Mark Sinnis
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Mark Sinnis | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Mark Anthony Siniscalchi |
| Born | August 25, 1963 Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Origin | New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer-songwriter, producer, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Associated acts | Apostates, Ninth House, Mark Sinnis & 825 |
| Website | https://www.marksinnis.com |
Mark Sinnis (born Mark Anthony Siniscalchi; August 25, 1963) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, known for his unique blend of gothic Americana, alternative country, and roots rock—a style he calls “Cemetery & Western.” He co-founded the bands Apostates and Ninth House, and has released several solo albums. Sinnis legally changed his name in the early 2000s.[1]
Early life and military service
Mark Anthony Siniscalchi was born on August 25, 1963, in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York.[1] In 1983, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until 1987.[1] Following his military service, he began his music career.
Music career
Apostates (1988–1998)
In 1988, Sinnis co-founded the post-punk band Apostates with his brother Frank Siniscalchi (aka Francis Xavier). Originating on Long Island, the band performed extensively there and became part of the New York City punk scene. In 1991, Apostates shifted their style to a darker, gothic sound and became active in New York City’s gothic music scene. Sinnis was the lead vocalist and bassist throughout the band's tenure.[1]
Ninth House (1998–present)
In 1998, Sinnis rebranded Apostates as Ninth House. The band combined gothic rock with Americana and country influences, pioneering the "Cemetery & Western" sound. While Ninth House has not officially disbanded, it has been inactive as Sinnis has focused on his solo career.[1]
Solo career and Mark Sinnis & 825 (2001–present)
Starting in 2001, Sinnis launched a solo career emphasizing acoustic and gothic Americana music. His full band configuration, Mark Sinnis & 825, also formed that year. Sinnis continues to perform and record under this banner.
Between 2019 and 2023, Sinnis recorded three volumes of his Sun Studio Sessions (I, II, and III) with his band 825 at the historic Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2021, he also recorded a solo session there, marking a significant moment in his career at the studio famously associated with artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.[1]
His solo albums include:
- Into an Unhidden Future (2008)
- A Southern Tale (2009)
- The Night’s Last Tomorrow (2010)
- The Undertaker in My Rearview Mirror (2011)
- It’s Been a Long Cold Hard Lonely Winter (2014)
- One Red Rose Among the Dying Leaves (2016)
- Sun Studio Sessions I (2019)
- Sun Studio Solo Session (2021)
- Sun Studio Sessions II (2021)
- Sun Studio Sessions III (2023)
New York City scene
In 1993, Sinnis established permanent residence in New York City. Over the years, he performed at legendary NYC venues including The Limelight, CBGB, Brownies, Downtown Beirut, The Pyramid, The World, Webster Hall, The Continental, The Bank, and many others.[1]
Style and influences
Sinnis’s music fuses traditional country, gospel, and Appalachian folk with gothic tones. His baritone voice and narrative songwriting explore themes of mortality, heartbreak, and spiritual longing. His instrumentation frequently includes lap steel guitar, violin, banjo, and accordion. Comparisons have been drawn to Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, and Roy Orbison.[1]
Other ventures and personal life
In 2012, Sinnis opened the Beale Street Barber Shop in Peekskill, New York. A visionary in both music and business, he incorporated a fully functional live music stage inside the shop to showcase original music performances—an extremely rare concept in the barbershop industry. In 2016, Sinnis moved the barbershop to Wilmington, North Carolina, where it continues to operate as both a working barbershop and a small, intimate music venue.[1]
In 2022, Sinnis published a coffee-table book chronicling his career, including photographs, handwritten lyrics, show flyers, and reflections on his journey from the New York underground music scene to his current life in North Carolina.[1]
Discography
With Apostates
- Various albums and singles (1988–1998)[1]
With Ninth House
- Swim in the Silence (2000)
- The Eye That Refuses to Blink (2005)
- Realize and It’s Gone (2007)
- 11 Cemetery & Western Classics (2010)
Solo
- Into an Unhidden Future (2008)
- A Southern Tale (2009)
- The Night’s Last Tomorrow (2010)
- The Undertaker in My Rearview Mirror (2011)
- It’s Been a Long Cold Hard Lonely Winter (2014)
- One Red Rose Among the Dying Leaves (2016)
- Sun Studio Sessions I (2019, with 825)
- Sun Studio Solo Session (2021)
- Sun Studio Sessions II (2021, with 825)
- Sun Studio Sessions III (2023, with 825)
External links
References
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