Exposed Vocals just sat down with Mark DiPino “talks music sharing as an independent artist”

Mark DiPino is a dynamic singer and songwriter from Connecticut, USA whose style and sound is incomparable to other artists in the genres of rock and alternative. A fan described his voice as being “smooth like butter on warm toast.” His songs are upbeat and genuine and they’re great to sing along to. He has a variety of musical influences including The Beatles, Tom Petty, The Eagles, Bob Marley, U2, Journey, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Goo Goo Dolls, Stone Temple Pilots, Maroon 5, Kenny Chesney and so many others.

Mark began singing at an early age and played in bands throughout his life where his passion for singing, songwriting and performing was always evident. His new album ‘Rocksuscitation’ has received stellar reviews for its honesty and relatable lyrical content. It’s the culmination of a wide array of thoughts, emotions and life experiences and it’s available on Bandcamp, Itunes, Amazon, Google Play, CD baby, Spotify and Apple Music. The album was produced by Brian Lanese, frontman for LA funk rock band Permanent Ability and features Orlando Mestre on guitars and Joe Palladino on drums.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Mark DiPino: I grew up in Wallingford, CT and I started singing and playing guitar in my teens. When I sang people would good things about my voice which inspired me to get with friends to play and write songs. I was influenced by a lot of the artists in the late 80’s and 90’s like U2, Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms, Stone Temple Pilots, Oasis, Third Eye Blind and Foo Fighters.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Mark DiPino: As a solo artist I thought it’d be cool to just use my name Mark DiPino.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Mark DiPino: I think it’s great because it’s enabled indie artists like me to get my music heard all over the world in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Technology has changed everything and musicians need to find creative ways to make money in the new music business. Yeah I give my CDs to people all the time because I really just want them to hear the music. I also give free downloads to my songs on my website www.markdipino.com.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Mark DiPino: I’m stilling learning how to do that myself lol. I think you just try to build mutually beneficial relationships and treat people with respect. If someone helps you get a gig or share your music make sure to return the favor and help them too if you can.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Mark DiPino: Oh sure, I miss some notes here and there but as long as people are having a good time that’s really the most important thing to me.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Mark DiPino: I don’t tour…yet. I play local shows near my hometown and I hope to do more live stuff soon. I’d love to play more shows around the country and world though.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Mark DiPino: It varies, sometimes a lyric or melody pops into my head and I just run with it. I always try to record it so I can build on it later. Other times I’m just messing around on the guitar and I come up with a chord progression and I hear a melody then I start to structure it into a song with verse, chorus, bridge, etc. I’m always rewriting the lyrics and melody too. I’ll listen to the instrumental version of the songs in my car and try to come with something vocally I’m happy with.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Mark DiPino: Yes, www.markdipino.com. I have a Facebook music page called Mark DiPino Music. I’m also on Twitter @MJDiPino and Instagram at lmtsinger. I share most of my music on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and Soundcloud. My music is available on all the digital sites such as Bandcamp, Itunes, Amazon, Cdbaby, Google Play, Spotify, Amazon Music, Iheart Radio, etc.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Mark DiPino: Umm probably some Britney Spears stuff lol. But  I like all kinds of music and all different genres so I’m not really embarrassed by it.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Mark DiPino: Hmmm…I’d definitely travel all over the world. I’d visit every continent to experience all the different cultures. I’d also like to go to all of the major league ballparks to see a game. I’d start at Fenway Park in Boston, MA and head south/west.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Mark DiPino: I record on protools with my producer Brian Lanese, frontman for LA funk rock band Permanent Ability. Orlando Mestre played guitars and Joe Palladino played drums on my my albums Everybody Has a Story and Rocksuscitation.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Mark DiPino: I’m trying to do more visual forms of promotion like lyric videos. People seem to be more interested in music videos then just songs.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Mark DiPino: I’d love to play at Madison Square Garden with U2 because they’ve always been one of my favorite live bands. In my experience there is always a great vibe of peace and goodwill at their shows and they’re nice people like many of their fans. Playing with Led Zeppelin with John Bonham on drums would also be a dream for me since they are the greatest rock band of all time in my opinion.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Mark DiPino: I’ll be releasing a new single very soon followed by more live shows in Connecticut. I’m also working on new songs I hope to record asap.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Mark DiPino: I am a licensed massage therapist and I’m fortunate to have many great clients I have the privilege of helping regularly.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Mark DiPino: I remember buying Van Halen’s 5150 on vinyl at a record store in a mall in Connecticut in 1986. I was excited to hear how they sounded with Sammy Hagar on vocals. I still love that album but in my opinion Van Halen’s best music was with David Lee Roth as their frontman.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Mark DiPino: It’s difficult at times but I just try to use my time wisely and be creative and productive as much as possible. I’m fortunate to have great friends and family members who are supportive of my music.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2018?

Mark DiPino: New music and live shows in 2018! Stay tuned!