Band Info:
- Artist Name: Mark Winters
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Single Title: Speed of Light
- Release Date: Apr 26, 2024
- Genre(s): Americana, Folk, Alt-country
- FFO: Mumford & Sons, John Mayer, Jason Mraz
Interview 1: Artistic Evolution and Creative Process
- How has your music evolved over the years, and how do you see it reflecting your personal journey?
My initial inspiration to write music came from a desire to share my positive perspective on life. I found the 4 piece band format from my cover band (Agave Report) as the way my brain was used to composing in. My sound was a modern pop/blues rock approach. During COVID I had to rethink my expression and rearranged my album into a Singer Songwriter sound, doing online Zoom charity fundraising. My influences have shifted slightly Tom Perry and John Mayer early, with Jason Marz and Ed Sheeran joining the team in my more recent compositions. My journey into the songwriter style has allowed me to explore more complex topics in my journey to make the world a better place.
- Which artist or life event radically changed your approach to music?
I think my journey with my two brothers created the drive in me to help people find the positive threads in life and hold on to those. My older brother had trouble with this and I had trouble helping him, the same with my younger brother who eventually committed suicide. Being newer to music, those experiences have been present in my early work, but I seem to be more in touch as my journey progresses. On a more positive note, I’ve always loved math and science and always look for ways to juxtapose those ideas along with my poetry. I even wrote a song a few months ago about triangulation, haha, too nerdy to release but fun all the same.
- How would you describe your creative process?
I have moments throughout each day that trigger poignant feelings, I’ve learned to listen for those and make a voice note or a haiku about them. Later when I have some quiet time, I will explore one of these many feelings and search for a message, the thing about a song I would write. My process has changed since I attended Andrea Stolpe’s songwriting retreat last year. I’m able to write much faster and with more purpose incorporating object writing and free writing to improve my connection to the emotion. I’ve also been more aware of how melody can help my story unfold.
- Each aspect of music – writing, recording, practicing, and playing live – offers something different. Can you share a particularly meaningful moment from each?
Writing – ohh how I love to co-write! I learned in Austin last year and really find new perspectives with each person I write with. My most meaningful was a song titled LoneStar Guide my way that I wrote with my son in 2 hours. Any amazing experience I can’t believe I was gifted with.
Recording – I will always remember my first album and how patient and amazing Mark Townsend (my producer and friend) was with me. I really didn’t know much, just had 10 songs I had written that were all pretty rough, he was an awesome guide to help me make an album with a pro team in nashville with.
Practicing –
I get lost often practicing, well maybe jamming. I love to let my feelings out when I’m playing lead guitar, and more recently when I’m singing/scatting over a chord progression. I get this mixed up with practicing often. I do have a routine that usually lasts a few months that “unlocks” some skills I am focusing on. One recent “aha” moment for me has been looping an 8 bar progression and working through the different chord voicings, outlining the chords in lead lines, and then connecting my 2 favorite areas of the guitar neck with more slidy lead lines. A month ago, my ear “clicked in ” and I was able to mimic the vocal lines from songs I was listening to on Spotify using this same frame of mind. It has taken my improv lead playing to a new level. I’m a few years behind with my vocals, but hope to be there soon, nothing better than ear training to unlock some creativity!
Playing Live –
I love the feeling of playing live. Once a month I get to play lead guitar for my church, contemporary christian music, Hillsong and such, and recently I have been able to “step away” from my charts and let my ear drive my solos and accompaniments. It’s incredibly freeing (and humbling) to be in the moment.
- Do you take advantage of technology and collaborate remotely, or do you wait until you’re physically present with the rest of the band?
I work remotely often to track new songs and to share ideas with other artists. Rehearsals are still a live feel for me, and I’m not sure how I could reproduce the organic elements remotely. Kinda like song writing with someone else, I’m still pretty old school about it.
- Is there a song in your repertoire that holds a particularly deep personal meaning for you? Can you share the story or inspiration behind it?
Only one, wow, I have several that really are emotional, one is my song Red, It’s about recognizing when your passions in life are slipping away, and remembering to prioritize them, “Feel that Red!”. I have one other that hasn’t been released yet. It’s about my grandmother, and how her voice still guides me even though she is no longer with us. I hope to release that later this year, its titled “Your Voice”
- Share one thing about the band that has never before been revealed.
That’s a tough one, maybe I’m overly competitive at sports? Its something I’ve struggled with my whole life, my wife helps keep me in check 🙂
Connect with Mark Winters:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | TikTok
Bio:
Texas-based rock singer-songwriter Mark Winters, known for his positive vibe, blends rock, blues, and pop influences like John Mayer and Tom Petty. A poet at heart, his music emanates from his scientific background, marrying creativity with analytical precision. His debut album “Slipstream” garnered acclaim worldwide, with over a million streams. Mark celebrates breaking boundaries, both musically and personally. Through his music, mentoring, and philanthropy, he inspires others to overcome barriers. Mark’s journey, from rocket scientist to musician, reflects his belief in the power of music to connect and uplift communities.
