All-Leo Asks…Mark Murdoch, Music Blogger

Why do you do what you do?

There’s an amazing amount of great music coming out on a daily basis and my ambition from the start was to provide a genuine alternative to the likes iTunes etc.

I’ve been working in a commercial digital music company for almost 5 years now so this blog was my independent ‘release’ from all that – now it’s grown beyond what I expected and I’m very grateful for it.

What’s the philosophy behind your blog?

The blog only posts music that is approved by record labels, PRs, artists and producers etc and that’s the most important aspect of all.

When a blog gets to a certain size, you have to play by the rules but it’s by no means a hindrance, especially with tools like SoundCloud.

What do you feel most proud of (in relation to the blog)?

It has to be the Mahogany Sessions – it’s come so far since June last year and things are only getting bigger and better.

Because of the blog’s success and the relations with artists, labels, PRs etc – the headache of getting great artists and bands from the start was pretty much removed.

I can’t wait to see how it’s going to grow in the next 12 months and beyond.

…and what’s been tricky?

The technical aspect of a self-hosted blog!

Had tons of issues which led to loads of outages and having the host in the US made it really difficult. It’s all better now but it is definitely a baptism-by-fire experience to begin with if you’re not much of a techie.

What do you wish PRs did more of?

Actually informing their artists of promo opportunities – I’ve gone direct to artists after the PR say “they’re not available” and most of them have been so enthusiastic to get involved.

…and less?

Less emails packed to the rafters with bullshit.

A non-automated, no nonsense email with a few honest words and an mp3 or Soundcloud link will get my attention.

Who’s rocking your world music-wise right now?

Trophy Wife
David’s Lyre
Brasstronaut
Marek Hemmann
Russ Chimes
Penguin Prison
Ludovico Einaudi

What sites have you got bookmarked?

Gizmodo, Lifehacker, Antville, Hype Machine and Trailer Addict are always checked daily and YouTube’s is a regular to check back on how the Mahogany Sessions are doing.