MULTIVERS of MARK - THE THR3 PROJ3CT

By RubySage

20 February 2026

It’s no secret that, just like you, I am sure, my love and life language, is music.  We are often asked what our favourite genre is and my answer is always the same… my favourite music genre is ‘music’. I enjoy all music.  There is music…and then there’s THE THR3 PROJ3CT.

Delivering an intoxicating dose of musical magic, this altogether marvellous trio are meticulous in the creation of their sound and their attention to the finer details apparent. One aspect that has always stood out for me is the way they read their audience and ‘takes them takes them on a journey’.  That and the way they read each other’s energy on stage.   A more focused tight knit band such as this is not always easily come by especially as these boys have set the bar high.  Speaking of high!  Let’s talk genre (again) for a second…

 THE THR3 PROJ3CT is a Progressive Rock band.  However, I am of the opinion that they are so much more, than that.  For instance, if I had to classify their genre I’d have to invent a brand new on. I’d call it Trippy Prog.  Or Progressive Trip…, especially with the visuals that run in the background throughout their set.   Mark mentioned that, some time ago, as they were coming off stage, someone raced up to him gushing enthusiasm about the fabulous, and I quote, “Meditation Metal” they played.  I must admit… it does have a nice ring to it...

 Mark Shaun Hopkins, is Ruby’s  Muso of the Moment, this week. I asked him a few questions …and a ‘quick little interview’ became the making of an hour (+)  long documentary… so buckle up buttercup, and enjoy the Trip as you meditate through this progressively KICK ASS interview!

1.     1. Q: Who are you — tell us about the man behind the art. What came first...? The paint brush or the music? When (where, who, how) did your creative journey start?

A: I live by the idea that “I am a brand equal to an artist.”
I don’t separate or compartmentalize my life — design, art, and music are integrated into everything I do.   Every time I post something, step into a room, collaborate, or speak to someone, I represent myself as an artist, as a musician, and as a designer.  A brand isn’t just a logo — it’s how you carry yourself every single day.
People often don’t understand that. But to me, you can see art in my music, music in my art, and all of it in my design. I don’t believe in pretending or wearing different masks for different audiences. I show up as one consistent creative identity.

 2.     Q: Did you always want to make music?

A:  A: Music came from my love of art.  From a very young age I used music as a way to stimulate my creativity while I was drawing and painting.  When I got older and started attending live shows, I realized very quickly it was getting expensive to go to everything I wanted to see.    So I thought - why not start making music so I can get on the bill, get in for free, and hang with the musicians? (Half joke… but also not really). 

      My parents bought me a black acoustic guitar for my birthday in my 20s, and I taught myself through YouTube and by playing with other musicians. That’s when I truly fell in love with it — and I’ve never looked back.

3.     Q: What inspired the open invitation for collaborators to add vocals/lyrics to your tracks?

  A: When Graeme and I started THE THR3 PROJ3CT, we made a clear decision that it would be a progressive instrumental project. And honestly, we’ve achieved a lot within that niche space.  But over the years - across three bands since 2006 - I’ve met incredible musicians and built strong creative relationships.  So I started asking: why not invite these people into our world?

       Keeping the project instrumental at its core doesn’t mean we can’t collaborate. Inviting others to add vocals or lyrics creates new memories, new interpretations, and new creative energy.

 On a practical level, it also allows different audiences to discover each other. It’s a creative decision - but it’s also a smart one.

4. Q: A short timeline of your musical journey.

A: I’ve worked with many bands and musicians, but focusing on the ones that reached stages, festivals, and commercial releases:

2006 – Started a grunge band called Project Blackout
2013 – After relocating, formed Riot Control
2019 – Present – Founded THE THR3 PROJ3CT

Our latest album PIRAELMN was released last year and the response has been incredible. We’ve already started writing and experimenting for the next album, and our live performance pipeline for the year is looking strong.

5.  Q: Noteworthy achievements / bragging rights

A: Across design, art, photography, and music, I’ve received multiple awards and recognitions, including:

Best Mobile App (2013)
Sappi Think Ahead Awards
Sasol New Signatures (honourable mentions)

 My work has been exhibited across South Africa, including in an upper-class gallery in Cape Town last year, and is included in permanent collections alongside artists like Diane Victor and Judith Mason.

On the music side, we’ve shared stages with international artists, including performing at events headlined by Canadian artist Jamie Fine the year her album went platinum.

6. Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: Life.   I try to live with awareness and presence, absorbing everything around me - especially human behaviour and patterns. I’m very sensitive to energy, emotion, and interaction, and that feeds directly into my work. Whether its design, development, art, photography, or music -  it all comes from lived experience. I believe every action has consequences, so I try to experience as much as possible, while choosing to hold onto what is meaningful and positive.

7. Q: First release and first exhibition?

A: I started releasing music in 2006 and haven’t stopped since.

I’ve also published a number of art and poetry books - and if I’ve ever gifted you one, you should know it means you hold a very special place in my life.  

My earliest exhibitions were school-level shows from around age 13, but my first serious exhibitions began at 19 through university, and from there it’s been continuous. I’ve honestly lost count of how many I’ve done since.

8. Q: What’s next for the band? What can we expect in the near future?

A:  A lot.
We’ve already started performing new material live at our February show and we’re deep into writing the next album.  There are also more vocal collaborations coming following the success of the PIRAELMN concept. Visually, we’ve developed a system where our live visuals are now automated and reactive to Stephan’s drumming, meaning the visual experience is no longer looped per track - it evolves with the performance in real time.

We’ve also completed our first episode of #Interviews with Sean McBride, which will be released soon as a podcast with full visual integration.

9. Q: One piece of advice for new musicians or artists.

A: I’m going to be honest - and maybe a bit harsh.
There are incredible people in this industry… and there are also very difficult ones.  Be extremely careful who you work with. Not everyone has your best interests at heart, and I’ve personally learned that the hard way.   That said - make art and music for yourself.  Make what you would listen to.  Make what you would hang in your own home.

Work with people you trust and respect, because you will spend a lot of time together.  Stay out of politics, keep your integrity intact, and rather walk away than get dragged into unnecessary conflict.

10. Q: One fact people don’t know about you

A:  I’m extremely honest and direct.
I don’t stand for bullying, dishonesty, cheating, or disrespect — and I will never support something I don’t believe in 100%.  You will always know where you stand with me.  No games, no pretending. I love fully - or I walk away.

11. Q:  Most embarrassing moment on stage. 

A: Getting caught up in the moment, jumping into the mosh pit while still playing… and accidentally hitting a guy in the face with my bass guitar.  Safe to say - I won’t be doing that again.

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Thank You for taking the time to tell us more about yourself, Mark!

And that’s a wrap...or is it? – I think not!  I am of the opinion that I will have to do a separate interview in the near future focusing solely on Marks Art work… this man just oozes creativity!

My parting thoughts on the THE THR3 PROJ3CT are that, for me, their music and especially watching them perform live, is that they are possibly the best method of therapy.  I’d call it the Great Escape, as their music transports me to a multiverse of wonders and endless possibilities!

 You can find THE THR3 PROJ3CT on all major streaming platforms

Listen to the full interview HERE: > https://musiciansdomain.com/activity-2/p/6521/