Kat Harlton
Lead Photo: Alex Kouvastos
Genre-blending Canadian musician Cory Marks recently released his second full-length album, Sorry For Nothing, on December 6th via Better Noise Music on all streaming platforms. An unapologetic double-barrelled blast of 13 songs, equally divided between roots country and arena-rock, marks the follow-up to his acclaimed debut album, Who I Am, which featured the Canadian Platinum-certified track “Outlaws & Outsiders”.
Today, Cory showcases his dual musicality with two new track releases, “Fast As I Can” and “Whiskey For Sale”. “Fast As I Can” is an exciting, feel-good country track with a fun, foot-stomping chorus that will have you hooked and singing along to every word. “Whiskey For Sale” is a perfect blend of bluegrass, country, and a heavy rock chorus, narrating a love story that has taken a turn.
Produced by longtime collaborator Kevin Churko (Shania Twain, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach), Kile Odell (Nita Strauss, David Draiman), and Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert), Sorry for Nothing is highlighted by guest appearances from Sully Erna (Godsmack), Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe), Travis Tritt and DL (Bad Wolves).
In addition to this album release, Cory recently wrapped up opening for multi-platinum rock group Theory of A Deadman. The “Unplugged” tour ran from October 29th to November 23rd with Cory performing an acoustic set featuring songs from Sorry For Nothing and Who I Am
Cory has previously toured North America with diverse artists including Five Finger Death Punch, ZZ Top, Travis Tritt and Brantley Gilbert, while also having joined Nickelback on the main stage at the annual Boots and Hearts festival in Toronto in 2023.
I had the opportunity to chat with Cory about his Sophomore album, his musical journey this past year, and more.
Kat: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your sophomore album “Sorry For Nothing”?
Cory: There are songs on “Sorry For Nothing” that I wrote almost 7 years ago but a song that I really do love and that includes all these songs from my more recent writes in 2023. A lot of my songs are just based on life and its experiences. That’s the ups and the downs, the good and the bad, it’s real and raw and I think we all can relate to no matter the genre of music you’re into. I want to make you feel good and ready but able to also look back every now and then and feel nostalgic.
Kat: What was the creative process like for this project? Any unique challenges or memorable moments?
Cory: I think the most unique thing about the songs on this record, that Merle Haggard like country to rock energy, Pantera riffs and breakdowns. It really gives the listener a ride and a variety of tracks I hope they love. There are 3 producers on this project which I think is really cool. The one and only rock legend Kevin Churko and two dudes turning up the heat in Nashville, Kyle Odell and Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll & Brantley Gilbert). I’ve got to write with a lot of great, talented writers too over the last 3-4 years and I’ve made some good friends in the process. These 13 songs are the first ones I wanted the world to hear out of probably 45-50 songs that we had to choose from but will be on the next albums to come!
Kat: What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Cory: I honestly just hope they love the songs when they’re listening and it takes them on a ride they’ll enjoy and hope the first thing they wanna do is buy tickets to a show cause they want to see me live!
Kat: How has your sound evolved over the years?
Cory: I think it just evolves in time and with new experiences just like you do in life. I’ll always love country and I’ll always want to rock.
Kat: How do you handle the balance between creative expression and commercial success?
Cory: I really think I’ve always been a “what you see is what you get” guy. I’m just trying to do my thing, the way I want to do it but hope people will love it and connect with it and I make a good living doing what I love.
Kat: You just finished touring with Theory Of A Deadman, do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?
Cory: The tour was really amazing and we had a great time out there every night playing in legendary US cities and venues. Before each show I always get a good stretch and start jumping around getting the blood flowing like you see watching UFC before “The Big Fight” about an hour before. Once I get my show clothes on I’ll usually start pacing around with my guitar going over songs and getting warmed up. Before hitting the stage I give my Lion necklace a kiss and look up to the ones looking over me asking for their strength to go out and give the best show I can each and every night.
Connect With Cory
Instagram: @corymarksmusic
Facebook: @corymarksmusic
Twitter/X: @corymarksmusic
Website: http://www.corymarks.com