Country-rock artist Cory Marks has spent most of 2025 playing nearly 100 shows across eight countries, blending gritty rock energy with country storytelling in a way that feels entirely his own. Marks recently released his fourth album, SORRY FOR NOTHING VOLUME 2, a record that pushes his signature blend of grit, melody, and storytelling even further. With new songs rooted in real-life experiences and his unmistakable edge, the album marks an exciting next chapter for the rising artist.
Currently opening for heavy-music legends Sevendust, Marks is winning over new fans every night—armed with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and a whole lot of heart.
We caught up with Cory to talk about his tour, his dream Canadian vacations, his life as a licensed pilot, and his new album that blends country and rock in a way that speaks to fans of both worlds.
You’re out on tour with Sevendust—some of my favorite people. Any tour highlights so far?
We’re seven shows in, and honestly the whole run has been amazing. The fans have been full, loud, and incredibly receptive—even though I’m a country-rock act opening solo acoustic for Sevendust. One standout moment was their cover of Hurt by Nine Inch Nails. It hit me hard last night—it’s emotional, and LJ sings it so well. Definitely a highlight.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Canada this year. If you could send travelers on a perfect Canadian getaway, what would it be?
Canada has so many beautiful places, so it’s tough. But for me, it would be the Toronto Air Show during the Canadian National Exhibition. It’s always the last weekend before kids go back to school. We head down to Toronto for a couple days—it’s right on the lake, with concerts at night and a huge air show during the day. That’s my ideal getaway before festival season ends.
You’re a pilot—which is a unique combination for a music artist. What would your perfect flight plan be?
Ideally, I’d love to fly everywhere I need to go. But I fly out of North Bay and love heading toward Muskoka. It’s beautiful—tons of celebrities have cottages there. My fiancée and I will fly down for what we call the “$100 hamburger”—it’s a 40-minute flight, gorgeous scenery, grab food, fly home. Perfect day.
I’ve heard you’re training for your floatplane rating. Why is that important to you?
Northern Ontario is full of lakes—if you have the license, you can land almost anywhere. I’ve always loved flying fast and aerobatics, but as I get older, I love the idea of being able to land on a lake, cast a line, and fish with my dad. Taking him up in a floatplane, catching dinner, and flying home—that’s the dream.
With the holidays coming up, do you have any favorite traditions?
Honestly, just being home with my parents. Big dinners, lots of laughs. We always do Christmas crackers—the “pop” kind with jokes, paper crowns, and little toys. It’s silly but fun, and we always end up taking a family photo with everyone wearing those funny crowns.
I’ve been listening to the album and love the blend of country and rock. Can you talk about “Are You With Me”?
Thank you! I love both genres, but the industry often pushes artists to “pick a lane.” My answer is always: Why pick a lane when I’m painting my own? “Are You With Me” is for people like you—fans who love both country and rock. It starts country, then the chorus hits with rock energy. It’s my love letter to listeners who give my music a chance.
Has a place ever inspired a song?
Bars, mostly! Blame It on the Devil definitely came from that world. But “Sorry for Nothing” pulls straight from my childhood—dead-end street, parents working hard—those lyrics are real.
Must-pack travel items?
Toothbrush, hairbrush, comfy shoes.
What is your craziest travel story?
Nothing too wild—knock on wood. But the coolest? Flying myself to shows the last few summers. There’s a freedom to it. Some people get that from a motorcycle—I get it from flying.
What’s coming up next year?
We’re booking festivals now, looking at a few tour offers, and hoping to release more music. I want more touring in the U.S., and hopefully Europe and the UK again. This year I played almost 100 shows in eight countries—I’d love 2026 to look the same.