CORY MARKS | The Newest Country Rock Star, Driving into the Charts with a Top 10 Hit Under His Belt | We Talk Music, Fitness and Pandemics
The newest star in the Outlaw Country-Rock space is Cory Marks. With his huge hit, “Outlaws & Outsiders” (feat Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, Travis Tritt and Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe), Marks has a Top 10 record and is making his mark. His debut album, WHO I AM, is ready to take fans of both genres on a wild ride.
Full of autobiographical storytelling, guitar-driven anthems, drinking songs, and breakup ballads, WHO I AM is rooted in the influence of Cory's hometown, where he grew up Ontario Canada. It was there where he began playing drums at ten years old. When he wasn't banging along to songs by Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rush, he was listening to his parents' country records, developing a deep appreciation for the likes of Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. Those two genres — classic country and amped-up rock — would eventually join forces in Marks' own music, earning him a string of gigs with heavyweights like Toby Keith and Brantley Gilbert along the way.
Before launching his songwriting career, and changing the trajectory of his life, Marks would prove himself in the hockey rink and pursue dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. He strapped on his first pair of skates at 3 years old, eventually earning a spot on the university hockey team at Royal Military College. He was a dominating presence on the ice, thanks to his 6-foot 1 inch, 220-pound frame. Prior to attending college, he enrolled in a private pilot school were he logged in almost 100 flight hours and eventually had the opportunity to fly one of those hours with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in the summer of 2017. He continues working towards his private pilot license.
While in college, he never stopped playing music but did so privately… that is, until he joined his teammates at a local bar one night, and found himself pushed onstage when the regularly-scheduled musician took a break. "My friends knew I played a little music, and they were chanting for me to do some songs," he remembers. "It was a packed little bar. I did two originals and two covers, and afterward, people were coming up to me and asking where I was playing next. I didn't have an answer for them, because this was literally the first time I'd ever sung in front of anyone." Cory began making weekly trips to the bar, hopping onstage with each visit. As time went on, he wrote a new batch of songs, hit the road, and hasn't looked back since.
A road warrior, Cory has built a strong following not only in Canada, but also in America, where he recorded WHO I AM with award-winning producer Kevin Churko. The two worked together in Churko's Las Vegas studio, capturing the energy and electricity of Cory's live show. It was a natural partnership. Like Cory, Kevin had grown up playing drums, eventually expanding his career to include collaborations with country artists like Shania Twain and rock icons like Ozzy Osbourne. "We both appreciate country music greats like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, but we love the heavier side of rock & roll and metal, too," Cory says of his producer and mentor. "We decided to mash it all together. It's funny, because when I was growing up, my favorite records were Ozzy records. I dreamt of having that kind of production on one of my own records. Sure enough, seven years into my career, I've partnered with the producer who worked on all those albums. What a cool circle."
With help from Kevin and his son — the Juno Award-winning producer, songwriter, and engineer Kane Churko — the three musicians wrote many of the songs together, including the anthemic "Blame It on the Double". Cory finished a number of tunes on his own, too, banging out tracks like the Haggard-influenced ballad "My Whiskey Your Wine" and the swampy, swaggering title track during the morning hours before each studio session. “Drive” was inspired by a video shoot earlier in his career, when on the flight home he imagined what it would be like if the fictional story told in the video became real life. After asking the flight attendant for a pen and napkin, he wrote the song at 30,000 feet. While the more true to life “Better Off” reveals a time of struggle and contemplation of a relationship ending, leaving Cory with a lot to write about. WHO I AM's 13 songs tell stories of heartbreak, hell-raising, and everything in between. Cory shines a light on his wilder side with stomping rock songs with gang vocals such as “Devil’s Grin” one moment, and his tender side the next in the beautiful ballad “Out in The Rain”. The result is an authentic album that might as well be Cory Marks' autobiography. It's a story that's still unfolding…but what a first chapter.
What do you want your audience to take away from this album?
“I just hope they love this sound. The music and lyrics of this album whether they're country rock or metal fans. It's got a bit of everything!”
How was your experience of attending a military college?
“It was short but sweet. I'll never forget it and ultimately lead me to where I am today. I've always had a great appreciation for the military.”
What has been your experience of the Covid-19 Pandemic?
“Well, lost over 100 shows between US, CAN, Aus and more.. so it's been frustrating that way but always could be worse. Taking advantage of spending time with people I love and being home. Writing and planning for what's next when the world gets back to normal!”
You’ve got a great album, what’s your favourite track on your album and why?
“Each song has their own meaning and story. I think it depends what day it is and what kind of day I'm having but am proud of each and everyone of them!”
You’re working towards your pilot’s license what do you like about the experience of flying a
plane?
“I've always been passionate about aviation and flying. I think it's just cool and there is really nothing else like it. I think it demonstrates skill, professionalism, focus and many other things along with fun. It’s exciting and a great experience.”
If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be?
“Thats a tough question as it would depend on genres because I like a lot of music and different artists. If I could pick 3 off the top of my head right now... Ozzy, Eric Church, Kid Rock.”
Any plans to tour in the UK?
“I can tell you I can't wait to tour there! Hopefully soon.”
Besides music, what are your hobbies and interests?
“Hockey, aviation, good food and good people.”
Any plans to do any acting?
“I'd like to act one day. I've always enjoyed the making and creating of my music videos, so movies or TV series would be cool.”
What was the first single and album you purchased?
“I think the first CD & cassette tape I ever got was a mix of music that the canadian forces aerobatic team would use and was produced by David Foster I believe. And the Roch Voisines record 'Kissing Rain'.”
You seem to like a good quote on Instagram, what’s your favourite quote?
"There's always one more way to do things and that's your way" - Waylon Jennings’”
You’re into fitness, do you see yourself creating a fitness regime?
Totally! Covid has kinda changed my regular routine but I like to try and stay in one and on top of being active.
What’s your favourite place you’ve travelled to?
I'd say Nashville just to see a lot of where country music started and the southern culture. It was also a great experience to visit with my family who introduced me to country music at a young age.
When did you decide to take music seriously as a career?
When I was about 21 starting to play local bars when things didnt work out at the royal military college of Canada.
You’ve got a song titled another night in jail, have you been, if yes, how was the experience?
Each was a different experience and just happened mostly sticking up for someone or doing what I thought was right... You guys can guess the number but you gotta count on both hands.