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I was born in the Bronx, NY and lived in a few small towns within an hour or so of the city. I started playing drums in 5th grade and spent several years banging out rudiments in the hills of Hopatcong NJ. I knew I wasn’t ready for college and enlisted in the USAF. I went to school for nearly a year (Dirt Rat 304x4) and played all over the Gulf Coast with the Keelser Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp. After tech school, I was stationed in Wichita, KS for three years working on comm gear in Titan II Missile silos. During this time I played in my first real band - “Chaser”. After four great years, I loaded my drums into my ’68 Chevy van and headed east with a pockdtful of GI Bill college money. I studied Electrical Engineering Technology at UNC-Charlotte and met the love of my life halfway through the process. We got married and moved to Raleigh, NC, where I unwittingly stepped onto the high-tech treadmill and have been running ever since. We are proud parents of two fantastic kids that are resourceful, creative, and fun to be around. I honestly never thought I would play in a band again, but one thing led to another and in August of 2006, I auditioned with Killer Filler. For a drummer to get to play rocking surf, soul, funk, lounge, and twang in the same set was a rare opportunity... especially with such a fun bunch of talented players. In June of 2009, I learned that the Straight 8s might be in need of a drummer. I have always loved rock-a-billy music, and I was already a fan of the Straight 8s. Again, one thing lead to another and 7 months later I find myself wrting a cheezy bio-type thing that no one will ever read (or certainly not get this far).

Mark Murphy - Drums, Howls

Q&A with Murph

List of Bands You've Played With In the Past/Present: I was the drummer for the surf/soul instrumental band, Killer Filler from mid-2006 through mid-2010. Favorite Record: My musical tastes are all over the map... no way I could list a single “favorite”. Here’s a short list of records that I have enjoyed listening to for many years (and STILL get goosebumps when I hear them): The Specials (self-titled 1979), The Ramones “Rocket to Russia” (1977), Cracker (self-titled, 1992), The Beastie Boys “Paul’s Boutique” (1989), The Clash “London Calling” (1980). Frank Zappa “Zappa In New York” (1978). Favorite Bands / Musical Influences: My friends over the years have been my largest musical influence. Thanks to them, I have heard a ton of artists and styles I would have otherwise never heard. Living in the NC for 25+ years, I’ve also had the benefit of great college radio from WDAV (Davidson), WNCW (Asheville), WKNC (Raleigh), and WXYC (Chapel Hill). My drumming influences tend to come from two sources. 1) Drummers who are just so freakin’ good you have to take notice... doubly so if they are pioneers of a technique or style... triple bonus pay-attention points if they have chops and are able to use them without sacrificing groove. 2) Drummers who play a style of music I particularly enjoy and/or I am having to learn that style for a gig. Favorite Quote: “I’m not running from my problems, I’m running towards solutions”http://www.killerfillermusic.comshapeimage_6_link_0

Other Interests

’51 Shoebox at Heavy Rebel Weekender 2009
I dig tiki mugs... this one is “Tiki San” by the Japanese artist Mr. G
Killer Filler opening for Los Straitjackets 12/2/09

Murph

’53 Chevy 1/2 ton at HRW, 2005

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