Mak Attack!

The British wave of music has once again crossed the Atlantic -- this time, fortunately, lacking platform heels. Instead, America's introduced to three instrumental, melodic songsters with more to offer than a cheesy pop-dominated tune. "We have a lot of different influences," says 24 year-old Christian Burns. "It's a good blend; a very versatile album." Versatile doesn't even begin to explain BBMak's sound. Two guitars take centerstage, and throughout the taping of their first concert special, (set to air on the Disney Channel April 29thth), a pennywhistle accompanies a soulful ballad in the midst of a warm, spring evening.

    If it's not a catchy lyric that captures the audience's concentration, their stage presence is enough for the trio, whose first single "Back Here" has gotten more airplay than most overseas imports. "'Back Here' was a fictional song that we wrote," explains Ste McNally, 22. "It's about a girl that departs, leaving the guy heartbroken. It's a different kind of love than some of our other tracks."
But, don't just label them an overnight phenomenon. "People think we just came out of nowhere, but we've been working really hard for like four years," says Christian. Not your average garage band, the guys met up while lending their expertise in other groups. "We met in 1996 in England. We were doing circuits in the Northwest and just kind of bumped into each other," reminisces Mark Barry, 21. "Over a period of six months of knowing each other, we decided to pack our other bands in and take it more seriously."

    Here, GiRLy ThiNG magazine gives you an in-depth insight into these British sensations, BBMak!

getting personal

If I had no fear, the first thing I would do is...Jumping seemed to be the theme of the trio's answers. "I would jump out of a plane," says Ste. "I would jump on the back of a snake," laughs Mark. Christian responds, "I think I'd bungee jump!"

The cartoon character I adore is...Both Ste and Mark decided on Mickey Mouse, which could be credited to their American television debut. "Disney is amazing," exclaims Mark. "This was my first time here!" Christian has seen the famous Mouse live before: "I came to Disney about eight years ago. It's grown a lot since then."

If the group's name wasn't BBMak, I'd name it..."MakBB," jokes Mark. Also named one of the group's comedians, Christian adds, "The Window Cleaners." Think we like it's original title!

The one thing I do that annoys my groupmates is..."When I play my guitar too loud," confides Ste, who admits that he can't leave home without it. "When I take too long in the shower," explains Mark. Christian often irritates his bandmates with his motor mouth: "I talk too much!"

The most romantic thing I have ever done for a girl was...Ste creatively surprised a girl with this tactic: "I bought a box of chocolates, opened it from the bottom, and put a ring in the bottom. I resealed the bottom and gave it to her. By the time she got to the bottom of the box, she had found the ring." Christian took a less expensive route when he serenaded a girl. Romeo must be envious!

The most annoying question I could be asked is..."Are you from Australia?" Ste, the England born-and-raised replies. "A lot of Americans have asked me that because of my accent." Laughing, Mark responds, "What's your favorite color carpet? We got that question once when we were in Asia, and it was totally irrelevant!" Hey -- we've always preferred tile, anyway!

People tell me I look like..."The lead singer of Stereophonics," answers Mark. Ste is compared to the King...of Rock & Roll, that is: "I'd say Elvis!" Christian's answer is not loca: "I've often been told Ricky Martin." We had to agree -- a little more hip action, and he could pass for Ricky's British brother!

comparison shopping

Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera? Ste and Christian are "Crazy" for Britney. Which would be fitting, since the guys will be touring with her come early summer. As for Mark? He'd turn to Christina Aguilera as one of his CD choices: "I tend to like soul, like Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, and Christina Aguilera."

Cat or Dog Person? Cat or Dog Person? They were right when they said that a dog is a man's best friend. All three of the BBMak boys steadily admitted that they'd prefer a bark over a meow.

New York or Florida? Even though Florida seems to breed off the main- stream musicians, the guys are more partial to the Big Apple. Much so, in fact, that it became the site of their American debut video, "Back Here." 

In the Studio or Live Performance? Ste preferred live performance: "The best part is that it all pays off when you go on stage and when you're playing a live show." Mark couldn't choose, finally deciding on both. Christian, on the other hand, took a more humorous path: "Live in the studio," he remarks.

Slow or Fast Dancing? Ste and Christian both choose fast. But, don't count on them incorporating choreography into their live shows: "We don't dance," Christian says as the others laugh in agreeance.

Boyzone or 5ive? No matter what you tell the trio, they're going to pick their fellow British musicians, 5ive, over Irish boy band Boyzone. Speaking of friendly groups, a Westlife member has been known to karaoke to, you guessed it -- "Back Here."

Small or Large Audiences? Mark quickly answers, "Large -- we actually find that playing for large crowds is easier." Christian grants that as the truth: "We get nervous when we play in front of small crowds!"

who...

Has had the most girlfriends? The votes were unanimously given for Christian. We guess that serenade had an effect! As far as his type of girl goes, Christian describes her as "Someone who doesn't take life too seriously and can have a laugh. Well, just anyone who likes me!"

Is the television junkie? It's an understatement that the guys are always busy. "We don't get to really watch the television that much," confirms Ste. Mark agrees, "We prefer movies over the television." Christian adds, "Or, we listen to music."

Sleeps with a stuffed animal? Although Ste claimed none, Mark spilled the truth that Christian cuddles up to a fluffy companion. Later, Christian blushes as he admits, "Yeah -- I have a giraffe!"

Carries on long conversations? Not only does he talk too much, but he is also said by his fellow group members to be the one that keeps the conversation going. Both Mark and Ste answered, "Definitely Christian!"

Spends the most time in front of the mirror? Both Ste and Christian admit the reflection in the mirror is more than half of the time Mark's face. Of course, Mark says otherwise to this synopsis. "I'd have to choose Christian."

Is the most homesick? All the guys answer that they often find themselves missing the company of their closest companions. "During our free time in England, we like to visit our family and friends, since we're away all the time," shares Ste. In fact, "Still on Your Side" is dedicated to their number one fans, (their families, of course!).

Makes everything a comedy hour? Christian was chosen hands-down. We'd have to agree when he responded this way to a question concerning the group's exclusive fact: "We're actually aliens! Well, I'm an android and these two are aliens. Oh, you want the truth?" 

    You can knock BBMak's debut American CD off the shelves of other boy bands. "When we are touring, like in Asia, people will come up to us and say 'Oh, you're a boy band,' because we're three guys in a band," shares Ste of the common misconception. He continues, "But, when you see our live show, we all play instruments and write our own songs -- we all sing live." They don't take it for granted, either. "At the end of the day, we're seeing the world touring...we're going to all these different places," says Mark, eyes wide with appreciation.
Was the stage and endless touring always a dream growing up? Not for Christian: "I wanted to be a chef! But, then I found out what hours they work. So, I decided against becoming one! And now, I'm working worse hours than a chef does!" But, for Ste and Mark, performing has always caused a glint of approval in their eyes. "It's always been a dream of mine. When I was a kid, I was into Jackson 5...I was always in the house singing along," answers Mark. Ste adds, "I've always wanted to play the guitar, and now I'm doing it!"
    Guaranteed this British success story has substance. "We want to be happy. We want to make people happy," explains Christian. "We just want to enjoy what we do, work really hard, and be successful." Looks like they've already accomplished the latter.