Artist Bio


While everyone is raving about Gotthard and Krokus, there is another great band from Switzerland that seems to be slipping under the hard rock radar here in the UK - Crystal Ball. I hopped over to Munich to see the band in 2000, supporting Pretty Maids, and they put on an awesome live show. At the time they were promoting 'Hard Impact' which I personally feel is still their best release. Changing record companies several times over the past years has not really helped the band build up a solid base from which to exploit their considerable talents, but frontman Mark Sweeney recently hooked up with ex Jaded Heart vocalist Michael Bormann to make his first solo album, 'Slow Food'. For me, the result was not the 'Crystal Ball meets Jaded Heart' rock-fest I expected, but a more introspective and thoughtful album, with more than a hint of commercial Bon Jovi meets Def Leppard in places - no bad thing! Bruce Mee hooked up with Mark to get the background ...

1. How did you and Michael Bormann first get together for this solo project?
I guess it was already back in autumn 2005. I knew Michael from other projects already, first of all I arranged some recordings for bands from Switzerland in his RMB studios in Duisburg (Germany). Michael and my band Crystal Ball had some gigs in several festivals and clubs. I knew that he is a fantastic singer, songwriter and musician. But he is also a very, very good producer and I call him "Mr. Music" in every case.

2. Michael Bormann has been very involved in this project. You guys co-wrote 9 songs, and Michael wrote 4 songs by himself. As a 'Mark Sweeney' solo album, did you not feel a requirement to bring some of your own songs to the table, or was the writing with Michael a requirement for the project?
Well, actually I had a bunch of own songs and ideas but Michael arranged my songs and he had also great ideas, so we decided to all split up 50/50. And his own songs which he wrote for me were so fantastic, that I had to put them on my solo album! Micheal is a mastermind!

3. I also see Michael played all the drums and bass, as well as a lot of lead guitar and keyboards. Was a lot of this done on computer, or is Michael really such a talented all-round musician?
He definitely is a talent and he played almost all on this record. I had some other great guest musicians who played on it but the biggest part was Mr. Music himself. I guess, that in just 2 or 3 songs the bass is programmed, the rest is handmade by Michael.

4. The style of the album is very different from your work with Crystal Ball. What was your aim when you started out with this solo album?
My goal was, to show that I have a another side in me! Imagine, since over 10 years I screamed the highest metal notes out of me and the goal was always: faster - longer - higher! But I like also the quiter songs and first of all: it was a challange to sing like I sing now on 'Slow Food'! Michael really was a very good vocal coach and I learned alot from him! My awarness was, that it ain't necessary to scream the highest notes to transmit that you are a good singer! Feeling is the magic word!

5. So what style of music do you prefer - or is it a case of different styles for different moods?
First of all it is that, what I do with Crystal Ball means: power, melody and alot of dirt, haha. But you're right, sometimes I need different styles, depending my moods.

6. Can you explain to us the album title and artwork concept?
I guess 'Slow Food' says all: I feed you with some slower stuff, LOL. In a world that hectic, we need some slower moments! Take time, sit or lay down, enjoy the music, listen to the words and eat a good meal. Most suitably a lobster, haha!! No, seriously. I find that the lobster on the cover was a good choice in different aspects: it IS slow food; he looks a bit "menacing" and I guess, it's an eyecatcher.

7. Do you and Michael intend doing any live shows to promote the album?
No, not really. It's already hard to play with Crystal Ball live and nobody would be interest to see Mark Sweeney solo. Except, I would have a very good readio promo or a hit! I like my album, but I don't think that this will change my life. It's my "different" baby and that's it!

8. Have you and Michael discussed working together on a more hard rock orientated album? (It would be interesting to see what a mix of Jaded Heart/Crystal Ball would create!!!).
Oh yes! Crystal Ball will enter the studios in April/May to record our 6th album! And what do you think where we will do this? Yes, with Michael in Duisburg! So I guess you can hear very soon "this mix" of Jaded Heart and Crystal Ball! I really look forward for this new album an I hope you'll like it!