Interview: Marina Prior And Mark Vincent of TOGETHER

She is a legend of Australian stage, earning a global reputation for her epic vocal performances. He won the nation's hearts at fifteen as the winner of Australia's Got Talent. Now these charismatic classical singers are coming 'Together'. It was an honour to share a chat, a chuckle, and even some heartfelt memories with Marina Prior and Mark Vincent to discuss their new release!

Congratulations on the album! So how do you feel now that it's out there?

MP: We're pretty excited, it's debuted in the top 10 of the pop charts and #1 on the classical crossover. I think Mark's used to it but I'm really excited!

MV: I just keep it in! No I'm really excited. For the classical world to be Top 10 in pop national charts is incredible. Marina and I are so flattered and honoured that we've had the support behind us from our fans and followers who love the album, it's awesome!

Do you feel it's a trend for classical to be less popular?

MP: I think just generally, particularly the national ARIA chart is dominated by pop and rock artists, that's always been the nature of things, particularly in Australia. If you can break through into that particular chart, it's always really gratifying that you can see support for different genres. It shows Australia is diverse and grown up in its musical taste.

So how did the idea for 'Together' come about?

MV: I actually met Marina this time last year when we did two Mother's Day concerts together, and funnily enough this whole album was chosen by the general public!

MP: Everybody that was coming up after the show kept asking the same question-

MV: "Are you and Marina going to do an album together?"

MP: So we thought "we should" and "why not?" so it grew out of that as a really natural thing. Our voices work so well together, I think we have the same musical sensibility.

And you started out with something like 50 songs?

MV: A lot of songs!

MP: I guess that means we might have to do another one! But the twelve we got it down to are real classics, a lot that people know but also some we really had to do! We also did some fantastic sixties pop songs!

Did you record 'Together' together?

MP: We did! There was a day we recorded live with the orchestra, but I've been doing Sound of Music so I've been often in a different city to Mark. I actually finished my recording in Brisbane while I was performing and Mark finished his in Sydney.

MV: I think that's amazing, because having to switch characters is not an easy thing to do. I thought it would take a lot more time for Marina but she got into the studio and did one after the other, which was incredible. Chong Lim the producer thought it was remarkable!

Representing different paths into the music industry as you do, what do you both feel about how talent is unearthed today?

MV: Is the music industry a tough industry? Absolutely. But when you want to be great at something, you have to put in a lot of hard work and dedication to know everything about it. For artists who want to get into music, I encourage it. If the world didn't have music, what would life be? For myself and Marina, music is our life. I'll be walking around with Marina and she's singing without even knowing! But it's exciting because we do what we love.

MP: It's a really interesting question, but I think the talent shows that unearth all this new talent are wonderful! When I started there weren't shows of that sort, that wasn't a viable way to start your career. Sure a lot of careers get launched but it takes a lot more than innate talent to have the longevity. It takes character and intelligent choices, and perseverance. I love that we have these tv shows that give young talent a go. After that, it's up to them!

Many of the songs will bring back memories for listeners, as 'Time to Say Goodbye' did for me. What memories does the song stir for you?

MP: That song is profoundly moving and cathartic, but the hardest for me. I remember singing an outdoor orchestral concert, my mum had passed away less than two days before and I had to finish the concert with that song. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. There's still a touch of it that bruises me, as much as I love that song, it costs me every time.

MV: That song was actually the very first song I learned when I was 10, I heard it working in my grandfather's restaurant. It came on every day, I had a connection to it, and after hearing it so many times, one day I just sung it out of the blue. It reminds me of my grandfather 100%; he sat there and listened, and after I'd finished he said "look I don't know much about music but I know there's a gift there that people need to hear".

Wow.

MV: Every time I sing that song, it's something I'll never forget. It's a song I've done, my goodness, at every concert I've ever done, because people request it all the time. You've heard our stories, that's why the emotion comes through so much, because of this history behind it.

MP: Apart from the fact it's got the most beautiful melody - like ever! - everyone can relate to Time to Say Goodbye, it's a universal thing.

Such powerful stories! Well so as not to end on such a low note, tell me which of the numbers you're most excited to perform live when you take the album on tour later this year

MP: I love all of the songs, but the one I reckon will be really fun will be Quizas, Quizas Quizas (the Italian Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps). It's sassy, it's like a samba. I really love that one, it's a fun song to sing

MV: We might have to do a dance routine!

MP: I think we do!

MV: Except that I'm not very good at dancing!

.

(Don't worry Mark, you've got a few months to practice yet!)

Together is available at all good music retailers and for digital download. Tickets to their tour can be found on their website marinaandmark.com.au.