“I want to take fans away from the darkness of everyday life and give them a journey through music” – interview with Cory Marks

Canadian country rocker Cory Marks will release his brand-new album “Sorry For Nothing Vol. 2” via Better Noise Music on October 3rd. The record continues where last year’s “Vol. 1” left off, once again delivering a set of songs built on Marks’ trademark fusion of modern rock and timeless country. Chaoszine caught up with Marks over Zoom just before his last summer festival shows and as preparations for his upcoming fall tour began.

How are you doing at the moment?

Cory Marks: Things are going really well. Summer has been great, and this Thursday I’ll play my last festival show in Quebec. After that I’ll head to Nashville for two weeks to write new songs and get ready for the fall tour.

Are you always in a creative mindset, ready to grab new ideas?

Cory Marks: Yes, inspiration can strike at any time. Often I’ll just sing an idea into my phone and come back to it later. I try to stay creative whenever I can.

I’ve read that Ozzy Osbourne was a big influence for you. What was your first reaction when you heard about his passing in July?

Cory Marks: It was very sad and also a bit shocking, because he had just done that big farewell show two weeks earlier. It felt like his final goodbye to the fans. I grew up listening to Ozzy, my dad played his records all the time. He’s a big reason why I’m doing this country rock thing.

Did you ever get the chance to meet him in person?

Cory Marks: No, and I never saw him live either. But I watched a lot of his concert videos, like Live at Budokan, which my friends and I used to watch over and over again. It really felt like being there.

Let’s talk about your new album, “Sorry For Nothing Vol. 2”. How did it come together?

Cory Marks: During the pandemic, I wrote a lot. Suddenly we had over 25 songs, so we split them into two albums. The first part came out last year, and now I’m releasing the second. It has both more country-oriented songs and heavier tracks like “Hangman.” There’s also an acoustic version of “Sorry For Nothing,” which gives the song a deeper and more intimate perspective.

What did that acoustic version mean to you?

Cory Marks: A lot. I first played it acoustically during the Dorothy tour in the U.S. It was amazing to see that even rock crowds appreciated that side of me. The stripped-down version makes the song even more personal, because it always takes me back to my childhood memories and the street I grew up on.

Do you always write from a personal point of view?

Cory Marks: Yes. I want to write from my own experiences, good and bad. Being honest and open creates a stronger connection with the listener.

The songs were mostly written during the pandemic, but the world still isn’t exactly a bright place. Does that atmosphere reflect on the album?

Cory Marks: I’m not a political guy, and I don’t really watch the news because it’s rarely positive. I try to take people out of that darkness and give them a journey in a more positive direction through music. If my songs can help on someone’s worst days – or make their best days even better – then I’ve done my job.

Was there a particular track that became the centerpiece of the album?

Cory Marks: Not really. Some days I want to write a traditional country song, and other days I want to write a heavy rock track. For me, albums are like rollercoasters with ups and downs – they need to take the listener on a ride you’ll want to experience again.

How much does playing live affect how you write songs?

Cory Marks: A lot. I always think about how songs will work on stage. I’ve been lucky to play a lot of shows and learn from some big names I’ve toured with. That really helps to understand what makes a good live show.

Which songs stood out as special ones on “Vol. 2”?

Cory Marks: “Whiskey River” and “Empty Bottles” are very important. The first one is a fun, rebellious party song, while the second walks the listener through life’s stages – from youth to building a family. They represent different sides of me as an artist.

You bring together both country and rock. How important is it to show both sides?

Cory Marks: Very important. I love both genres, and they’ve shaped who I am. Some people say I should pick one, but I think it’s this combination that makes me different. I just follow what feels right, not the industry’s molds.

What does the future hold for you?

Cory Marks: On October 3rd “Sorry For Nothing Vol. 2” comes out. Then from November to December I’ll tour the U.S. acoustically with Sevendust. Next year I really hope to tour Europe – especially Finland. That’s a huge dream of mine.

Any message you’d like to send to your Finnish fans?

Cory Marks: Thank you to everyone who’s been listening to my music. I hope you’ll love this new record, and that it will bring me to Finland for shows. Playing for you there would be a dream come true.