Mark Erelli is a prolific singer-songwriter and the winner, along with co-writer
Catie Curtis, of this year's
International Songwriting Competition. His new album,
Hope and Other Casualties, is in stores now.
Creativebin: When did you start playing music?
Mark Erelli: I sang and played drums in high school rock bands, but it wasn't until I went to college in 1992 that I started writing and then performing original material.
CB: What are some of your musical influences and how did you come across them?
ME: Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Chris Smither, Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Roy Orbison, Ron Sexsmith, John Hiatt, Jackson Browne…and on and on. I've come across all of them in various ways. All of these different artists and their respective genres are tied together in various ways, such that falling in love with one of them leads you to and predisposes you to like one of the others.
CB: When did you decide to do music as a career? Was there a defining moment that led you to this?
ME: I heard Chris Smither on the radio, and then saw him live in concert when I was a senior in high school, and that pretty much did the job. He was so spiritual, soulful, philosophical and rock n'roll all at once, and I immediately knew I wanted to do what he did, even though I had no clue how he did it or where to begin.
CB: What is your song-writing process?
ME: There's no real set process that guarantees results, though if there were I would do it everyday. Mainly, I just try to stay open to the world around me, the joy the pain the color the light. Other than that, it basically involves sitting down at my kitchen table every morning that I'm home, cup of coffee, a guitar and a notebook. Everything after that is out of my control and a complete mystery to me.
CB: What are some of the steps you've taken in your career?
ME: Not sure what you mean by this one. I started out writing songs in my bedroom, took them out to open mics, eventually nailed some opening slots for more established artists, and kept playing my songs for anyone who would listen. Gradually, I got a record deal with a small, independent label, Signature Sounds, and through them I've been able to put out my own records, and tour internationally.
CB: How did you go about finding a manager? Or did they find you?
ME: It took a long time for me to find a manager. I've had other offers in the past, but never really gelled with anyone. My manager, Gabriel Unger, is someone I've known for a long time, but conditions weren't really right for us to work together until very recently. I'm glad to have him on my side though, no matter how long it took.
CB: You have booking and publicity agents. What are some of the advantages of these services?
ME: All of these people help you advocate for yourself in different commercial arenas, whether it's soliciting reviews of your work or trying to get you hired for a concert. It's really hard to do cover all these various roles effectively, and have enough time and energy left to actually make music, which is your primary job as a musician in the first place.
CB: Describe how the business side of music affects your day-to-day life.
ME: I have a lot of email to answer, and there are always conversations that need to happen to make decisions about various recording and live performance commitments. These are good problems to have, but the do tend to take away from the making of the art if you let them get out of hand.
CB: What advice would you give to aspiring singer/songwriters?
ME: I would pass on what someone said to me early on. 6 words: Write, write, write. Play, play, play. You have to be compelling at both of these things. Beyond that, there are no rules or limits to what can happen.
CB: How has winning the International Songwriting Competition with Catie Curtis affected you?
ME: Winning the ISC has shone a little light on a song that gives voice to some frustrations and challenges that we're facing as a nation right now. Catie and I are very proud that our little song was recognized.
