Interview: Mark and the Tiger

Hello! It is great to have you here today! It’s great to be here. Thank you so much for having me.

Tell us about your most recent release! I’m actually just about to go into the studio to start work on a brand new LP.

What was the inspiration or process for it? It’s actually the start of a concept album based on the Hero's Journey model in mythology. The idea is that each song stands on its own but if you listen to the album from start to finish it will take you through the hero's journey into the underworld and back.

What do you feel sets your music apart? Well, I’m hoping that the soundscape of this album is going to be a bit unique compared to what’s being put out today. I’m going for something with the theatricality of Florence and the Machine mixed with the storytelling of Stevie Nicks and the humor of Harry Nilsson. But really I think it’s the subject matter that’s going to be really different about this album. I’m trying to blend pop music with spirituality and personal growth. It’s a little strange but I think it’s working!

What does "making it" mean to you? Well, I just want to get to a level within the industry where I have the opportunity to work with whoever I want to work with and perform whatever music I’m making wherever I want. I hope to be making music for a long long time and I just want success and ability to be able to do that in whatever way I want!

How do you stay authentic in your music? Honestly, this is so much harder than people give it credit for. As I’ve been writing the songs for this album It’s often been a battle to trust my gut and commit to the sounds and lyrics that are coming to me intuitively rather than changing them for something I THINK people will be interested in. So much of life is just people copycatting what’s popular and I don’t ever want to do that. I want to push boundaries and make people think a little deeper. But when you’re worried about something selling it’s tricky not to think about altering your vision. I’ve had to have a lot of pep talks from people urging me to stick to my guns. I think that’s the key! You need to surround yourself with people you trust who will remind you that what you have to say is exactly what is needed in the world.

How do you hope your music will affect the world? My dream for this album is that people will actually begin to go on their own hero’s journeys when listening to it. A lot of the songs are amalgamations of my own experiences and transformations. I hope that by being a bit honest and vulnerable myself it will inspire people to dive into their own stuff and maybe come out the other side a little better off than before.

Please tell everyone where they can find you and your music! You can find me on IG and TikTok @markandthetiger Or else my website has links to all my music, social media, and more: markandthetiger.com