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Interview with
MAK & SHAR

(3rd November 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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How did the band come together? Where did it all begin?
We officially launched in 2022, but as brothers we have been around music our whole lives, always singing, playing instruments, and writing together. Growing up in rural Mudgee, we were surrounded by real stories and genuine people, and that’s what drew us to country music. Over time it just snowballed into what became Mak & Shar. Now we have developed our own sound and we are ready to share it with the world.

Briefly describe your journey to date. How would you describe your sound, and why do you think fans resonate with your music? Which artists inspire you?
We are an Australian country pop duo inspired by artists like Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, Keith Urban, and Luke Combs. Our goal has always been to tell honest, relatable stories through a fun and modern country sound. Fans often say they connect with the real-life experiences we write about, from love and heartbreak to small-town life. With over 15 years of performing experience across Australia, we have stayed true to our roots and to the storytelling that makes country music so special.

Your debut album ‘New Problems’ is out now! What’s it all about? How did it come together?
We are so excited to finally release our debut album New Problems on October 31st. It is a completely original project written, produced, and mastered by us. Every instrument, every vocal, every detail came straight from our hands and hearts. The album represents years of growth and experimentation as we worked to hone our sound and push ourselves creatively. At its core, New Problems is about facing life’s chaos with honesty and humour, and learning to move forward.

What are the signature tracks on the album, and which are your favourites to play live?
The title track New Problems might be our favourite. It is about how after something ends, a relationship or a chapter, you suddenly fill your mind with a hundred smaller distractions. We actually wrote it on a car ride from Mudgee to Port Macquarie and had it finished by the time we arrived.
Another standout is Simple Things, which we co-wrote with Robbie Mortimer. It is all about slowing down and appreciating the little moments we often overlook. That one has become a real crowd favourite live. It is soulful, uplifting, and feels like sunshine.

What tours and events are coming up? What can fans look forward to?
We are planning a national Australian tour kicking off in April 2026. There are plenty of festivals and shows on the horizon, and we can’t wait to get back on the road, meet new faces, and play these songs live. It is shaping up to be an amazing year.

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If you could perform with any artist, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Shar: Definitely Luke Combs. His voice and storytelling are just next level. I would love to sit down with him and talk about his writing process and how he builds emotion into every line.
Mak: I’d definitely love to work with Dan + Shay. My Spotify is just full of their songs and I love their writing and musical style. I take a heap of inspiration from their production as well!

What are your long-term aspirations as artists?
Our long-term dream is to take our music worldwide. We want people everywhere to connect with our songs and find happiness in them. For us, music is all about sharing and giving people something that makes them feel understood or just a little lighter.

What advice would you give to artists just starting out?
Never run from the grind. The easy road might look tempting, but real satisfaction comes from hard work and persistence. When people doubt you, prove them wrong by succeeding on your own terms.

What’s the best thing about performing live? And what’s been your career highlight so far?
Nothing beats hearing the crowd sing your own lyrics back at you. That is when you realise your song has become part of someone else’s story. Seeing fans post about our music or sing it at shows is the best feeling in the world and definitely one of our biggest highlights so far.

Just for Fun
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Shar: When I was five, I honestly believed if I glued feathers to my arms I could fly. I climbed onto the roof and told Mum I was about to take off. She called the fire brigade and the whole family nearly had a heart attack. Thankfully, I didn’t actually jump. 
Mak: When I was younger, Shar toured Australia with Hugh Jackman in the Boy From Oz. I remember when I was backstage Hugh was in his dressing room eating a banana. Being the person I am I wanted to have some of the banana so I asked him for it. I had never met the guy, and I asked him for half his banana. And he gave it to me. I ate half of Hugh Jackman’s banana. (It looks even worse writing it down).

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What’s a topic you could talk about for hours?
Shar: Definitely sport. I follow almost everything, cricket, basketball, F1, you name it. I can go on for hours debating umpiring calls, best players, or which F1 track is the most iconic.
Mak: I love audio and sound engineering. I can talk about anything to do with AV for HOURS! I often get stuck in the sound booth talking to the operators before shows for ages and I love it.

What do you like most about yourself?
Shar: Probably my ability to stay calm. I do not stress much, which helps in this industry, though Mak might disagree since sometimes I am too relaxed and forget important things.

Quickfire Favourites (Shar then Mak)
Album: Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers & Good Things by Dan and Shay
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dan & Shay
Movie: Inception and The Lord Of Rings Trilogy
Place to Visit: Japan, the food is unbelievable and The Goldcoast
Venue to Play: Den Devine in Broadbeach, it is intimate, full of energy, and the cocktails are top tier and The Toyota Park Stage Tamworth
Food: Ramen and BURGERS
Drink: Coffee, I cannot go more than four hours without one
Person in History: Ozzy Osbourne, he lived life completely on his own terms
Tattoo: I do not have one yet, but I would get the Kanji for strength 力

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SHOW DATES:

6th December – Mortimer Wines – Orange, NSW
31st December – Lowe Wine Co – Mudgee, NSW

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Follow MAK & SHAR
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Press Release 31st October March 2025 (below) HERE

MAK & SHAR
release debut album
‘NEW PROBLEMS’

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AMNPLIFY – DB