Front Deck Boom Box: Cory Marks

Outlaw-country-rock artist, Cory Marks recently released his new EP titled Nashville Nights, which features his latest single, In Me I Trust, as well as a live version of the boot stomping anthem, Blame It On The Double, which we crowned as Song of the Day back in June. Nashville Nights is the follow-up to Nashville Mornings, which was released earlier this year.

Mixing country music with the hard-hitting stomp of rock and roll, Cory began playing drums at ten years old. Whenever he wasn’t banging along to songs by Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rush, he was listening to his parents’ country records, developing a deep appreciation for outlaws like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. Those two genres — classic country and amped-up rock — would eventually join forces in Cory’ own music, earning him a string of gigs with heavyweights like Toby Keith and Brantley Gilbert along the way. 

In 2019, his single, Outlaws and Outsiders, which features country music icon Travis Tritt, Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, and Mick Mars of Motley Crue, was a global hit, receiving more than 33 million streams worldwide, trending near the top of Shazam’s all-genre discovery charts alongside some of the biggest names in music, and already certified gold in Cory’s home country of Canada. He released his critically acclaimed debut album, Who I Am in 2020.

We caught up with Cory to find out what songs he’s listening to for this week’s Front Deck Boom Box.

1. Back From The Dead - Halestorm 

This new track from Halestorm is pure fire! Lzzy's vocals are just so powerful and this song cuts right through your speakers. After touring with them the first 2 weeks of September and seeing this being performed during sound check and live in front of thousands, it doesn't change – it just kicks ass. Lyrically, melodically, rhythmically and musically. Great band, great rock song! 

2. Nah! (Red "Pop" version) - Shania Twain 

I love the message or story in this song and it just flows so good. I mean, it's Mutt Lange and Shania, enough said. The guitar tones, musical arrangements and overall production I think is just so damn good. Even though it's more of a breakup song, it still makes you feel good and leaves you feeling more happy than sad either way! Shania and I are both from smaller Northern Ontario cities. I bet this seems shocking as one of my picks, but I gotta support! 

3. Summer Nights - Van Halen 

I've been on a huge Van Halen kick all summer and there's something about this song that just makes me feel great and gives you nothing but summer time vibes! The lyrics really remind me of my "Summer Nights" when I was younger in my late teens, early twenties. Great chorus and good feeling song! 

4. Back To The Barrooms - Merle Haggard 

There are so many songs by this man that I love. His writing and vocals are just unmatched in my opinion. He was just so pure and so real. This is a classic country song by Merle that I've been digging a lot lately but there is also a bluegrass version of this song by J.D Crowe & The New South that I may even like better because of its bluegrass roots and harmonies. Really brings you back in time! 

5. Stick That In Your Country Song - Eric Church 

I've been a huge fan of "Chief" since I saw him open for Brad Paisley in Toronto around 2011 and it's crazy to see just how big he's gotten since. Like Merle, there are many of his songs that I love and connect with but this one speaks volumes as to where country radio has been for the past 6-7 years and how it needs to change, and I really couldn't agree more. Eric found a way to write country songs but give them a rock edge and that's where I'm going too ... Still got a lot of boot left to fill. 

Keep up to date with Cory Marks on his Facebook page here.
And check out some more of our Front Deck Boom Box series here.

Image: Supplied