BC based, Canadian singer-songwriter Mark Rosal lists among his main influences,  Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot,  and Van Morrison. Each of Mark’s songs celebrates a unique story, an introspective look at the world around us and an in-depth view of life’s journey.                                        

Mark has spent many years doing  psychotherapy therapy, exploring his inner world. He hopes to resonate with others as a life-long student of personal growth and transformation, with his lyrics reflecting deeply personal thoughts. Mark’s genuine passion for music, the stories he paints for listeners and a connection to his audience have always been and will always be his motivation in song-writing.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Mark about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

The best way to describe my music is a combination of singer/ songwriter, and folk rock. I have been heavily influenced by Dylan, Cohen, Lightfoot, and Morrison.

I have done psychotherapy for many years, and this informs my songwriting.

I believe in songs as an element of self exploration and catharsis.

I believe that music has the ability to express in the inexpressible, and that is a quality that I attempt to bring to my songs.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I have always written about my internal world, that is just the way I am. I am motivated to continue because I feel that music is the best way to reach others and affect change in the world.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

What is new is that I am  working with a producer out of the UK , Mike Spink. I feel that he is the best person I found so far to execute my vision of the production of my songs.

There was nothing specific that I was attempting accomplish with these songs, except to do a better job at expressing what I feel is happening internally and in the world around me

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

Gaining exposure for my music, has been a challenge. As I do not wish to tour, or do a lot of social media, or publicity. That being said, it is the current technology,  sites like submit music that use technology to help me reach my audience.

What was the last song you listened to?

Shame on the moon by Rodney Crowell

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

If I had my choice would probably listen to vinyl but that is not easily done these days.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

These days listen exclusively to Spotify, and Apple music

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

Am always posting music on Sound Cloud, here is a link to my site https://soundcloud.com/user-464314188

Anything else before we sign off?

No nothing else, except, thank you for being willing to play my songs on your station!