Mark McCambridge, aka Arborist, has a rare knack for delivering plaintive songs shrouded in hushed acoustica.
Having previously worked as a songwriter around France, London and Dublin, Mark played his first show as Arborist in early February 2013, opening for James Yorkston in Belfast.
A solo tour of Ireland followed before impressive performances led to notable support slots alongside Low, Cat Power, Echo and The Bunnymen and Alasdair Roberts.
Now based out of Belfast and surrounded by a band of well-travelled musicians, Arborist's music is measured and mature while remaining starkly modern.
Centred around his soaring vocal and unique lyrical style, it speaks of bleak truths (Leonard Cohen, Bill Callahan, Juana Molina) delivered with an assured soulfulness.
Mark’s also a serial collaborator, working with a slew of talented musicians to bring his songs to life on-stage and, more recently, teaming up with none other than Kim Deal (Pixies, The Breeders) for his brand new song Twisted Arrow.
Here, we spend 30 seconds with him to learn more about his journey into music…
I have been making music since…
My dad came home with a piano left to him by his Aunt Maymay. I was about 10 and, all too briefly, took lessons on it. But properly writing since I was about 16.
My music is…
Bleak with a twist of optimism.
You'll like me if you listen to...
Magnolia Electric Co, Sam Cooke, early My Morning Jacket, Neil Young
My favourite venue is…
The Olympia, Dublin for the look of the old place OR King Tuts, Glasgow for sentimental reasons.
Music is important because…
As an art form, it requires no prior knowledge or investment. It just gets you. And it’s open to everyone.
My biggest inspiration is…
Music, books and a few people. In that order.
My dream collaboration would be…
Kim Deal… [ahem] …umm… Aretha Franklin.
To try me out, listen to my song…
Twisted Arrow featuring Kim Deal.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Wealthier.
In 10 years’ time I want to be...
Wealthier. But as a musician. Actually, the money’s not that important… honest.
www.arboristmusic.com
Having previously worked as a songwriter around France, London and Dublin, Mark played his first show as Arborist in early February 2013, opening for James Yorkston in Belfast.
A solo tour of Ireland followed before impressive performances led to notable support slots alongside Low, Cat Power, Echo and The Bunnymen and Alasdair Roberts.
Now based out of Belfast and surrounded by a band of well-travelled musicians, Arborist's music is measured and mature while remaining starkly modern.
Centred around his soaring vocal and unique lyrical style, it speaks of bleak truths (Leonard Cohen, Bill Callahan, Juana Molina) delivered with an assured soulfulness.
Mark’s also a serial collaborator, working with a slew of talented musicians to bring his songs to life on-stage and, more recently, teaming up with none other than Kim Deal (Pixies, The Breeders) for his brand new song Twisted Arrow.
Here, we spend 30 seconds with him to learn more about his journey into music…
I have been making music since…
My dad came home with a piano left to him by his Aunt Maymay. I was about 10 and, all too briefly, took lessons on it. But properly writing since I was about 16.
My music is…
Bleak with a twist of optimism.
You'll like me if you listen to...
Magnolia Electric Co, Sam Cooke, early My Morning Jacket, Neil Young
My favourite venue is…
The Olympia, Dublin for the look of the old place OR King Tuts, Glasgow for sentimental reasons.
Music is important because…
As an art form, it requires no prior knowledge or investment. It just gets you. And it’s open to everyone.
My biggest inspiration is…
Music, books and a few people. In that order.
My dream collaboration would be…
Kim Deal… [ahem] …umm… Aretha Franklin.
To try me out, listen to my song…
Twisted Arrow featuring Kim Deal.
If I wasn’t making music I’d be…
Wealthier.
In 10 years’ time I want to be...
Wealthier. But as a musician. Actually, the money’s not that important… honest.
www.arboristmusic.com