With country radio over-saturated with many similar-sounding songs, Cory Marks’ country-rock fusion is a refreshing change. As the first and only country artist on Better Noise Music, you can hear influences from both genres in his songs.
We first noticed Marks when we saw his performance at CMA Fest 2019 and added him to our list of must-see artists during the festival. Born in Canada, Marks’ initial career path was aviation and he wanted to be a fighter pilot. Music was always something he was passionate about and he first performed publicly at a local bar after some encouragement from his friends. “I was scared shitless, but I had a little bit of liquid courage.”
He began performing weekly at local bars and eventually the number of shows increased. Once he started hitting the festival circuit in 2012, he knew he could make music his career.
Cory Marks’ Who I Am Album
Marks recently released Who I Am, which has the sounds of classic country with a rock and roll attitude. “It’s an album I’m really proud of,” Marks began. “There’s no one doing it quite like this in country or in rock, so I think it’s a perfect mix of both.”
“I like to think of it as if Ozzy Osborne, Merle Haggard, and Eric Church created an album it would sound like this.”
-Cory Marks
Marks began writing the album in 2015 and it tells the story of his life during that time– the ups, the downs, and everything in between. Who I Am was produced by award-winning Kevin Churko (Five Finger Death Punch, Shania Twain, Ozzy Osbourne) and his son, Juno Award-winning producer, songwriter, and engineer Kane Churko (Papa Roach, Skillet),
When Marks’ tour schedule allowed, he traveled back and forth to Las Vegas to record. While the recording process felt lengthy, the result was worth it.
“Outlaws and Outsiders”
Marks’ released “Outlaws and Outsiders” as the first single on his album. The song became a global hit, with over 15 million streams and over 18 million video views worldwide.
After feeling like an outsider who didn’t fit in with the pop-dominated Canadian country radio, Marks penned “Outlaws and Outsiders,” with the name inspired by the tour he was on with Aaron Pritchett and his experiences shaped the lyrics.
When looking for artists to feature on the song, he didn’t want just anyone. He carefully selected and reached out to artists who have made a significant impact in music and who could relate to the song’s message. His iconic lineup included Travis Tritt, Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, and Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe. “I’m just thankful that these artists love the song as much as I do and what it represented,” he said.
“Out in the Rain”
Lzzy Hale from the band Halestorm joined Marks on “Out in the Rain.” “I think she just adds so much to that song and to that story,” Marks said. “She’s raw and powerful and such a great artist.”
It’s exciting when people break away from the norm and go against the grain to produce something unique and their own style. We’re looking forward to see what’s next for Marks and where his musical journey takes him. For more information go to http://www.corymarks.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.