Growing up on country and classic rock, Mark Taylor has viewed music as a “constant companion” that has always been there for him throughout the different stages in life, and today is no different. Currently a senior in college, Mark continues to his keep is forever friend music at his side, performing wherever he can just as he has since he was a teenager. Balancing his studies with his budding career, Mark is releasing his debut single “Buzzed on a Boat” today, which was endorsed by none other than Michael Ray (watch here).
We recently caught up with Mark to talk about his connection with various genres of music, his new summer anthem, and hitting the road in 2021.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
MT: Of course! My name is Mark Taylor, I’m a 21 year old country musician from Baltimore, Maryland, but currently a senior at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. I’ve been playing every bar, club, pool, restaurant…really any venue that would let me play…since I was 13 years old and fell in love with country music since then. I grew up playing guitar with my dad who taught me to play, and my first encounter with a stage was when I was 6 years old when I jumped up on stage with my dad to perform! As soon as I graduate from Wake Forest, I’ll be moving to Nashville, TN to continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a country musician.
CN: As we hit the one-year mark of COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
MT: I hope you guys are all holding up ok! Fortunately, my family and I are doing well. I had it and it was absolutely no joke, it was the most sick I have ever been…ever! My immediate family stayed very safe and is doing great after a few of us had it a few months ago. Everyone is vaccinated and I can hug my grandparents again, which made my year.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
MT: I grew up listening to old Eagles records and they were the first group I could sing along too. I love the styles of Jake Owen and Mitchell Tenpenny, and I try to blend a combination of all of these artists into one which is where I find myself happiest in music.
CN: Your music consists of a blend of modern country and classic rock. How did you go about finding the right ratio to create your sound?
MT: I grew up playing mostly rock music before finding my way into country, so I take this blend seriously. I like to say that my music is what Jimmy Buffett would have a beer too if he were sitting on a beach. It’s relaxing, but when a guitar solo kicks in, it can occasionally melt your face! I love blending old Marshall Amp sounds into my country mixes, I think it really puts a nice bow on the songs.
CN: On tour you have opened for a range of artists like Big & Rich and Wiz Khalifa, both from far different genres. How did the audiences’ reaction to your set vary?
MT: I have opened for a wide variety of folks, and not always in the same genre like you said. I’ve played for the most country-loving crowds, and for people that wouldn’t consider country to be a genre with which they associate…but I find one thing always matters to everyone, people appreciate art and talent. Regardless of who I’m opening for or with whom I’m playing, people want to appreciate art and both crowds were extremely thrilled with my sets which made it all the more better.
CN: On May 28th you will be releasing your debut single “Buzzed on a Boat.” What can you tell us about the track?
MT: This song is so fun! This was a last minute addition to the full album and as soon as I remembered I wrote this, I knew it had to be the first single. Every time I show it to someone new, they smile. Especially coming out of a dark time for many people, this song brings joy to folks that are ready to hit the beach, get on their fishing boats, and enjoy the summer sun! Check it out on all digital platforms!
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process? Do you prefer to write with other songwriters or solo, as you did with “Buzzed on a Boat”?
MT: My usually songwriting process is very personal and intimate…”Buzzed on a Boat” was the opposite which is why I love this song so much. My Mom and Sister kept telling me, “You need a write a song called “Buzzed on a Boat” for roughly 5 months. We were on a beach in Southwest Florida one day and my sister finally said, “Well I guess you aren’t good enough to do it then, huh?” And that made me write it. I wrote it in about 15 minutes without any instruments, just guessing my way through chord changes, until I found what I wanted. I completely forgot about the song until the album was nearly completed and I sent it over to my producer…and 2 weeks later, the track was finished. Crazy how things happen!
CN: How excited are you to release this song just in time for summer, especially after last year’s lack of summer?
MT: I am a beach-bum, I need to be relaxing by the ocean and not being able to do that last year was awful. I want nothing more than for people to be able to take their favorite drink on a boat, on a beach, by the lake, etc. and have an awesome summer with this song. I’m excited to give people what I think they need to kick back and relax as we escape the pandemic.
CN: Speaking of summer, are you hitting the road anytime soon?
MT: Yes I am! I will be touring to the tune of about 70 dates in the Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina areas from a few weeks ago until the end of September. You can find all of my tour dates and more at www.MarkTaylorOfficial.net
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
MT: I’d love to collaborate with Jake Owen. In addition to admiring his music, I think we’d get along well. We’re both golfers and both country singers. Jake, if you’re reading this, open invitation to play golf or music anytime! (P.S. I think I might give you a run for your money on the golf course, Jake!)
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
MT: My first concert was Hall & Oates when I was 12. We were in the 8th row, it was incredible!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
MT: Persistent. I want to reach my goals in this industry more than anything and I’ll do what it takes to get me there. This will certainly not be the last time you hear the name Mark Taylor!
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you?
MT: Next on the horizon is the summer tour, working on the lyric video for “Buzzed on a Boat” and hopefully watching you all stream and love the new single!
“Buzzed on a Boat” is available here.
Mark Your Calendars: On Friday, July 2, Mark Taylor will be taking over our Instagram! Be sure to tune in!
For more information on Mark Taylor, visit his website at www.MarkTaylorOfficial.net and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.