Interview: Mark and the Tiger

Mark! Welcome. You have said that you will be putting out a new EP this year. Can you tell us the name of the first single you will be releasing?

Hi! Thanks so much for having me. Yes! I’m super exited for my EP coming out in May. The first single, “Hand to Hold”, is coming out on Valentines Day. I’m really proud of it. It’s sort of my take on The Beatles’, I Want to Hold Your Hand”. It’s a song about being a friend to each other, which is something I think we all need to try and do more in this day and age.

How many new songs are on the EP and did you have a hand in writing each of them?

I wrote every single one of them! That’s a lie, there’s one cover song in there, Billy Joel’s “Longest Time”, but it’s done in a completely different way than the original. Otherwise, they’re all mine in terms of melody and Lyrics. And I had some help from several amazing musicians with the music and chord structure.

What is the song writing process like for you and what advice can you give someone wanting to start writing music?

It almost always starts in any car. I drive a LOT so it’s become my place to really zen out (but I promise I’m a safe driver ). Usually I’ll just get something in my head, a riff or phrase, and as I’m driving it will evolve more and more until eventually it’s a fully fleshed out song. I have so many recordings on my phone of little snippets of inspiration. It’s pretty wild too hear the beginning clips verses the finished product.

Will you be touring in 2020, tell us where we can catch you live.

I’m currently in the process of booking shows for the end of Spring into the Summer, so keep an eye peeled for dates on my website. But for the next few months I’m just working on getting the music ready to go!

What social media platform is your favorite to connect with fans and why?

I love Instagram. It’s such a cool platform to see what everyone is up to in their lives. Well… It’s a cool place to see the curated versions of what people are up to in their lives. But I love it! I love to see the art people create, and interact with people that otherwise I might never talk to! I’ve made a lot of connections through IG.

If you could only be remembered by one song – what would it be and why?

Probably “Hand to Hold”. I think it really represents what I’m all about as a person. But I also have a song called “Better” which will be out on the new EP in May. It’s a song I wrote when I was in a really low place in my life. It’s a bit of a bummer. But I love it because I think it’s important for people to realize that their darkest of times are valid, they’re not alone, but also they don’t have to be defined by the darkness. Life can get better. If that’s the song and the message I’m remembered for then I’m totally fine with that!

Where can we get our hands on your new music and connect with you online?

All my music is on all your favorite streaming places and music hotspots: Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc. and you can find me on IG @markandthetiger or else join the mailing list on my website: markandthetiger.com

End of Interview