‘They’re very inspirational to me’: Country/rocker Cory Marks’s latest single salutes Snowbirds
As a cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada studying to become a fighter pilot, Cory Marks’ goal was to one day fly with the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds.
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Music was also a passion for the North Bay native back then. And while Marks admittedly only had a “brief stint” with RMC, pursuing a career as a music maker instead, he never gave up his love of flying or his admiration for the legendary air demonstration squadron.
So much so that the country/rock artist dubbed his latest single Snowbirds. Heck, he’s even siding with those top guns.
“It’s always very special when high profile fighter pilots cry when they watch or listen to the song (video),” Marks told the Sault Star in a phone interview this week. “It means a lot to them too, so it’s very special to me.
“I think it is very important to keep the friendship and mutual respect between me and the team. They are very inspiring to me, just their hard work…teamwork and all. You can learn a lot from such people, such teams.”
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As a matter of fact. Snowbirds compete for spots and, even once selected, must remain in top form to retain spots. Not dissimilar to succeeding in the music business, to a degree. Marks, who has two albums and a string of EPs under his belt, feels writing material with a personal touch was key to staying in the pack.
“I’m not saying it’s easy, but easier when you have something on your mind, whether it’s something good or bad or something that excites you… that always helps,” Marks said. “So when it comes to music, whether it’s heartbreak, it’s partying, it’s songs like Snowbirds, I really try to tell my story in all of those songs.”
And for the Snowbirds, it wasn’t just sugar and spice; As a songwriter, any close association with the team would always evoke strong emotions. This is in light of the recent tragedy the squadron has suffered.
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Captain Richard MacDougall was seriously injured in a 2021 accident in Kamloops, BC. Captain Jennifer Casey, in charge of public affairs, did not survive.
Marks considers MacDougall a “buddy”.
“It’s pretty personal to me,” said Marks, who is now a licensed pilot himself. “Unfortunately, accidents have happened. It’s a risk. It’s a very dangerous job. These guys are professionals. Unfortunately, things happen between humans and machines. There is definitely a part of that in this song. Overall (my song) is just a tribute to those who are still on the team, past and present, and to those who are no longer with us. So it’s kind of a tribute to the team, their families and everyone involved.”
A benefit for Marks – as for all performing musicians everywhere – is the ability to take music with them on the go after pandemic-related restrictions brought everything to a standstill. Time off the road has been tough for 33-year-old Marks, who first publicized his talents in college after friends encouraged him to go on stage at a bar.
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“There’s nothing quite like it… It’s so nice to be back and playing live,” said Marks, whose current tour is in Sault Ste. ends. Mary, July 21st. “It’s great to get back out there and do what I love to do.”
That includes collaborating with bandmates and his road crew, not to mention harnessing the energy that only a live audience can provide.
“It’s always great to see how someone reacts to a song, whether that makes you want to grab a double and celebrate or cry,” Marks said. “It always means so much when a song touches a person and makes them feel something. That’s what music is about.
“I’m not even afraid to say it. The last time I saw Bryan Adams I couldn’t hold back the tears. He was just that good.”
With his long, flowing, full mane, rugged looks, and hockey player build, Marks is the best stage material, and the street may just be a natural habitat. But studio life is also enjoyed. And it doesn’t hurt to have someone at the helm who has worked with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain and Papa Roach. In 2016, Marks signed a collaboration deal with award-winning producer Kevin Churko; Neither of them looked back.
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“I’m always excited to get back in the studio because it’s always so productive and always so much fun,” said Marks. “We work our ass off, but we’re having a lot of fun. I really enjoy working with Kevin.
“He’s a master at what he does.”
It seems that the partnership has borne fruit. For example, the 2019 single “Outlaws & Outsiders,” featuring Ivan Moody, Travis Tritt, and Mick Mars, debuted at #1 on iTunes in Canada and ranked #1 on the Billboard Rock Digital Songs and Hard Rock Digital Songs charts, and #7 on the Country Digital Songs Chart.
“We’re very much in agreement on this and there’s really a lesson to be learned from a guy like Kevin with all his experience,” said Marks. “And I learn from that quite a lot.
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“He’s also a great person, so I learned a little bit of everything from him. Sometimes I have to pinch myself”
The affiliation with Ozzy is an additional coup – and testifies to a strange coincidence. Marks vividly recalls driving with his father about a decade ago with Osbourne’s 2007 album Black Rain playing on the vehicle’s stereo.
“I remember saying to my dad, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to have that kind of production on a country record,'” Marks said. “And sure enough, six or seven years later, boom, I’m signed to Kevin Churko. It’s pretty wild.”
It seems that Marks not only has a penchant for classic country artists – Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings are his favorites – but also for rock kings. Just try to find a biographical reference to the musician that doesn’t mention Marks’ deep admiration for legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart. For Marks, it’s something to be proud of that he’s seen the Canadian trio three times, each time with this dad, who has happened to attend about 30 rush shows, the first during a Toronto high school dance even before Peart at the late son in attendance was John Rutsey keeping the rhythm.
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“I’m just really grateful to be able to say that,” said Marks, who recalls his reaction when he learned Peart had died of brain cancer in 2020, as the disease remained a closely guarded secret at the time.
“I cried like a baby when I found out about Neil. It was heartbreaking. Because it was kind of out of left field.”
That day, Marks is waiting at a Toronto airport for a connecting flight to North Bay.
“On the way home,” he says, laughing. “It will be nice to be back.”
Marks, born Cory Marquardt, says growing up in the northern Ontario city certainly left its mark. Like so many local youth, Marks was obsessed with hockey; He played at RMC and his older brother Matt Marquardt played pro.
“North Bay is a working class town so I think it’s about family and love and hard work and you just take that with you and in turn follow your dreams,” said Marks. “But you have to work hard at it. I think that’s definitely something to learn from being in a small town like this.”
WHEN YOU GO:
Who: Cory Marks;
When: Friday, July 21, 7 p.m.;
Where: The Machine Shop;
On Twitter: @JeffreyOugler