"You don't know much about Australia today. Because we don't really have a rich culture like yours. You do have a rich culture".

Today, many people on Instagram often use touching compositions such as "Rukh" by the Presidential Orchestra, "Er Turan" by the Turan Ethno-Folk Ensemble, and "Amanat" by the HasSak group. Later, the work "Kazakhstan" was added to this series. This was especially common at boxing matches when boxing masters entered the ring. Many people probably think that this piece belongs to a Kazakh composer. It was originally written by Mark Easton, a musician and composer from Australia. We recently contacted Mark, who recently visited Almaty and published his book "Almaty", to talk.

- Today, there are many American musicians in the United States who, fascinated by the sound of the dombra, come to Kazakhstan specifically to take lessons. I would say that you are an American who is interested in our traditional art as much as they are, but you are originally from Australia. We could not imagine that the inhabitants of the smallest continent on Earth would show such interest in our national instrument.

– You thought I was an American? (laughs). I am Australian. I live in the Gold Coast, a city in the southeast of Australia, famous for its surfing and beaches. I am not just interested in your national instruments, I am very interested in them. I am a musician. I am passionate about music. I am into rock, blues and punk rock.

- How did you find out about dombra?

- I once saw the program "The Voice of Australia" on one of our TV channels. A global competition, maybe you have such a program. At that time, I really liked the performance of a Mongolian participant who played his native instrument. That's how I fell in love with Mongolian music. Exploring his work, I "discovered" the sound of the dombra. When I first heard it, I was so amazed that I asked myself questions: "Where did this music come from?", "What kind of music is this?" I listened to it again and again. I really liked the sound of the dombra. I still like Mongolian music, but Kazakh music is much more melodic, rhythmic and soulful. The beautiful music "pouring" from the dombra, its power to excite the whole being of a person and transfer it to a different state did not leave me indifferent. That's how I became a fan of songs performed on the dombra. Then, in 2020, when the pandemic swept the world, I started searching for Kazakh music on YouTube.

At that time, I got acquainted with the work of Kazakh bands such as Ulytau, KhasSak, Turan. I wrote to them and we exchanged ideas. The dombra player from Ulytau gave me all his advice and helped me a lot. In addition, I learned a lot about other great dombra players. Then I met a specialist in Almaty who teaches dombra online and took several lessons from him, as did people from 20 countries around the world who wanted to learn. During these lessons, I thoroughly mastered the basics of playing the dombra. Then I decided to continue learning on my own.Because I didn’t want to grow with the band, but wanted to make my own way and create my own identity. I didn’t want to be like anyone else. Since I am familiar with different styles, I decided to create something new with the dombra. Many people in Kazakhstan who liked the “structure” of the hit “Kazakhstan” contacted me and asked: “How did you do that?”. I am a musician who grew up imitating the Western guitar culture. I have a style that makes the dombra sound unique. Of course, learning to play the dombra was not an easy challenge for me. Because I had never played such an instrument before. So, 3 years ago, I bought my first dombra. I played every day and trained my hand. There were even moments when I clicked the strings for a long time without stopping.

– Did you know from social media that the song “Kazakhstan” is very popular in Kazakhstan?

– Yes, compared to other melodies I have composed in this life, this was the most popular piece. I was surprised to see how widely it was used on Instagram. Because I never even thought that this would happen. Later, a boy from Kazakhstan called me and said that he liked my work. “Where did you hear this?” I asked. “In Kazakhstan, everyone listens to this song.” "They especially often voice their Instagram posts with this piece," he replied. Then he said that it is often used in football, wrestling, tennis competitions, and even in the Miss World Kazakhstan contest. At first, I didn’t believe him and thought he was joking. Then I checked social media, and indeed, it was being played at various events. I was very surprised.

– You came to Almaty a month ago. And a few days ago, your work “Almaty” was released...

– Yes, I went to Almaty and came back. In general, I wanted to see Kazakhstan with my own eyes. I thought that if people like my music and listen to it regularly, then I should go to the country where my audience lives and see what kind of country it is. I wanted to get to know the culture better. Since I had never been to Kazakhstan before, I thought three days would be enough. Everything turned out to be more interesting than I thought. I liked Almaty. I was especially drawn to people full of kindness. Naturally, I made a lot of friends. I visited some of the city’s sights. I played the dombra on the street several times.At that moment, many passers-by were amazed, filming it and expressing their gratitude. Music brings people together. When I played the dombra, I had the feeling that we all spoke the same language. I had a wonderful time. I could have stayed there longer than three days. I especially wanted to see the World Nomad Games in Astana. However, I had to perform at several shows and festivals in Australia. So I had to go back home.

- I noticed in your photos on social networks that you often wear a T-shirt with the flag of Kazakhstan.

