If you haven’t heard of Mark Mackay, it’s time to stop what you are doing and fix that right away! For starters, you can get to know the singer/songwriter in our exclusive interview below. Mackay recently released his debut album, Trials & Tribulations, and provides listeners with a solid collection of music throughout. The California native co-wrote six of the eight tracks, and provides a unique sound to the genre that fans of all generations can enjoy.
We caught up with Mark Mackay to talk about his new album and so much more. Get to know Mark Mackay in our exclusive interview, and pick up Trials & Tribulations at a digital music outlet such as iTunes here.
Country Music Rocks (CMR): You recently released your debut album, Trials & Tribulations. For folks that have not picked up the album yet, tell us about this new collection of music?
Mark Mackay: It’s genuinely me! It’s a combination of stories and common themes, you can hear all my musical influences in it… it’s a country record that crosses the rock and roll border a few times. I spent a lot of time trying to write a record that was an album, not just a couple singles. You can put this record on at the top and enjoy the whole thing start to finish.
CMR: The title of your album is not named after a song on the album, but it is a very strong title. Give us a little background on this and what made you name your album, Titles & Tribulations?
Mark Mackay: The title came so naturally when I finished the record. As an artist you spend so much time trying to make these things perfect. After all the BS we deal with every day on the business side, Trials and Tribulations is exactly what you go through to get to the point you’re happy with your project the way it is. I love the way it turned out.
CMR: You’ve already had a busy year and the momentum continues for you with a schedule packed with live performances. For folks that haven’t seen you perform yet, how would you best describe your set?
Mark Mackay: Energy, energy, energy! The live show is my favorite part of what I do. I remember going to concerts and just being blown away by the power the artists created. I strive for that in my live show. You’ll hear some stories, laugh and smile with us… and you might be blown away by some guitar work 😉
CMR: With 2017 well underway, what are some additional things that you are looking forward to and excited about for this year?
Mark Mackay: We’ve just been added to some major festivals, I’m really excited about that. Getting to have 50k people discover me will be a good feeling. I’m just excited to get the music out there and keep going.
CMR: You hold a very busy schedule. When you’re not writing or performing, what do you like to do in your off-time? How do you unwind and make the most of your time off?
Mark Mackay: I like being active. Love surfing and skiing- both of help keep my sanity. I love working out, finding new restaurants, watching my San Francisco Giants have the worst season ever, ha!
CMR: As fans continue to get to know you, what is one thing you would like to convey to fans about you and your music?
Mark Mackay: It’s music that is meant to stand the test of time. It takes you on an introspective journey about things I’ve seen and problems we all deal with – It’s real music. I’ve got a lot of classic rock influence that’s where that comes from.
CMR: What is one song that you remember hearing on the radio that made a significant impact on you and still to this day when it comes on it takes you back?
Mark Mackay: “Shooting Star” by Bad Company. I heard it for the first time in my dad’s car, when it was over the DJ said “that was Bad Company,” my dad and I were so stoked because we love Paul Rodgers… we drove right to the record store to buy it.
CMR: Music consistently evolves and grows, and we’ve certainly seen that with country music. What is one aspect about this genre that has always resonated with you and continues to do so?
Mark Mackay: The honesty. I love all the sounds and changes… the pop stuff is cool and the outlaw stuff is cool. I’m good with all of it. But I like that we just tell it like it is in country. No hiding anything!
Mackay has a schedule full of tour dates all throughout the summer. To see if he is heading to a city near you, click here.
Get connected with Mark Mackay by checking out his Official Website, and following him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
