Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Rohrer.
Hi Mark, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on the east coast in Ocean City, MD doing all the classic things a kid in a beach town would do. Being immersed in the culture of skateboarding, surfing, and 2000’s video games grew my affinity for all sorts of alternative music. It wasn’t until 10 year old me got ahold of ‘Guitar Hero II’ as a Christmas gift that I became enamored with the guitar and drums and thus began my journey of being a self-taught musician. From learning rock riffs in my bedroom, to starting bands with friends, and eventually touring all around the country, I’ve landed here in Nashville, still doing the thing!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Staying on track and not losing your sense of self can prove rather difficult when there isn’t really a “finish line”. Getting older and growing as a person directly affects your goals as an artist, and sometimes that means you may have to pivot in a big way. Most musicians I know aren’t making a living solely from music, so working a full time job to make ends meet and staying motivated to create in your off time can be challenging.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I’m not performing with various projects around Nashville and writing music at home, I pay my bills as a “Pedal Librarian” at Eastside Music Supply. Eastside has been a pillar of the community here in town for over a decade providing access to tons of rad gear, especially effects pedals. I get to work alongside like-minded effects-freaks who I also get to call my friends. It’s fun to help people find that new and exciting thing, and getting to sit around the shop playing with cool gear ain’t too shabby either!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
There’s a ridiculous amount of talent in this city. The underground music scene is home to incredible bands of all genres, not just the stuff Nashville is “famous” for. Noise shows in DIY spaces, hardcore bands playing in bowling alleys, and a classic honky-tonk are all things you can see in one night, and you’d still miss out on other cool stuff happening. The food and coffee scene here is pretty amazing too.
Nashville is expensive. The tourism/downtown scene has become a caricature of itself. It can be hard to find things to do other than go to shows, eat, and drink… Although I’m probably a bit biased because I’d rather be at the beach!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wickedslicklizard
