Check Out Mark Henes’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Henes

Hi Mark, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Of course! My story starts with a deep-rooted love for music. I picked up the guitar at six years old and have been singing and memorizing lyrics for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Middle Tennessee, I was surrounded by the sounds of country, honky-tonk, and Americana, which shaped my musical identity. Inspired by legends like Hank Williams, I set out to create music that blends tradition with modern energy.

Over the years, I honed my craft, performing and writing songs that speak to real-life experiences. My journey has been about staying authentic, pushing boundaries, and connecting with audiences through storytelling. Beyond music, I also create artwork—water-based and acrylic paintings of roses—that complement my artistic vision, inspired by my song Arm Full of Roses.

Through persistence, passion, and a strong sense of purpose, I’ve built a career that allows me to share my voice and vision with the world. I continue to evolve, both musically and artistically, always striving to bring something fresh and meaningful to my audience.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—pursuing a career in music and art rarely is. The biggest challenges have been staying true to my vision while navigating an industry that often favors trends over authenticity. Early on, I had to figure out how to develop my own sound and break through the noise in a competitive space.

There were financial struggles, long nights, and moments of doubt. Building an audience takes time, and there were times when it felt like progress was slow. But I kept pushing forward, refining my craft, and focusing on what truly matters—making music that connects with people on a real level.

Balancing the creative and business sides of music was another challenge. I had to learn how to market myself, book shows, and promote my work without losing sight of why I started in the first place. The road hasn’t been easy, but every struggle has shaped me into the artist I am today. And through it all, the passion for what I do has never faded—it only grows stronger.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a singer-songwriter specializing in country and Americana music, blending honky-tonk tradition with modern energy. My music is deeply rooted in storytelling, drawing from personal experiences and the raw emotions of life. Whether through a soulful ballad or a high-energy anthem, I strive to create songs that resonate deeply with people.

One of my standout songs is *Tennessee Hills*, featuring two-time Grammy Award-winning bluegrass fiddler Glen Duncan. This song captures the spirit and beauty of my home state, blending rich instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics. It was engineered by Mark Lambert, whose expertise helped bring the track to life. Collaborating with such talented individuals was an incredible experience and a testament to my commitment to honoring the roots of country and bluegrass music.

Beyond music, I’m also a visual artist, creating water-based and acrylic paintings of roses inspired by my song *Arm Full of Roses*. My art complements my music, offering fans another way to connect with my work.

I’m most proud of staying true to my artistic vision. While the industry often favors trends, I focus on authenticity. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the past and present—honoring the roots of country music while bringing a fresh, electrifying energy that speaks to today’s audience.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to connect—whether through a song, a performance, or a piece of art. My work isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about emotion, experience, and storytelling that leaves a lasting impact.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is at the heart of any creative journey. I see risk as necessary for growth—without it, there’s no real progress. The biggest risks often come with the biggest rewards, and in music, you have to be willing to bet on yourself, even when the outcome is uncertain.

One of the biggest risks I took was pursuing music full-time. There’s no guaranteed path, no safety net, and the industry is unpredictable. But I knew that if I didn’t commit fully, I’d always wonder *what if?* Another major risk was stepping outside traditional boundaries—both musically and artistically. Instead of chasing trends, I stayed true to my sound, blending honky-tonk with modern energy, which isn’t always the easiest route.

Collaborating with legends like Glen Duncan on *Tennessee Hills* and working with top-tier engineers like Mark Lambert were also risks in their own way. When you work with incredibly talented people, you have to rise to the occasion and bring your best. That pressure can be intimidating, but it also fuels growth.

Ultimately, I believe the biggest risk is not taking any at all. Playing it safe might feel comfortable, but it rarely leads to anything groundbreaking. Every great song, performance, or piece of art comes from stepping into the unknown and pushing beyond your comfort zone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.markhenes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markhenes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markhenesmusic
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhenes/
• Twitter: https://x.com/markhenesmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkHenes
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/markhenes

Image Credits
Laura Akins Photography