Mark Gates

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

It gives me a reason to live, it keeps me sane and creating music fulfills a need in my soul.

What is your music dream?

Just to be recognized by my peers, which I already am. If I can reach more people-that's good too.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Return to a country that is by the people and for all the people; not just the richest few.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Maybelline

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Rolling stones B. Dylan , SRV,Samantha Fish, Iris Dement, Janis Joplin, Taylor Swift, Tom Waits, George Benson, Johnny winter, Johnny A, Gary Moore, Chuck Berry, to name just a few.

What inspires you to make music?

Usually just picking up a guitar will do it.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Just to relate my experiences to my audience, hoping they had that experience too. To reach out and touch people; to touch the soul.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Energized, usually.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

It's too bad no one makes much money for their efforts. It's not easy to be a musician. Back when I first got into playing out, you could make good money and there were a lot of roadhouses. The DUI laws killed all of that. But now we have the internet, where you make almost nothing at all.

What do you think of Drooble?

I've got 10 new songs to upload, and I can't do it because of points. I don't wanna jawbone, I wanna make music!

What frustrates you most as a musician?

I see real musicianship (i e; being able to actually play an instrument) going out the window.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Mostly online encouragement. I'm 68, so I don't go clubbing much.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

You can tell if someone's got that "something" that everybody wants when they hear it.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Paul Asbell (Kilimanjaro) Nobby Reed, Missisquoi Slim.