Interview with Grand Funk Railroad Lead Singer and Guitarist Mark Farner

August 27, 2020

Interview with Grand Funk Railroad Lead Singer and Guitarist Mark Farner

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Mark! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all together different in your opinion?
Mark Farner: The levels are changing constantly and no one ever knows what turn will be next. It may be an individual who comes into your life and gives you that nudge or takes you by the hand and pulls you up. The music business, pretty much like the world, it is a mirage…nothing is as it appears to be.

CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is not an option?
MF: Call on friends to help you and accept the wisdom there is in the council of many.

CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?
MF: As far as the relevance of the lyrical content of a song, dig in...and the saturation point would be one to many courses.

CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?
MF: No, do not operate in debt consciousness! Trying to live up to the expectations of others it is impossible, so just concentrate on your own and don't be too hard on yourself.

CV: Do you find music, particularly your own music, as a means of relaxation? Does it have a calming effect on you? If not, where are you able to find peace when you need it?
MF: Not so much looking for the relaxation…looking for the enlightenment. This has a calming effect.

CV: For you, is songwriting a matter of lyrics first or melody first? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?
MF: I follow no specific formula. I do not try to pigeonhole my song to fit a certain genre. Stay true to the soul within you that is bringing the
inspiration.

CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...something that both the artist and listener can share?
MF: Writing about current life events and shining a ray of hope through the darkness.

CV: With venues closed, artists and bands ordered to stay put and live shows and tours canceled world-wide due to COVID-19, do you feel the music industry as a whole will rebound? Does it have what it takes to rebuild itself and will that rebuilding process rely heavily on the fans championing its comeback?
MF: Yes, absolutely the fans will have to champion the comeback. We're dealing with a lot of moving reports from the media and our leaders who are not always clear. I'm reminded of 1995 when the FCC changed the laws and the reason we have monopolies today. The truth takes effort to achieve, but my fans and music fans across the globe will keep fighting the good fight. Music is ingrained in our soul and it's never going to just go away.

CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?
MF: The revelation of utter truth in spite of mainstream lies we are fed...we have to learn how to say what is in our heart instead of what they put in our heads. What a world for a kid to have to grow up in eh?

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?
MF: Accept the unexpected…gearing up...the universe has a big appetite so I am intensely digging inward to the most uncontaminated inspirations. New music for sure and get ready for the great awakening as the forces of love overcome the darkness and the evil bringing it.

CV: Thank you again Mark for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

Check out Mark Farner at:
Official: www.markfarner.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mark_Farner_American_Band Twitter: www.twitter.com/REALMARKFARNER YouTube: www.youtube.com/Mark_Farner
Instagram: www.instagram.com/markfarners_americanband

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.