By: Rebecca Lister
OCTOBER 6th, 2017
“I was so fascinated by Aerosmith, and as soon as I heard it I was like, ‘what is this? This is fantastic music!’ And so basically, that’s when I kind of sold my soul, if you will.”
When did you first know you wanted to play music?
It all started in the 3rd grade. My dad took me to Disney World and took me on the Rock and Roller coaster and I was so fascinated by Aerosmith, and as soon as I heard it I was like, “what is this? This is fantastic music!” And so basically, that’s when I kind of sold my soul, if you will.
Image curtesy of Mark Gentile
How often do you play?
Every day. But, I think rest days are definitely important so you can get refreshed. You’re always learning. A lot of people kind of get content with knowing what they know and they don’t expand, but I think it’s important to consistently learn.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Life! Life. I find it very boring to be stagnant, to stay in the same place and be complacent. I find it important to let inspiration find you instead of trying to find it because then you’re almost forcing something that isn’t there.
What are your goals for your music career?
So, I don’t want to be the man, you know, pop star who all the lights shine on as the main act. I want to be the side kick who does his job really well, but at the same time I can go out to a restaurant and nobody asks me for my autograph or wants a picture.
I basically want all the benefits of the music lifestyle without the fame.
Why do you play music? What does it mean to you and what does it bring to your life?
A lot! For me, personally, it brings me happiness. And then, also it brings other people together and makes other people happy. That’s what I really get the most out of.
For me there’s nothing like showing up to a gig where the place is empty and then by the time you’re done, you have the whole place dancing and having a great time. Then, at the end of the night, they come up and thank you for playing. For me there’s no greater satisfaction.
The members of Bunktown, from left: Ephraim Lowell (drums), Mike Gravel (guitar), Mark Gentile (guitar), and Dalton Makrush (bass)
Image curtesy of Mark Gentile
“I really like this little box! It makes everything very woody, transparent and natural.”
About the CloseUp System…
I really like this little box! It makes everything very woody, transparent and natural, much different than an acoustic pickup…it’s that good!
YH Team Member: “So you’re hearing your pickup through the speaker again now. Ok, through the monitor. You can hear the difference?”
Yeah, mine sounds like S*#T now!
Mark Gentile & his trusty guitar
Image curtesy of Mark Gentile
Mark often plays with bandmate and fellow guitarist and singer Mike Gravel. The two are featured together in this exclusive demo video: