There’s the saying a “little bit of country, a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll.”
Canadian-born singer Cory Marks isn’t a “little bit” of either country or rock. His influences ranging from the outlaw country sounds of Merle Haggard to Pantera’s vulgar display of power, are all very evident in apparent. You can find his love for the country and hard rock genres in his style, his musicality, his vocals and lyricism. He’s been able to build bridges between the two musical worlds through collaborations — most recently bringing Travis Tritt, Motley Crue’s Mick Mars and Godsmack’s Sully Erna into the studio for his single “Make My Country Rock.” He’s also converting the metal masses opening for Five Finger Death Punch and currently Dorothy.
Recently, we caught up with Cory Marks to discuss his love of his country and metal, all-star collaborations and how being a pilot has influenced his music ahead of his performance at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ on Friday April 18 along with Dorothy.
Your style is a blend of country and hard rock. Why make the decision to blend the two instead of picking one genre as your style?
I grew up on Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Bryan Adams, Rush, Ozzy, Pantera, and I loved it all. From the songwriting, the stories of country music to the riffs and energy of rock, even as a drummer, I was always into lyrics and melody.
So when I started songwriting and became an artist myself, I thought, “Why pick one genre when you can do both your own way?” I believe I continue to do that and just hope listeners connect and love it as much as I do.
You dropped your new album Sorry for Nothing in early December. Can you talk about how this album stands out from the rest of your catalog both from a lyrical and sonic perspective?
Some of these songs have been in a vault for seven years and the others only a few months old, but I really believe this album breaks down the last 4-5 years for me. I think are the best songs that I wrote that describe and really touch on my country side, but of course my rock side too, blending both genres together for me as a whole album.
You released the title track “Sorry for Nothing” in acoustic form recently — what inspired you to go acoustic?
I think it showcases that no matter how hard I go or can go, there’s a much softer side to Cory Marks. It’s a song about where I come from, where I’ve been, and where I plan to be. This all started with just me, my guitar and songs. I’ve always been a fan of bare bones, especially now where everything is so heavily produced. I think it’s a totally different experience and way to hear a song.
When you’re touring with artists like Five Finger Death Punch and other hard rock acts — do you have to work a bit harder to win the crowd over, since your songs are a bit more country?
I’ve always been known to bring a lot of energy to that stage and I do it no matter who I’m opening for or which festival I’m playing. Country or rock, I want to give the fans the experience and same energy I expect to give me. Now song selection might vary and that makes it a lot of fun!
Let’s put the shoe on the other foot, what’s been the reception of the country community and your fanbase when you have metal artists like Sully Erna and DL from Bad Wolves on a track?
Since starting this blend with “Outlaws & Outsiders” in 2019, it’s been a lot of fun and I’m seeing other artists trying to do it too and mix it up a bit. I think they’re loving it, because they feel the same way that I do. We love our country music and a great country song. However, who doesn’t like to rock a bit too?
Speaking of Sully Erna…you snagged him, Travis Tritt and Mick Mars of Motley Crue on your song “(Make My) Country Rock” — can you talk about how this all-star collaboration came together?
I know that this song was the next “anthem” for me and felt those “Outlaws & Outsiders” vibes, so the week I wrote it I went over to Mick’s house to hang and I got to hear his solo record and be one of the first ones to hear it before it came out. That was cool and he asked if I had anything to show him.
Long story short, I had a demo of “Make My Country Rock” and he loved it so I had to ask him if he would play on it, without hesitation he just said, “Hell Yeah, the song kicks ass.”
A couple weeks after that, I sent the demo to Mr. Tritt to hear his thoughts and while I was on tour across Canada. Before a soundcheck I called him up and we had a great chat as always, then he said “Well, it worked out pretty damn good last time didn’t it? Let’s do it again.”
Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch) loved the song, but we couldn’t get a studio and he was crazy busy touring Europe with Metallica (which is pretty fuc$%ng bad ass!). The label pitched a few names and of course Sully of Godsmack came up and I said, “Look both are huge Rush fans, both frontmen who do drum solos in their live shows, and I grew up on their music playing hockey.” I had no idea that within a week I would get a text from the man himself thanking me and praising the song and that he may love the song more than I do (laughs)! What a ride. We all connect via text or catch-up phone calls every now and then. I’m extremely grateful to all of them and happy to call them friends and them being in the Cory Marks’ corner.
You’re on tour with Dorothy. Can you talk about your excitement hitting the road with that band?
Dorothy has been crushing it for a few years and has had some really cool collabs too. I’m always excited to head out on the road with great acts like her and thankful out of all the talent, she chose me to get the party started on this “Redemption” tour across the U.S.
You’ll be performing at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ. How does it feel knowing you’ll be stepping onto the same stage that countless legends like Springsteen have graced?
As a Canadian country rock artist, I’ve had the opportunity to be the first to live this dream and play these legendary venues. I always take a moment to think of those that have come and gone, and just how big they got from these same venues and then I get back to my show. Focused and ready to leave it all on that stage, every night. This one will be special.
You’re also a pilot. Can you talk about your love for flying and has it inspired your music?
Aviation and flying have been a passion and almost an obsession of mine since I was a little kid. There’s really something special about it and when I’m flying you really just focus on the fact that you’re moving 150-200 mph 500′ to 7500′ above the ground. The things you get to see and feel are incredible and although I’m going through procedures over and over in my head and focused on flying the plane, there are certainly moments you get to take it all in and think of some lyrics or ideas.
For example, my song “Flying” which the video was recorded with real fighter jets at a real fighter base in Quebec, Canada. I also wrote a song dedicated to our air demonstration team, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds titled, “Snowbirds,” which I had the dream come true of flying with them in 2017 and experience what I always wanted to be since I was eight years old, one of the “Snowbirds.”
Finally, what are five things you’re looking forward to in 2025?
One thing I’ve been hoping for since 2013 when I started was a country radio hit! New music, country touring opportunity, another rock radio hit, and more cool features to come!
