Course Of Nature is back: Interview with Mark Wilkerson

by Rebecca Clark
Static Noise
http://www.staticnoise.net

I know you have heard the story before. An amazing band gets signed to a label, releases an album, has a few hits, and due to struggles and disagreements with labels and managment, this amazing band gets lost between the cracks of the music industry. And as years go by their fans lose touch with this amazing band. Course of Nature is one of these bands, but thanks to Jeff Hanson’s (Creed, Alterbridge, Paramore) new label, Silent Majority Records / Warner ILG, Course of Nature is back and better than ever with their new album DAMAGED due out in stores January 22, 2008.

Course of Nature’s new single “Anger Cage” has already been getting spins on modern rock stations! Course of Nature’s lead singer/guitarist Mark Wilkerson took the time to answer some questions for Static Noise! A special thank you to Mark!

SN:  What made you want to become a musician? Was there a defining moment?
Mark Wilkerson: I am an athlete at heart.  No matter what I do, I think like an athlete, dress like an athlete and exercise like an athlete. But after an injury plagued football campaign, I picked up the guitar and went for my second love, music.  I never thought it would be a career.  I always assumed I would work a day job and play covers on the weekend.

 
SN: When did you decide to make music a career?
Mark: I never chose it.  It just worked out that way.  One day you are writing and recording songs and the next you are playing on a stage in front of 25,000 people.  Crazy!


SN: Did you always know that you wanted to be musician? What did you want to be when you were three or five?
Mark: A garbage man.  I always thought it was so cool to get to swing from the back of a big truck.  Didn't think too much about trash at the time though.


SN: Since Course of Nature has been off the radar for awhile, are you at all worried your fans have forgotten about you? If yes what are you planning on doing to get everyone excited to see/hear you again?
Mark: I don't think it's a fear; it's a reality.  There is not much you can do.  We are pretty much starting over.  Even when you only have a year between records people forget, but 4?  It will be really tough.  A lot of touring.


SN: I know that you have done some exciting things such as writing a song for Daughtry…has any of the other band members done anything in between doing Course Of Nature projects?
Mark: Everyone is new to the band.  I am the only remaining member. The other guys have been in several different projects.


SN: How has the new label been supportive verses your former label? Have they let you have more artistic control over what goes on the album?
Mark: Total control.  They are awesome.  It is a totally new ball game.  People who actually understand music in the music business; who'd a thunk it?  I've never understood how some of these people get in to the music business when they know nothing and care nothing about it.


SN: Is there anything you know now about the music industry/ business that you wish you would have known when you first started out?  (Any lessons learned the hard way?)
Mark: Lessons learned the hard way?  Huh?  Well, we pretty much made every mistake in the book, which is why we are just now coming out with a new record.  Big ones are, always protect yourself.  No matter how much you trust someone, always know that you are the only one who cares about you the way you do.  If you stick to that rule you will be fine.


SN: How do you think you have grown as an artist since you first started performing?
Mark: Biggest thing I've learned is that it's just a job.  I am lucky to do it but I used to obsess over stupid things.  Now I just take every opportunity for what it is.  It's not the end of the world.


SN: Who is your hero/inspiration?
Mark: My new family.  My wife Melissa, son Mason and my child on the way.  Nothing has ever changed my life the way my family has.  I love them more than anything and nothing is more important.


SN: What has been your biggest achievement so far? (personal or career)
Mark: My family again.  Like I said, nothing is more important.


SN: What usually comes first when writing a song? The lyrics then the music or vise versa?
Mark: Differs, usually the better ones are lyrics and melody first. That's the most important part.


SN: Do you guys have any nicknames for one another?
Mark:  None yet.


SN: What is your favorite color? Tell me about it.
Mark: Probably black or red.  Black because that's the color I wear the most.  Red because of the Alabama Crimson Tide......Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer givem hell Alabama!!!  Roll Tide Baby!!!


SN: What do you enjoy most in life? Enjoy the least?
Mark: Just hearing your music in public or on the radio.


SN: What have been the most exciting, personally rewarding moments of creating?
Mark: Writing music at home and touring occasionally.


SN: What is your dream gig/tour? (who would be on it with you)  
Mark: Breaking Benjamin.  One of my good friends and favorite song writers out there.

SN:  Do you have any advice for bands out there struggling to get signed and their music heard? (Especially those bands who have lost their record deals and are trying to get signed again)
Mark: It's tough.  You get that "Damaged" label in the music business and it's tough to shake.  Just know that a record deal is just the beginning.  The work has yet to begin.  Once you step out there in that world it gets a whole lot tougher.


SN: What new artists do you know/love that you think deserves more attention?
Mark: Breaking Benjamin.  Besides that, it's slim pickins'


SN:  What album/artist has been on repeat on your IPOD/cd player these days?
Mark: A lot of lat 90's rock.  Dishwalla, DoubleDrive, Soundgarden.


SN: Any last words/comments?
Mark: Well, here goes nothing!

Be sure and check out updates on the band on their official Web site http://www.courseofnature.com and add them as a friend on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/courseofnaturemusic