.
M: At the start, it was not easy given our age difference and coming from a reality television show. The media was constantly trying to find out more about something we were still new at. However, we are still here, and stronger than ever. That is definitely the line to lean towards.
3. 2014 has been a year of rising local acts. What are your thoughts about it, now that there is a louder voice for the local music scene?
H: It is amazing. I feel like the support for the local music scene is stronger these days.
M: During the time when I started playing music, we had a pretty solid underground, indie scene but not as much local media support as now. I am lucky to have been around local greats like Impiety and Melting Snow from the metal scene, who were always supportive and showed by example that effort, perseverance and passion above all else is the core of being a musician. It is great now when I hear the likes of Gentle Bones or even younger artistes I have had a hand in producing, such as Debbi Koh, Enriquo Garcia, or even our own songs playing on the radio. I love it! That was the drive for me to start my unit, Cornerstone, to aid the younger artistes in Singapore realise their dreams, and with my team consisting of Chris Grosse, Ao Cheng Su and the maestro Marco Iodice, it looks like 2015 is going to be an even better year.
M: During the time when I started playing music, we had a pretty solid underground, indie scene but not as much local media support as now. I am lucky to have been around local greats like Impiety and Melting Snow from the metal scene, who were always supportive and showed by example that effort, perseverance and passion above all else is the core of being a musician. It is great now when I hear the likes of Gentle Bones or even younger artistes I have had a hand in producing, such as Debbi Koh, Enriquo Garcia, or even our own songs playing on the radio. I love it! That was the drive for me to start my unit, Cornerstone, to aid the younger artistes in Singapore realise their dreams, and with my team consisting of Chris Grosse, Ao Cheng Su and the maestro Marco Iodice, it looks like 2015 is going to be an even better year.
4. Speaking of local music, you will be performing at Go Loco Local 2015 Countdown Party this New Year’s Eve. What can we expect from Marc X Hashy this time round?
M: It is the beginning of an exciting year for us. Our set list consists of our favourite tracks to perform in 2014. We will be playing more up-tempo sounds to usher in the New Year as our set is just after midnight.
5. You have a unique combined sound, as heard on Battles. When can we expect a series of original songs, such as an EP or album by Marc X Hashy?
M: We will be entering 2015 with a new single. It will be something very intimate and we hope the masses would like it. Then again, the heart is where most of our tracks come from. As a couple, we are very private about our lives and I think our music best represents us. We are planning for a music video to accompany the launch of the new track as well, and we will be recording an EP.
6. What are your New Year’s Resolutions as a duo?
M: We are expecting to launch an EP and we plan to collaborate with other local artistes in 2015. We are generally open-minded about music and approaches. In fact, we will be approaching a few artists ourselves. Be it covers or originals, I think it is fundamental for local bands to first support one another before expecting love from the home front.
5. You have a unique combined sound, as heard on Battles. When can we expect a series of original songs, such as an EP or album by Marc X Hashy?
M: We will be entering 2015 with a new single. It will be something very intimate and we hope the masses would like it. Then again, the heart is where most of our tracks come from. As a couple, we are very private about our lives and I think our music best represents us. We are planning for a music video to accompany the launch of the new track as well, and we will be recording an EP.
6. What are your New Year’s Resolutions as a duo?
M: We are expecting to launch an EP and we plan to collaborate with other local artistes in 2015. We are generally open-minded about music and approaches. In fact, we will be approaching a few artists ourselves. Be it covers or originals, I think it is fundamental for local bands to first support one another before expecting love from the home front.
