Interview with Mark Winters
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Interview with Mark Winters
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I really enjoy start-ups and innovation (and Shark Tank!), and would likely be working with some amazing people at the Texas Medical Center to bring new treatments and products to the US market. I also enjoy mentoring, and although I find time now to help young entrepreneurs, I would find more time to give back!
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I love to run, rollerblade and bike. When I am in the zone, my brain opens up and sheds light on many of my lifes mysteries. I also like to travel, and feel experiencing new cultures, places and people really help me understand the world in different ways. I have major boosts in creativity when I am "in the zone" or out in a new place. It is one of the joys of going on tour, or vacation with my family!
How long has music been your career?
Music has moved me my whole life (lifting my mood, making me dance, sharing emotions), but I didnt I started my music journey as a performer/artist until 2011, to play a song for my wife and my anniversary. I have been in love with the journey ever since.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
The best show (so far!) was my 1st album release party in Sugar Land, Texas. So many family and friends came out to support me, it was overwhelming. I am so grateful for all the love and support. The worst show, hmmm, not sure I have had one yet, small or large crowds, I love to share my "RockWithAPositiveVibe" with everyone!
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I enjoy playing at Bakers Street in Sugar and it's my hometown crowd. I am working hard to play some of the larger venues in 2023 in Houston, like The Continental Club and White Oak Music Hall. Stay tuned...!
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I would love to play a show with Joshua Radin, or maybe John Mayer or Jason Mraz. I have also been enjoying what H.E.R is doing. That would be an amazing ticket to perform with! Maybe Bon Iver too!
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?
Be true to yourself, find your best and cultivate that. It is easy to chase what others are doing, but you won't find internal gratification from that, and you won't be able to share your special gift with others if you're trying to be someone else. The journey is a marathon and you need to be in sync with yourself to enjoy it and succeed (I'm still working on that!).
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Embrace my inner artist sooner and open your eyes to more of the beauty in the world. I was more "business" minded earlier in my life, although I don't have many regrets, my life is pretty amazing!
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I think my first song, Be There, is the most special. It helped me on my journey to be more present with my loved ones and showed me that I could be an original artist.
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
I love to play Strong, it's how I finish up most of my shows. It's heartfelt, and driving and I love to share it. Boundary Layer gets the most requests, or my version of Rocket Man by Elton John.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I think the world is pretty amazing, and so are the people in it. I write about the positive vibes I find in my journey and like to share them with my audience. Sometimes I like to write about making me a better person (like Be There) and hope that my journey resonates with others. I am also a math nerd, so there might be some double meanings in my song lyrics...
Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?
I don’t have a lot of experience with collaborations, a few co-writes and maybe collaborating with my band or other musicians in the studio. I try to have an open mind and do a lot of listening before I share an idea. It's been a good approach so far.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I plan to be on tour again in 2023, and am currently planning that with my team. More immediately, I have a new song coming out Nov 10, my first Christmas Song! I love Christmas and the warmth of family, and am excited to share the new tune this holiday season. The band also has 2 shows left this year, Oct 5th and Dec 5th both in Houston.
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