With the release of his latest EP, “The Rosal Collection Volume 4”, Mark Rosal marks over 45 years of songwriting. For this Canadian artist, releasing music is a way of self-expression and inner exploration. With each song being a unique story, he has created a decades-spanning record of his life’s creativity, making sure at the same time that the experience is both fun and introspective for the listener. I have recently spoken to Mark about his musical roots and the driving force behind his songwriting. Want to know more? Read on!
Bartek: What is your first memory related to music and how did it affect you?
Mark: I can’t think of a specific moment. I remember tuning into the radio when driving and I would hear pop songs from the early ’60s. I remember liking the beat, the voices, the energy, and feeling like this was the main thing that touched me.
Why did you choose music as your form of artistic expression?
I remember seeing a movie or a television show with Elvis Presley, and I thought, “Yeah, this is great. This is a great way to live. This is a great way to be.” It looked like a lot of fun and allowed me to move my body and express myself. So, I gravitated towards music because it seemed like it could provide me with a lot of enjoyment.
Name one album by your favorite artist that you couldn’t live without?
Well, overall, my favorite artist is Bob Dylan, but that mostly covers his work up until the early ’70s. After “Blood on the Tracks,” I don’t really relate to much of his music from the last almost 50 years. The one album I couldn’t live without, that is a touchstone for me, is “Highway 61 Revisited.” It’s just the perfect combination of meaningful lyrics, great melodies, rock ‘n’ roll, and everything in between. It’s sort of an indefinable album. It touches on many different genres and aspects of music, yet at some level, it’s very down-to-earth and gutsy. It captured my heart and imagination for sure.
How long have you been writing songs, and how has your approach to songwriting changed over time?
I’ve been writing songs for about 45 years, since I was around 24. It’s something that I have to do. I haven’t had a tremendous amount of recognition or success, but that’s just not been my path. Writing songs is a way for me to work out my problems and connect with the world on a philosophical and spiritual level. It feels very natural to me, and it’s something I like to do. There have been breaks where I didn’t write much, but I’ve always come back to it. Nowadays, I write more consistently. When it comes to how my approach has changed over time, I think I spend more time refining the songs than I used to. At one time, I would write them down and consider them done. Now, I think more about the words and the melody, and I keep refining a song until I’m comfortable with it.
Can you describe your recording approach and how it aligns with the message of your songs?
My recording process is very simple. I have an Apogee mic, which I plug into my iPhone, and I record using a program called Voice Pro. The file then goes to Idan, my producer, who makes some edits and adds instrumentation around my recordings. We discuss the choices, and he’ll put down a bass line and sometimes guitar, drums, or piano. I’m responsible for the words and the music, while Idan polishes the final product to make it very listenable for the average person.
This process aligns with my message because I feel that I’m doing what I want to do. I want to write words, music, and melody without spending a tremendous amount of time on anything else. I know what I like and what I don’t like. When Idan and I meet and talk, we discuss how I want it to sound, but I leave a lot up to him. We’re in sync, which makes it easy.
How difficult was it to find the right producer?
Finding a producer who understands my music has been one of the hardest things for me as an artist. Idan gets me, which is great.
I like to keep things simple, straightforward, and uncomplicated. It’s not as slick or polished as it could be, but I like a bit of rawness. My message is sometimes raw and straightforward, and my recording process reflects that.
What, in your opinion, is wrong with social media and its impact on our daily lives?
I’m not sure if there’s anything inherently wrong with social media, but it has reduced face-to-face interpersonal contact, which is vital for our well-being. I use social media a lot and find it useful and enjoyable, but it does keep us a bit farther apart than we should be.
When you record a new album or an EP, what is more important to you: a change in musical direction or maintaining the status quo?
There is no specific plan. Each song comes as it comes. I’m not consciously trying to change my musical direction or maintain the status quo. I write what I feel and let the songs develop naturally.
You are a very prolific artist. What comes next for you musically?
More of the same – living my life and channeling my experiences, pain, joy, and issues into my songs. My music comments on my life, society, and spirituality. Similar themes run through my songs, and I write what I’m called to write. Whatever feels like it needs to come out, that’s what will come next.
Photo: Press release
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