Today, we’d like to introduce you to Mark Baile.
Hi Mark, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I started playing music at the age of 5. My uncle had a wind-up 8-millimeter video camera that he taped me playing a guitar that was bigger than me at the time. From that point, there was no looking back. I played the guitar for a little while, and then, at the age of 9, I moved to the drums.
My parents loved that! I started a couple of bands in high school, even after high school. One band in particular, “The Dixie Hiway Band,” played close to 290 shows a year. I was in my glory; however, I felt there was still more I wanted to do. Then, in 1987, I picked back up my guitar and wrote my first ever song called “Something Inside,” I figured it was a one-and-done.
Little did I know it was only the beginning. At this point, I have written close to 1000 songs and currently have recorded and released 28 of them on three albums and four singles. Including my two top singles, “Sinners Son” and “The Reign (Taylor’s Song).”
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The music industry is a roller coaster ride, with extreme highs and extreme lows. There are times when you just get so beat up with the politics of the music industry you need to take a pause. That happened to me; I took a six-year pause, so my wife and I could focus on our marriage. However, my other love kept calling me music. I could not just walk away.
It is in my blood. I think the big thing about music is that we listen to the critics so much that we forget to follow our hearts. We need to remember the reason we play music in the first place, that is to express our love and passion for song. The hardest thing I had to do was learn not to focus on the critics so much but to focus on getting better at my craft every day. We have to learn there is an ear for every song.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
Monday through Thursday, I run an Automotive Shop in Westminster, Maryland, by the name of “Fisher Tire and Auto.” My good Friend, Greg Condon of “Condon’s Salvage Yard,” is the part owner. Prior to that, I was a teacher at “Lincoln College of Technology” for ten years; that was a rewarding job. I have been in the automotive industry for 38 years, during which I owned three automotive businesses.
The thing I am most proud of is my charity organization, “Big Country’s Toys.” I am celebrating 14 years of giving to the children of Maryland. I have a great team that helps me, which includes my dad, my wife, and my daughter. They are the true heroes. We have so many local businesses contributing and setting out collection boxes, all to help the children of Maryland.
When it comes to organizing the event, I cannot do it without my head elf, “Micky.” She is my superstar. Giving back to those who have fallen on hard times is so rewarding, even more to the children. We need to help keep their imagination and love alive. It is my hope that one day, they will continue my legacy.
What do you think about happiness?
I enjoy riding my motorcycle through the country. Spending time with our maker on a motorcycle is pretty amazing. I love writing a good song that makes the hair stand up on my arms and neck knowing that there was something magical in the moment of me putting it all together.
I love being married to my wife; we have been married for 30 years, and we have two children who are all grown up and one grandchild. We all have a great relationship. My wife is my is my best friend. I love to travel. My wife and I love Panama City Beach, Nashville, and Texas.
I love to motivate people. I believe in motivating others, and we motivate ourselves. I am truly happy just trying to live a little every day and not focus so much on the money we can put into a bank but more on the time that cannot be saved.
Pricing:
- Big Country Mafia Shirts $25.00
- Whoa Shirts $25.00
- 3-hour solo shows $350.00 plus Travel exp.
- 4-hour solo show $500.00 plus Travel Exp.
- Full Band Call for Pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: markbailemusic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/markbailemusic/
- Facebook: facebook.com/markbailemusic
- Youtube: youtube.com@markbailemusic
