Mark McKinney

Mark McKinney’s music evokes good times, plain and simple. Whether going to a backyard kegger, painting the town red with your rowdy friends, or simply being with those people who know you better than anyone else, Mark McKinney’s music takes you there. Equipped with a positive outlook and a true passion for creating and sharing music, McKinney is bursting onto the scene and having the time of his life. For his debut solo album, Get It On, McKinney took from his own experiences (as well as those of his closest friends and family) to produce a collection of songs that has been appropriately described as “foot-stompin’, sing-a-long, ornery country with a strong melody.” The album is, in Mark’s own words, “a journey through the mind of a Southern man.” And yet something in the fun and honesty applies to everyone – we can all relate to and take a little something from his music. McKinney, born and raised in Big Spring, TX, distinguishes himself from the typical “rockin’ country” artist by drawing from a wide range of influences. He credits his father for instilling in him an appreciation for upbeat, energetic songs. He blends his musical tastes as easily as drinking beer and eating barbecue, and he admits to a diverse musical background. “Although I grew up listening to country legends like Willie Nelson and Charlie Daniels, I was also heavily influenced by rock and pop.” This blend of influences has helped secure Mark a unique place on the Texas scene – and helped keep him from getting boxed into one genre. For Get It On, Mark teamed up with his best friend, Nashville-based producer Rob Dennis (Cross Canadian Ragweed, Back to Tulsa: Live and Loud at Cain's CD/DVD), who, along with producing Get It On, recently formed the independent record label Super Loud Music – the label Mark now calls home. In preparation for Get It On’s completion, Mark has been busy shuttling between Nashville and Austin – stopping only long enough to delight Texas country fans with his live show. While working on his debut CD Mark also managed to maintain his Texas ties, recently writing with the legendary Kevin Fowler. Together the pair wrote a song called “What's Your Point,” which is slated to appear on Fowler's own upcoming record. Kevin has also placed Mark on many of his tour dates, and on stage the two of them bring a level of full-throttle entertainment not usually to be expected at country shows. With the release of Get It On just around the corner, Mark is constantly reinventing his live show and playing a full schedule of dates across Texas. He’s currently a star on the rise with the background, experience, and attitude needed to bring great new music to Texas – and, if things go as planned, to the world. Mark McKinney is blazing onto the scene in a big way, and bringing the good times with him.