Furthering his lifelong exploration of music as a source of healing, reflection, and connection, Montreal-born/Gabriola Island-based composer, vocalist, and meditation leader Mark Fenster shares Serenity Sessions, Vol. 2, a peaceful collection of collaborative works created to reconnect listeners with the beauty, love, and harmony within themselves. Arriving alongside lead single “Cascades, part two: Wistful Promenade,” the album blends new age, meditation, and healing music into an immersive space for stillness and contemplation.

An extension of Serenity Sessions, Vol. 1, the new album retains its predecessor’s intention while opening the creative process to a wider circle of collaborators. Where the first volume was largely a solo undertaking, Vol. 2 finds Fenster creating alongside co-composers and musicians he deeply admires, allowing each contribution to introduce another voice into the project’s shared pursuit of peacefulness.

What can you share with readers about your new project?

This new album represents a leap forward from the solo effort of Serenity Sessions, Vol. 1 to the mainly collaborative album that is Vol. 2.  It’s been an elegant privilege to write and record with some of the finest musicians and craftspersons I could have ever asked for.  This musical story has been made so much richer for several souls’ offerings.  Nothing comes more purely beautiful than collaborative works combining souls and different loves.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

The Serenity Sessions project has been more deeply researched, focused and presented in the openly meditative and healing spheres than any other before.  While the Cantoria series certainly shares profound sounds and spirit, these Serenity Sessions offer a truly non-religious journey into the pure souls of love that we are and are destined to be in our sharing and working together
What about this single makes you most proud?

Cascades, part two: Wistful Promenade is a musical rendition of the soft flowing waters in a flowing creek, following the fervent energies of a Glacial RiverFlow and before the crash and crush of Spirit Falls.  The deep magic in this piece lay in the organic beauty of being a true first take!  Well, the Cello is; the 12 string guitar had to be redone because I was sitting on a creaky chair, too much creaky to be able to correct with an app.  So in addition to feeling high pride for a gorgeous and magical first take, I was equally humbled by the need to redo my part so I can learn once again to be patient and listen.  Always learning, aren’t we?!?
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

The goal for all my works is to help the audience feel some comfort in the chaos, some relief in the never-endings, some joy in the recognition of presence, and much healing from the trauma so many of us carry.  The music that flows through me is designed to help in the healing, bring forth the comforts and awareness of our true blessings, also never-ending 🙂
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Same as above.  This is difficult work, not in the creating and performing, but in carrying and holding faith that this is truly a worthwhile adventure.  We do this for Love, nothing more, nothing less.  I hope it reaches many.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Thinking currently, I LOVE Roger Hodgson (Supertramp) and would love to work with him on anything he would welcome me to do.  My absolute favourite vocalist is Kenny Loggins, and I would be deeply grateful for an opportunity to work and play with him.  Then, of course there’s Mozart, wow, and the modern Mozart, John Williams.  Any and all of the above…. and so many more.  Talent his not rare on this planet!
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

“I Loved Her First” because a friend has asked me to help him prepare to sing this song at his daughter’s wedding.  I’ll let you know when I stop crying! Such an amazing song!

My first fave artist was Alice Cooper!  I love folks reactions when they hear that this meditative music composer loved Alice!  Then I quickly moved over to Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, then later Led Zeppelin, RIck Derringer, Supertramp, Genesis, Shawn Phillips, John Denver, James Taylor, Bob Dylan,….
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

www.AutumnStudios.ca
Connect@AutumnStudios.ca
FB, IG, YT
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

So grateful for your questions and interest in my works.  Thank you for listening. caring and sharing