CORY MARKS – INTERVIEW WITH DYNAMIC COUNTRY ROKER

CORY MARKS – INTERVIEW WITH DYNAMIC COUNTRY ROKER

Photo by Ed Regan

By Ralph Beauchamp

Corey Marks it's on a roll. He's just released an impressive remix of his single '(Make My) Country Rock – Harder' featuring Sully from Godsmack, Travis Tritt and Mick Mars. Just finished an awesome acoustic tour with Theory. Additionally, his new album, Sorry for nothing (Better Noise Music), drops in early December. This is a run. born in Canada, Rating successful debut record, Who I amput the genre-bending artist clearly on the country rock map. His hit single, “Outlaws & Outsiders” hit #1 in the US on Billboards “Rock Digital Sales” chart and #5 on iTunes “Country Songs”.

Rating' The sound is a delicious gum of steamy hot country mixed with a spicy spice of organic rock & roll. His songwriting is top notch and his vocals have an arena-rock edge. His lyrics are heartfelt and pull no punches. Rating comfortable with creating Haggard-like country as well as in the tradition of Pantera-style metal. Throw in the original folk rock spirit of the Eagles and you get just a small portion of it Rating it's all relative. Corey Marks he is a superstar in the making.

Rating was kind enough to sit down with AMP for this in-depth interview.

AMP: What got you into music in the first place?

CORY: My family is very musical. Dad introduced me early on to bands like Rush and Black Sabbath. I also grew up with some great country music icons like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. Even back to Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family. My father played in a band. So does his brother. My mom also played a little.

When we had our big family gatherings, we all started playing guitars and violins. So being exposed to it at a very young age left an impression. I also had a passion for drums. I got my first kit at 10. Also, I tried to get my hands on as many instruments as I could like guitars and basses. And now I'm here.

AMP: Who were some of your early inspirations?

CORY: Rush was a huge influence. Since I started as a drummer, drummers like Neal Peart, Ian Paice of Deep Purple and Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad have been influential. On the more progressive side, you have Mike Portnoy and Vinny Paul. Growing up, I remember Merle Haggard, whose voice, songwriting and also being a multi-instrumentalist drew me in. I have to give a shout out to one of my heroes who is a fantastic singer and songwriter, Bryan Adams. I also have to mention Ozzy.

AMP: What is your creative process like?

CORY: Life! Honest! What I like to write about are my experiences. The nights you don't remember and your friends have to show you pictures or videos. Also, hearing from my friends lives. Their heartbreaks, romances and losses influence what I write. In addition, the ups and downs, good or bad of everyday life give me all kinds of topics to write about.

AMP: You seem to be able to bridge country and rock with a comfortable ease. How would you describe your sound?

CORY: If I could describe it in terms of artists, it would be a little Merle Haggard, a little Eric Church, a little Bryan Adams, and a little Ozzy all rolled into one. I've heard amped up country, country rock, and one that I think I put on one of my resumes, country music with rock 'n' roll.

AMP: Your remastered single, “(Make My) Country Rock – Harder”, is a real banger. Why did you rework the song?

CORY: The single already rocked, but we thought it would be nice to add some fuel to the fire. Boosting the drums, Sully and Travis' vocals, and Mars' guitar, created more of a feel. Also, the addition of Cody Quistad's (Wage War) guitar gave it some flair. We liked that it just came out harder and heavier.

AMP: Once again discussing the fusion of country and rock, do you think this hybrid sound is the wave of the future?

CORY: It's hard to say. It's for me. I always have rock influences in my songs. It's nice to see different types of artists and music genres come together. But it must be unique and powerful. Not something that can be easily boxed. In fact, it's up to the universe to decide if it cares about this hybrid music. It really is an interesting time period.

AMP: In today's music scene, there seems to be a sink or swim mentality. Does this type of realism have any effect on your momentum?

CORY: Absolutely! I'm sure there are some people who are always looking for someone to fail. In my case, I don't think these people realize the size of the oxygen tanks I have on my back. As I say in one of my songs, “I'll keep rockin'.” It's always a challenge to move forward. This is still a business and it's not just playing bars anymore and just putting on a good gig. Now you have to worry about expenses, travel and the need for mapping. It's expensive to survive, but right now I'm the pilot of my plane. I am ready to fly anywhere.

AMP: You've worked with a group of amazing artists. Is there anyone you would like to work with in the future?

CORY: There are a few. I'm old school. Everyone says I have an old soul. Some aren't even around anymore. In the country, I'd love to work with Zack Top or Brad Paisley. Just because we're both Canadian boys, Nickelback's Chad Kroeger would be a great collaboration as would another Canadian, Bryan Adams. Also, Lainey Wilson and Shania Twain would be on the list. After seeing him perform live, Eric Church because he's a country artist who also has a rock and roll attitude.

AMP: Your new album comes out in December. How excited are you?

CORY: I am so excited. It's been four years since I released my last record. So December 6th will be a special day. It's 14 new songs I've worked on and picked from about 100 songs I've written since the pandemic. I really hope people like them.

AMP: What's next for Cory Marks?

CORY: Like I said, we're releasing the new album on December 6th. After the current Theory tour, I get to go home about a week before the full run drops. I will spend some time with family and friends. Since it's around the holidays, I'll be hanging out with my parents and my dog. Do some Christmas shopping. In the new year, we will break the chains and do it. It looks like an extended European tour. Australia after that. Hopefully a huge radio hit followed by a Canadian and US stint.

AMP: We have a bonus question from my wife. When are you going to open a bar in Nashville and drink a signature whiskey?

CORY: As for the whiskey, I've been thinking about it for a while. As for a bar, I think I need to get a few more hits. That would definitely help. If it's in Nashville, I'd probably do it a little differently. I would like to have it closer to the airport to connect music and aviation which I think is a perfect combination. Keep it off the lane. Put it in a special and cool place. I've been talking about this for years too. Maybe not even in Nashville. Maybe Vegas.

Views: 2