Deep Dive
What inspired Mark Knopfler to start writing songs?
Mark Knopfler was inspired to start writing songs by his early experiences as a journalist, where he captured the stories of the people he met, such as old-timers playing swing in pubs and delivery men. He also listened intently to music from a young age, which influenced his songwriting style.
How did Mark Knopfler's left-handed playing style influence his guitar technique?
Mark Knopfler's left-handed playing style, adapted to a right-handed guitar, gave him more flexibility in his left hand, allowing him to do vibrato on two or three strings at a time. His stronger hand forming the notes also contributed to his unique finger-picking style.
Why did Mark Knopfler choose journalism as his first career?
Mark Knopfler chose journalism as his first career because it offered a different kind of job with a bit of excitement. It also helped him grow up and get organized, and the characters he met as a journalist influenced his songwriting.
What was the inspiration behind the song 'Sultans of Swing'?
The song 'Sultans of Swing' was inspired by a grubby midweek night in a pub in Greenwich where a group of men playing Dixieland jazz referred to themselves as the 'Sultans of the Swing.' The contrast between their unglamorous appearance and their grandiose title provided the bones for the song.
Why did Mark Knopfler decide to call time on Dire Straits in 1995?
Mark Knopfler decided to call time on Dire Straits in 1995 because the band had become too big and exhausting. The tours and performances had reached a massive scale, and he missed the intimacy and family-like atmosphere of smaller gigs.
What is Mark Knopfler's favorite aspect of being a musician?
Mark Knopfler's favorite aspects of being a musician are writing, recording, and performing. He enjoys the entire cycle of creating music and finds that each part of the process is rewarding in its own way.
What is the significance of the British Grove studio to Mark Knopfler?
British Grove studio is significant to Mark Knopfler because it allows him to create music in a way that he couldn't in other studios. It combines the best of old and new technology, and it is a destination for other musicians, fostering a creative and collaborative environment.
Why did Mark Knopfler choose 'Duquesne Whistle' by Bob Dylan as one of his Desert Island Discs?
Mark Knopfler chose 'Duquesne Whistle' by Bob Dylan because he has been a Bob Dylan fan all his life, and the song is a beautiful piece of American life that is totally original and inspiring.
What book did Mark Knopfler choose to take to his desert island?
Mark Knopfler chose 'The Blue Flower' by Penelope Fitzgerald, a slim volume set in 18th-century Germany during the romantic period, which transports the reader into a different world.
What luxury item did Mark Knopfler choose to take to his desert island?
Mark Knopfler chose to take one of his favorite guitars as his luxury item to the desert island.
- Left-handed guitarist playing a right-handed guitar
- Dire Straits' unique sound stood apart from the new wave pop and punk of the late 70s and early 80s
- Dire Straits' success in Europe before England
- Sultans of Swing's inspiration from a pub in Deptford
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