Interview with Mark Sean of Black Heart Saints

February 27, 2023

Interview with Mark Sean of Black Heart Saints

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 is greatly appreciated.

CV: What do you feel sets the band apart from other bands, especially those of similar sound and style? What specific allure does your sound and style have that has people taking notice?

Mark Sean: We have a very old school work ethic and mentality when it comes to our live show. You’ll notice that we don’t use backing tracks. Every show you come to see will be slightly different, but I believe that’s the essence of rock ‘n roll, and as a fan myself, I like the fact that each night may be different and sometimes you never know what to expect.

CV: For any band, dynamics is key to grabbing an audience's attention. What do you feel is the main ingredient to having such a captivating dynamic and being able to bring something more to the music?

MS: For nights where we are headlining or performing for a longer set, we like to plan our sets out where we start the show with some bangers with the intention of grabbing the audience’s attention. Then, halfway through the set, we may break out a ballad or lighter song before closing the night with some high energy choices. I think it’s crucial to plan sets that showcase all sides of the band to keep fans engaged.

CV: How would you describe the ultimate musical experience for your fans? And how does the band go about creating that musical vision, while generating the impact the band wants to have on its audience?

MS: Our fans expect a high octane performance each night, but also seem to enjoy our lighter songs as well. Sometimes it is hard to please everyone, but we strive to do our best each night to give fans an escape from their everyday lives through the power of music. We do everything we can to create a positive, uplifting experience where we can feed off of the energy that the crowd brings and give it back to them tenfold.

CV: The music business has always been one that regardless of who you are, where you came from or where you've been, you can either sink or swim. Does this type of realism have any effect on how the band drives itself to succeed?

MS: The music industry is hands-down the most difficult industry to make a buck. If you made any sort of money, you are probably in the top 10% of earners. You have to use all of your resources to succeed, and many times most of the work is done offstage when you look at the amount of hours you spend each week: promotion, rehearsing songs, booking shows, designing artwork, planning releases, working with your team, interacting with fans, etc.

CV: In your opinion, is there any middle ground for a band or is it a do or die climate in today's music industry?

MS: You have to give any and all energy to the greater cause, which is the “Almighty God of Rock ‘N Roll.” Middle ground and playing it safe might work for some, but they don’t tend to make it out of the garage.

CV: How would you describe the band's internal energy? Does the band’s outward appearance align with its true inward nature from your perspective?

MS: The band’s internal energy is an eternal flame that burns just as strong as it did in the beginning. We may be getting older each passing year, but what remains inside is the passion to give our audiences the best show we can muster. They deserve it.

CV: What's at the core of the band's songwriting approach? Are there certain elements that are considered when a song begins to take form and evolves?

MS: Instrumentally, most songs start on the guitar. You never know which elements may find their ways in to the process, but often times the best songs come as ideas when driving or in the shower.

CV: Do you allow things to just happen when writing; seeing where a song goes, or is there a certain course of action and structure you keep a song on, thus, essentially making it destined to achieve its overall potential?

MS: It’s important to keep an open mind and invite many influences into that mind to take root. The best songs borrow from those influences and may creep their way in without you even noticing.

CV: Do you feel how the fans and critics describe the band’s music accurately reflects how you would describe the band’s music?

MS: It’s all subjective at the end of the day. Sometimes we are surprised by the comparisons or descriptions. At the end of the day, if you’re digging it, you can call it whatever you want.

CV: Walk us through a typical show for the band...what can fans who have never seen you perform expect?

MS: One of the benefits to not relying on backing tracks is that each show can and will probably be a little different. We may decide to switch up the set list, pulling out an old favorite or something new we’ve been working on. Expect the unexpected.

CV: What more can fans look forward to seeing coming from the band?

MS: We are getting back to the studio soon to record a follow up single. We also have plenty of tour dates on the books.
CV: Thank you again Mark for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

MS: Thank you for sitting down with me and giving your audience a chance to discover our music.

Check out Black Heart Saint at:
Official: www.blackheartsaintsmusic.com

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, 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.