Mark Christopher Band is captivating audiences with their originality, distinct lyrical style and edgy rock production, on full display in their new radio single ‘Too Many Years’. We wanted to find out what drives this dedicated rock group to push the limits of the genre. You can generally tell when a group is ready for the next stage of their career. It shows up in timing and tonal certainties, and there's a sense of conviction that just can't be faked. Mark Christopher Band's catchy new track ‘Too Many Years’ has that audible conviction, but its sheer inventiveness and mainstream digestibility fulfill the other half of the equation that determines who gets radio time and who goes home unheard. It also doesn't hurt that the critics have raved about their award-winning work: ‘This innovative rock concoction speeds from the speaks on effortless drum chops and delivers a kind of melodic ingenuity that usually escapes practitioners of the genre.’ Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Mark Christopher Band to talk about their new single and the passion for great rock music that gave rise to it. ALEXIS: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: The craziest thing was back in the early days, we were hired to play a private event in areally hardcore part of town like east Los Angeles where the crowd was basically two hundred gang members, convicts, and a bunch of rowdy women. They wanted us to setup in the back yard against the wall, behind the wall was a set of train tracks. The crowd was not very receptive at first so during the second set we broke into Crazy Train from Ozzy Osbourne and right when the song breaks into the lyrics here comes a frieght train barreling down the tracks about 50 miles an hour blasting his horn creating a back drop and the crowd went totally crazy. After that we had won the crowd over and the gig was a great success. ALEXIS: Your song ’Too Many Years’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: It's always a great feeling when your work is appreciated and received well by the audience it makes it all worth it. ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your radio single? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: We all have lived in Los Angeles all of our lives born and raised, and music was something we all related to. The various styles and culture of the city always had a large influence on our music. The song Too Many Years reflects the struggles of trying to be successful in one of the largest markets in the world. ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: We all grew up in working class families were it was a struggle just to put food on the table. We grew up wanting to make a better life for ourselves and our families . Music was our release our outlet to make our mark to be recognized it gave us heart, soul , courage, and honor. ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: I like keeping an open mind to all things especially in the arts from Classical music to the Blues, Rock, Funk, Heavy Metal, and R&B all styles if it's good and moves you then you got substance soul. ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: Having worked with many various musicians over the years some really great players, it has for the most part been a great learning experience. on and off the stage or in the studio most of the time the creative side of things are fantastic. The team we have now is just great. ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: My Father was a Jazz pianist I really miss him, waking up every morning hearing him play was part of my daily routine . My brothers have all played instruments guitars , drums, my nephew also plays. ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: The most rewarding thing to me is the audiences reaction to the music it's a great feeling to have them appreciate what you do, to move them in a way and share that energy that's kind of magical. It's always a challenge to be better then you were last time to improve and grow as an artist. ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND :I wouldn't call them role models they are more like teachers influences. I really like Jeff Beck , Hendrix , Page, Clapton, Buddy Guy to name a few. But really just about any guitar player that moves me. ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance. MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: All my performances are filled with many memories some good some not but they all have been a really great experience, performing is what it's all about. ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: Keep practicing, learning, listening, keep an open mind there's a great big world out there take it all in. ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it? MARK CHRISTOPHER BAND: There is an album in the works actually mixing down as we speak. Should be done real soon keep an eye and ear out. ALEXIS: Wonderful! Thank you sharing some insights into what makes you the artist that you are. I wish you continued success in your career. http://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/MarkChristopherBand-TooManyYears.html https://markchristopherband.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MARK-CHRISTOPHER-BAND-379546283657 https://twitter.com/mchristopherblu