Markus Wells has toured the world as a lead guitarist for over a decade with bands such as Hollow Drive, Frequency 54, Screaming for Silence, Eve to Adam, and is currently the front man of Red 7 Kill. As he continues to develop the sound of his new project while writing and recording , Markus was generous enough to give us a few moments for an interview!
Dan (Unit 4):
You recently formed a new band, tell us about Red 7 Kill?
Markus:
Red 7 Kill is a mix between Lady Gaga meets Bring Me The Horizon. I came up in metal bands and realized if I wanted to make a career out of music, well…there’s only one way to the top if you wanna rock n roll. This project is me getting back to my roots with some heavy face melting metal. Which is nice taking the pressure off of trying to swing at radio hits and just write something that I like myself. And I have always been a big fan of edm blended into heavy music. Now I have reached a point in my career where I have been lucky enough to work with some of the best producers in the business and I am getting a chance to apply some of the cool things I have learned by trying my hand at producing. Which might end up a train wreck, but hell, at least I’m drivin’.
Dan (Unit 4):
When did you start playing music and what kept you going?
Markus:
I started playing guitar around 13 in the 90’s when grunge was coming in hot dulling down the shine of sequins from 80’s hair metal. Was a great time in music. I got to watch Motley Crue snort what Def Leppard poured some sugar on. Watched Metallica realize how important Bob Rock was and write a life changing record for some 13 year olds. I got to watch bands take off the spandex, put on cargo shorts, flannel cut offs, and become Pantera, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Manson, Zombie, Korn, Sevendust, Slipknot. List goes on and on.
And staying motivated. Well like most teens, I struggled with self esteem issues. Didn’t feel worth anything to anyone. There was alot of abuse in my childhood and I used music to escape from that. Those musicians sacrificed so much to get those songs into my cassette player and those songs saved my life. Only way to repay a debt like that is to devote your life to paying it forward.
Markus Wells Photo Shoot in Unit 4
Dan (Unit 4):
Who have been your biggest influences in your music career and what have you integrated into your performance from them?
Markus:
Well the previous answer covers the list of my influences for the most part. I could literally go on forever about all the bands that have inspired me. As far as integrating things live…honestly I don’t really put much thought into it. Every performance is different and that is cause the people in the crowd are all different. When it comes to the stage man, I really shut off my brain. I have played these songs so many times, I don’t need to think. No, on stage is the time I get to shut off my mind and open up my heart and connect with everyone in the room. That is literally what we all work so hard for is that moment. There is no better feeling in the entire world.
Markus Wells Rehearsing in Unit 4
Dan (Unit 4):
In your opinion, what makes a good rehearsal space valuable to a touring band?
Markus:
Well first off, no one likes rehearsal, lol. Knocking the rust off so you don’t completely suck on the upcoming tour blows, but is important. Or if you’re on the road and just need a place to work out some new material, either-way. You need a good sounding room that has a good vibe. Cramming everyone into a tight space with some moldy egg crate foam on the wall next to a Zeppelin poster with a hole in it from when the singer of the last band chucked a beer bottle at the guitarist before he quit, though we’ve all done it, sucks! So before you hop into a metal tube with 10 dudes for 3 months, space to spread out is nice. And before you deal with your guitar tech’s dirty undies on your bunk, cleanliness is appreciated. Gear! When stuff breaks or your underwear leavin’ ass guitar tech left your cab in Lubbock, its nice when a facility has stuff you can use. and a secure facility to keep your expensive shit safe is important too.
Dan (Unit 4):
You have utilized Unit 4 many times now. Once for a photo shoot and 3 times for pre-tour rehearsals. What keeps you coming back to Unit 4?
Markus:
Aside from the killer staff, this room is amazing. I have rehearsed here, recorded here, and woke up in the middle of the night palmin’ a blade during a storm banging trees against the wall here! lol… It’s a big room, nice and clean, with a riser, lights, bathroom, and an isolation booth. The loft is clutch providing a perfect chill spot to decompress with a dining area for meals. Plenty of delivery options nearby or a short walk to stuff. And if you need some fresh Florida air you can step outside the secure facility to yell obscenities at the alligator in the pond while safely standing on the picnic table out back or shoot some hoops and remember why you became a musician. lol… There is plenty of room to park a van and trailer or a Prevost. This room is just super special and that just comes down to the way it was designed by the owners. Who are all experts in very different areas of music, film, television, sound, recording, and lighting. Which have taken their combined expertise to create the perfect soundstage, film set, photo studio, recording, and rehearsal facility.
Markus Celebrating an Album Release
About Unit 4
Unit 4 is Orlando’s (and all of Central Florida’s) premier rehearsal space. A 1500 sq. foot room with over 900 sq. feet of rehearsal space, available storage space, 14′ high ceilings and so much more. Unit 4 offers the best vibe for supporting artists creativity.
