“Blues is the root, the blueprint of rock n roll, soul, hip hop, everything. It’s the sound of survival, of struggle, and of truth. Preserving it means keeping those stories alive. I think there are many roles that music plays in today's society; It brings people together from all around the world, brings laughter and joy and is a sturdy friend that you can always lean on.”

Minnie Marks:

One-Woman Blues Hurricane

Australia’s rousing singer and propulsive electric guitarist draws on Down Under blues and follows her heart Minnie Marks is not just some blazingly electrified guitar playing freak of nature. She is also a rare and triple threat: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Relentlessly gigging across the globe, equipped with an old Goldtop in her hands and a revolutionary Farmer Foot Drum at her feet; Marks consistently pushes musical limits with her mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry and her insanely powerful voice, that roars out her truth through song as if her own life depended on it. And, if that’s not enough, simultaneously, creates bone marrow shaking grooves with spare limbs on her Foot Drum kit. Finally all three beasts are married together to forge a mammoth sized wall of sound.                                   (Photo: Minnie Marks)

From winning the world renowned ‘Bluesfest Busking Competition’ in 2011, to taking out the People’s Choice Award’ at both Blues At Bridgetown and Nannup Music Festival, plus earning the winning place of ‘Best Guitarist’ for the Open Arms Festival competition, Marks  is no stranger on the block. Over the past years, Marks has paved her musical journey around the world with three studio albums and one live album recorded in Stuttgart, Germany. The award-winning troubadour shows no sign of slowing down.  You’ve been warned. This absolute powerhouse is ready for any battlefield, be it a festival audience or a bar room packed like a can of sardines. Wind her up and watch her go! Her monstrous show DOES NOT disappoint. 

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music has completely shaped my outlook of the world. It’s been my compass, my therapy and my connection to people. It's taken me all around the world and has opened so many doors to so many new cultures, foods and experiences with new people. I feel extremely lucky to have found my love for music at such a young age; A massive pivotal moment in my musical journey was when I was a kid, first hearing the Australian band; the Hussy Hicks. It absolutely blew my head off and still does to this day.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

i’d  describe my sound as funky, dirty, 'upside down stank face' blues. There’s a real rawness to it, it's ever changing and tailored in every moment to what I am feeling. My philosophy is simple: feel it first, then play it, see how far you can milk it, trying to push musical boundaries to the very edge before failure. For sure, technique is important, you’ve definitely got to know your craft, but in saying that.. If there’s no soul behind it, some say it’s just a bunch of noise.

“I miss that a lot of people now call music and art - content.. I also miss those old recordings where you can hear the room, the mistakes, the emotion, the tape flickering along and everything being analog. I hope that we can somewhat get back to that a little bit more.. But I do fear we’re losing that in favor of viral moments and algorithm-driven art.” (Minnie Marks / Photo by Sean Clohesy)

What were the reasons that you started Farmer Foot Drum and “One Woman Band” researches and experiments?

It started when I was young, I developed a real deep love for playing guitar, but also at the same time having a deep love for playing drums too; which made it quite difficult as I had to choose a path - I chose guitar. But the drums were always there in the back of my mind. After many failed rock bands I decided to dedicate myself to endeavoring to bring a full-band experience to people. I found complete freedom in having full control of the sound, the timing, and the energy. Finding Farmer Foot Drums was a real game changer though; everything is analog and acoustic which was/is right up my alley!

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, busking time, and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

There are so many it's not even funny. It's going to be really hard to just think of one! Every gig there is a fond memory attached. Playing music in general whether alone or in public is just such a treat. The 2025 Sunshine Coast Music Awards was definitely a recent highlight! Spending the night out at the awards all dappered up, running a muck with my family and best mates was immense amounts of fun - and the icing on the cake; I ended up winning the 'Musician Of The Year' award!

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

I miss that a lot of people now call music and art - content... I also miss those old recordings where you can hear the room, the mistakes, the emotion, the tape flickering along and everything being analog. I hope that we can somewhat get back to that a little bit more.. But I do fear we’re losing that in favor of viral moments and algorithm-driven art.                             (Photo: Minnie Marks, a one-woman band with so much talent and soul)

“Music has completely shaped my outlook of the world. It’s been my compass, my therapy and my connection to people. It's taken me all around the world and has opened so many doors to so many new cultures, foods and experiences with new people. I feel extremely lucky to have found my love for music at such a young age; A massive pivotal moment in my musical journey was when I was a kid, first hearing the Australian band; the Hussy Hicks. It absolutely blew my head off and still does to this day.”

What does it mean to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

It means you have to be a little louder, a little tougher, and 100% unapologetically yourself haha. There’s still a lot of assumptions; that women can’t shred, or can’t lead, or need to fit a mold. But I see that changing. More women are stepping into lead roles, producing their own music, and owning their sound. 

Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

Blues is the root, the blueprint of rock n roll, soul, hip hop, everything. It’s the sound of survival, of struggle, and of truth. Preserving it means keeping those stories alive. I think there are many roles that music plays in today's society; It brings people together from all around the world, brings laughter and joy and is a sturdy friend that you can always lean on. 

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I stay true to my sound but open to growth. I follow my own musical meanderings and whatever tickles my fancy at the time. I never chase trends. I just bring myself to every stage, raw and real.

Minnie Marks - Home

(Photo: Minni Marks)