Spotlight – Cory Marks

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Spotlight - Cory Marks: Behind the Music of Sorry For Nothing

In this exclusive Spotlight – Cory Marks interview, we dive deep into the creation of his latest album, Sorry For Nothing. Known for his signature fusion of country grit and rock intensity, Cory brings his raw emotions and personal stories to the forefront with this release. From electrifying anthems to reflective ballads, Sorry For Nothing captures the essence of an artist unafraid to push boundaries and bare his soul. Join us as Cory shares the inspirations behind the album, the creative process that brought it to life, and what fans can expect from his evolving sound.

You’ve been busy since we last chatted in Ottawa. How was your summer?

It’s been a bit! Things have been great and my summer was full of flying and playing festivals between Canada and the US all while releasing new music!

You had a big release recently with (Make My) Country Rock. How was it working with such big names on track?

It’s been so great and I’m very fortunate to be working with such great rock and country artists but I’m even more grateful to call them friends. Teaming up with Mick Mars and Travis Tritt again has been great and we’ve been getting to hang and see each other a few times this year between shows and trips to Nashville. Adding Sully of Godsmack to the mix has been really cool and he’s been great with me. Especially his first text saying how much he loves the song and thinks it’s going to be something special! 

The song ‘Outlaws & Outsiders’ resonated with a wide audience, from country to metal fans. What do you think makes that song such a bridge for different music communities, and was there a moment you realized it would appeal across genres?

I mean the features alone speak to that and it’s been so fun watching this song grow in multiple genres and in multiple countries around the world. I think the fans get it and when they see me live, they figure it out pretty quick, okay.. This guy really is a mix of country rock and metal! It’s been a really fun and cool journey so far. 

We have your next big release Sorry For Nothing getting ready to drop. Can you give us a little idea what we can expect with this one?

This track is special to me and it is really something seeing and hearing the fans connect to this song. I’ve been playing it all summer and every night on this “Unplugged Tour” with Theory Of A Deadman. This song is more of a ballad but has a mix of Eric Church verse with a Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams like chorus. I think it’s one of my favourite songs on this album as we kind walk through my life where I’m from, what I’ve done or been through and still here! 

In terms of songwriting, do you approach country differently from rock? How do you balance themes from both genres in a single track?

I’m just trying to write and create the best music I can. Sometimes it leans more country sometimes a little more rock it really depends on what I’m trying to say or the story I’m telling. 

With so many rock influences, is there any song or artist from outside country and rock music that has influenced you or that fans might find surprising?

I grew up listening to a lot of different music and a fan of it all. Drums being my first and main instrument  growing up I would listen to anything from Rush, Dream Theatre to Buddy Rich but one that may surprise you I used to listen to a lot of Blue Rodeo (country/folk) and Leahy which is an incredible family band of 11 sibilings playing folk/country/celtic. 

When you're creating new music, do you imagine the live performance experience? Do you ever write with specific staging ideas or effects in mind?

Almost always invision myself in front of a crowd on that big stage and think how would I feel out there watching or hearing this, how would it make me feel? Jumping and partying or maybe a good cry or that powerful nostalgia songs and music can give you when you’re there live. 

You’ve played alongside heavyweights across genres. How have these experiences shaped the way you approach your own performances? Do you have any standout moments from touring or collaborating that you feel influenced your style?

I always try and learn from the major acts I’m touring with and you always learn something different with all of them, I often look at their careers and where they’re at and get influenced by that. The buses, the crowds or arenas full of people.  As far as my show goes thats what’s so fun I can alter my set list to make it more country when I’m opening for someone like Travis Tritt or Brantley Gilbert. I can adjust it and beef it up with heavier songs I’ve got when I’m out with someone like ZZ Top and Five Finger Death Punch and we have a lot of fun doing that! 

If you could design your own festival lineup, who would be your dream artists to feature, and what vibe would you hope fans take away from it?

That’s a good question but ideally because of my mix of genres I would probably have different genres for different nights for example a Country Friday Night Travis Tritt, Eric Church, George Straight, Brad Paisley and Shania Twain Metal Saturday Lamb Of God, Pantera, Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Limp Bizket and finally Rock Sunday Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple.

Is there a track on the new album you are excited for fans to hear?

Honestly I can’t wait for them to hear it all. Each one of these songs I love and I think have their own special “thing” about them. It’s really a roller coaster ride and I think or at least home you’re gonna want to ride it over and over again. 

What are some of the milestones you’re looking to hit in the new year?

There are a few, I’d like to have another rock radio hit with “Make My Country Rock” like “Outlaws & Outsiders” really helped take things to the next level but I’ve always wanted to have a country hit here in North America. Other things or “bucket lists” would be touring Europe and Australia. Hope this new album “Sorry For Nothing” is a chart topper on a global scale like the first one was too… Can’t wait to see what happens! 

Spotlight – Cory Marks is a wrap! Big thank to Cory for taking the time to chat…always great to catch up

Sorry for Nothing is out now so check it out!

Keep up with Cory Marks right here

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