- I bought this T-shirt in a store in Koktobe. On the front side is the flag of Kazakhstan, and on the back is the inscription “I’m big in Kazakhstan”. Now I wear this T-shirt all the time in Australia. Most people who see it will think I’m crazy (laughs). And my friends joke about me, calling me “the king of Kazakhstan”. Because they know my love for Kazakh music. And it’s not for nothing that I go around introducing Kazakhstan to Australians. There are a few Kazakhs living in Australia. However, most of them here, being Kazakhs, don’t know anything about Kazakhstan. So I feel like an ambassador of Kazakhstan in Australia. I play a lot of Kazakh music here at concerts and on the streets. I always wear traditional Kazakh clothes that I bought in Almaty when there are festivals there. I really feel like an unofficial ambassador of Kazakhstan in Australia (laughs). I already said above that I will make a video for each song. This time I made a video about my trip to Almaty. I wanted to show you the beauty of Almaty, so I asked for some drone footage.People in Australia who saw this place were amazed: “What a beautiful place!” Many called and said: “Kazakhstan is a wonderful country! We will follow you.” So the number of people wanting to go with me next year increased. I think after this I should work as a travel agent (laughs). At first, many asked: “Why do you want to go to Kazakhstan?” Indeed, Kazakhstan is not a place where Australians go on holiday. At that time, I did not quite understand why I was going there. But as soon as I finally set foot on this land, this place became a place for me to return to again and again. And those who previously asked the question “Why?” now began to say: “Now everything is clear.” When I advise them to go to Kazakhstan, I try to tell them everything I know myself.

– Did you know anything about Kazakhstan before you heard the dombra?

– The first time I heard about Kazakhstan was from the movie Borat. I had never heard of this country before. I didn’t even like the movie. Later, when I became interested in the dombra and searched for more information about Kazakhstan on the Internet, I realized that the movie was a lie. The sad thing is that many people, like me, learned about this country from this movie. When I introduce the dombra in Australia and say, “This song is a work by musicians from Kazakhstan,” some people ask, “Is this the country that Borat described?” I always correct them by saying, “Borat is not Kazakh, he is a foreigner, and the movie was not filmed in Kazakhstan, don’t believe me.” I will not hesitate to do everything I can to change the situation. For me, it is a matter of honor. I am currently recording an album. I included my last year’s hit “Kazakhstan” and the recently published work “Almaty.” I am currently writing the third one. It will be released in a few months. I am going to release a whole album about Kazakhstan. I decided to dedicate 10 unique works to 10 cities of Kazakhstan. That is why I am determined to return to these cities. Then I will shoot a video about my trip and add it to the album. I am sure that this will be an unprecedented project. By the way, in Almaty I met a kobyz player named Layla. We came up with the idea of ​​​​collaborating and creating a joint product. In addition, I invited several Kazakh musicians to collaborate. Let's see how everything goes in the future. "If everything goes well, I will invite you to Australia," I said to Layla.“Come to festivals and shows with me and show us your art.” And next summer, when I go to Kazakhstan, it would be great if we could organize a joint concert.

– In one of your recent comments, you said: “I bought a dombra.” Did you order it from Australia?

- Yes. I bought my first dombra online on eBay. It was a cheap and low-quality instrument. This is one of the reasons why I went to Almaty. I came across the work of several professionals on social media who make high-quality dombras. They offered to send it with delivery, but I wanted to go and buy it myself. I needed a quality instrument that would sound good, because I do not part with it. In general, I do not like to buy musical instruments online. I need to see it with my own eyes and touch it with my own hands. It is also important for me to hear the sound. So, I went to a dombra store in Almaty and bought a quality one. I am very happy that I bought an instrument that exceeded my expectations.

– How many pieces do you play on the dombra in your repertoire?

– I can play the piece “Kok Tu”. I am currently learning the kui “Adai”, which evokes strong emotions in those who hear it. I also really like the song “Two Warriors” by the group “Ulytau”. I want to learn it too. In addition, I am learning several pieces from the HasSak repertoire. In addition, I can play the piece “Dombra” performed by “Turan”. I really liked the version they launched throughout the country. I am also looking for my own style. Writing music is my passion. I have been performing on stage since I was a teenager. However, what I like most is writing music. This art has power. With one instrument, you create not just a piece of art, but a whole world that unites people. Not every musician or dombra player can be a composer. Composing music is a high art in itself. If you believe that your work will leave an unforgettable impression on the audience, you will want to do even more. Next year I will visit several cities in Kazakhstan. I want to do a show. I need to finish my album before that. My work about Almaty has been released. Now I am preparing a composition dedicated to Astana. When I asked my American friend living there about this city, he emphasized that Astana is a new, modern city. I am trying to create a work that combines traditional music with hip-hop and heavy metal styles.

I am interested not only in Kazakh music, but also in Kazakh culture. I am especially interested in nomadic culture, including hunting with eagles. After completing my research on the dombra, I read a lot and learned a lot about the history of the country. That was the most interesting thing. Today, you don’t know much about Australia. Because we don’t really have such a rich culture as you do. You do have a rich culture. Our culture is not that interesting. Two hundred years ago, several groups gathered and decided to settle here. The history here is not as interesting and exciting as the history of Kazakhstan. The history of Kazakhstan is much more interesting. And there are many things that you can say “ah” about. I also really like your delicious national dishes. Seeing all this, being curious – it’s interesting for Australians. So I’m sure that next year the number of people traveling to Kazakhstan from our mainland will increase.

– Thank you for your interview! Good luck!

 

Interview

Aliya Tleuzhankyzy

turkystan.kz

translated by Qazalem