Are you prepared to meet the guy behind the music? Prepare to enter into the world of Mark Winters, a Texas-based rock singer-songwriter. Mark is a musical force to be reckoned with, thanks to his infectious positive mood and distinct blend of rock, blues, and pop elements.
Mark’s music, which draws inspiration from superstars such as John Mayer and Tom Petty, reflects his artistic nature. His scientific background, however, distinguishes him and lends analytical clarity to his creative process. Mark stands out from the crowd because of his unique combination of creativity and reasoning.
Mark’s debut album, Slipstream, received widespread recognition. With over a million streams and counting, it’s apparent that his music has a global appeal. But for Mark, it’s more than simply the numbers; it’s about pushing boundaries, both musically and personally.
Beyond his music, Mark is a mentor and humanitarian who uses his platform to motivate others to overcome their own obstacles. His journey from rocket scientist to musician demonstrates his confidence in music’s ability to connect and inspire communities. Mark’s music, mentoring, and philanthropy are changing the world one song at a time.
So, if you’re seeking for an artist who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries while inspiring others, go no further than Mark Winters. Prepare to be taken away by his infectious enthusiasm and unquestionable talent; this is only the beginning for this budding star.
Who inspired you to make music?
It was 2 someone who inspired me, my dads’ mom Dean, an inspiring personality, a poet, painter, nurse and connector of a large extended family. She taught me words matter and have an impact on those who read them, to think and feel through your words and help bring your honesty into them. At 5, I was painting with her, and 7 writing poetry. My wife reminds me a lot of her, strong willed, committed to family. She opens my eyes too much of the world that I would ignore in my haste to achieve, and has brought me two lovely children (and a house full of animal friends!). I wanted to sing a song to her for our 10 year anniversary, to say thanks and touch on one of our favourite moments from a concert we attended together while dating. In secret, I learned the song, and performed it for her during our dinner at our favourite italian restaurant. I was hooked (on her) and the emotionally charged feeling I had and shared with her, singing, took my words to a whole new level. It also put me on the path to write my own music, as most artists’ songs just didn’t feel right singing them (I often change cover songs lyrics, which annoys many avid listeners). Just being true to myself!
How do you handle the pressures of performance, and have your strategies evolved over time?
I have always loved being in a competitive environment, sports, debate, chess have all come intuitively to me. Since starting my music project in 2018, I have not had the same relaxed competitive feel, perhaps it’s because I have been working on my technical foundations (things others did as kids) and didn’t have those under my fingers until the last year or so. Early live performances and studio work were filled with learning to play the notes on my guitar or sing the proper note of a melody. That was not a good live music vibe, and I struggled to share my stories and emotions with my fans. Over the last year or two, my practice and coaching have helped me move past that phase, and now my routine has shifted before a performance. I use a hundred breaths to prepare me to share the emotions with my audience. Each breath in is a thanks for the opportunity, and out is filled with the love I feel, releasing into the world. It’s how I make every performance about giving that love to everyone (vs taking love or adoration in from the fans). 1000 steps gets you ready IMO to not think, just to be one with your music and audience.
What is your creative process like?
I’m a poet first, and most of my music starts with some expression, typically a thought turned into a haiku. From there I spend time really defining the emotion I’m feeling and working on a chorus or verse to help me express the thought and feeling. A year ago I attended a songwriting workshop (Andrea Stolpe is amazing!) and learned to free write, object write and co-write. It has really opened up my mind and my process to include others and a broader writing experience. My lyrics have tightened up, and I believe my newer songs are resonating better with my community. I have always had an intuitive rhythm and chord groove, so those parts always flow outward once I have some lyrics and a melodic approach.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
I’m a fan of John Mayer, and would love to open for him, perhaps on one of his solo tours. He is such an amazing musician, and I love many of his lyrics. I would love the opportunity to sit in and jam with him, I’m sure I would learn a ton and have some fun. He looks like he is having fun playing with the Grateful Dead.!
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
My undergrad degree is in Aerospace engineering, I would likely be designing airplanes or choppers. I liked the work in simulation, you get to see more of the puzzle coming together. Perhaps finding a way to combine spreading some positive vibes with math out in the community.
What is the best advice you have been given?
A mentor from the Houston Songwriting scene, Ken Gaines told me about a year into my solo performance career, don’t expect your friends and family to be your fans. It was very impactful for me in all of my relationships. I found myself craving acceptance and the love of my craft from my family, who didn’t see me as an artist, but a husband, dad or friend. Since I started music later in my life, I had to realize that some of my family community would not like this side of my personality or my art. It’s something I still struggle with, we all need love and support, but have to be mindful of expectations!
Does your music fit into your local scene? If so, how do you take advantage of that? If not, do you see that as an obstacle, and what do you do about it?
Houston is so diverse, musically and ethnically. I’m still connecting with the music personalities around town and audiences. I feel my music is a bit more “positive” than most in the area, and of course original music takes time to develop connections in your community. At this point, it feels like Ausitn or Chorpus are easier for me to find other acts that are in my lane than Houston. I have found a few locals who are on my vibe, Maxwell Burgess, Juan Siu, Michael Shanks and Rochelle Gomes. Onward and upward!
If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
Sharing my positive perspective! I see the possibilities in the world and the good in people. It’s what compelled me to write poetry and music, and pushes me to master my craft. I feel that if I continue to develop my musical craft to the pinnacles of my abilities, I can better share my positive vibes, like a radio signal channelling the positives in the world. I even wrote a song about my Positive People, maybe too on the nose, but that is what I feel!
If you were a tree, what kind would you be and why?
I’m an Oak Tree for sure, deep roots, providing shelter to my community. Maybe feeling the seasons and being part of them, finding a good home, helping my family grow. Corny?
Are you a cat or dog person?
Well, I didn’t grow up with pets, but my wife when I met her had a dog and 2 cats. At first I thought of myself as a dog person, as I love to get out and run, play soccer with our dogs and tug-a-war. Until her cats started sitting in my lap and purring, it’s such a calming feeling, my new meditation partners for sure. So maybe both now?
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?
I would definitely travel to the future, I’m always looking over the horizon, searching for what’s coming next. I’m always in motion, planning for future steps, one of my newer songs has lyrics “constantly in motion that’s my gift”. It would be amazing to see where technology is taking us and all of the wonders of science being revealed!
What would be a good theme song for your life?
“The Walker”, maybe by Fitz and the Tantrums, might be a bit too self centric, but I love the message of moving and the porosity of the groove reinforces that. Maybe “Against The Wind” by Bob Seager. I always pick the most difficult friction-filled path. A newer song “Next Thing You Know” has some moments I vibe with. Guess I’m a bit eclectic, can I have more than one?
What makes you nostalgic?
Smells, always smells take me back to my childhood, fresh bread reminds me of my grandmother, oil reminds me of working in my Grandpa’s workshop (my mom’s dad) and sawdust reminds me of my dads father. We built cabinets and other furniture together.
Stream Speed of Light https://open.spotify.com/track/7m4289xlIM05JrzdQ8ytjN?si=b21785760e3449cc
