With the taunting words “I dare you”, Mark Lorenz turned an adolescent dare into a Canadian Country Recording artist career, that to date has spanned 25 years.

 

Born and raised on a farm just north of Airdrie, Alberta, Mark Lorenz lived and breathed the country life. Learning to ride a horse and drive a tractor was an everyday activity.

 

“Country wasn’t just a style of music; it was a way of life for my family and me.”

 

Mark’s parents raised and trained Pure Breed Morgan Horses. As a family they would tour across Western Canada and the United States showing. The highway was already calling Mark’s name… but it would take a few more years, and a dare for Mark to understand why…

 

“When I was 17, some friends and I were shopping for a birthday present for a buddy that had everything. We were walking through a mall in Calgary, and came across a small recording studio. After some taunting, maybe even a couple of chicken calls, I ended up recording a song. And the rest is history.”

 

After recording his first song, Mark was approached by the recording engineer and asked if he wanted to enter a local singing contest.

 

“I wasn’t sure what to say… I said I didn’t know, but as usual my friends were there to talk me into it…”

 

Mark won that singing contest.

 

At the age of 19, Mark put together his first band and hit the road. Playing night clubs and honky-tonk bars across Alberta. As word spread and his bands popularity soared, Mark began playing venues outside of Alberta. Within two years, Mark and his band were playing coast to coast across Canada and the United States.

 

In 1996, with his ever growing popularity, Mark was invited to perform at a new artist showcase at the world famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. His performance in the ‘squared circle’ only strengthened his desire to follow his dream.

 

In 1999, Mark hit the studio and recorded “Reputation”, a six song EP. His debut single to Canadian radio, “Reputation”, got airplay across western Canada. A music video soon followed and was shot on location in Mark’s home town.

 

Mark hit the road again, touring to support his first single. Mark spent the next five years touring and honing his song writing skills. Mark made frequent trips to Nashville and wrote with some of Nashville’s top writers.

 

In 2006, Mark released his first full length album titled, “Black”. Mark wrote all but one song on this album. “Sweet Summer Nights” was the first single from “Black” to hit radio, and was followed up with three more singles that charted in the Canadian Top 100.

 

Mark continued travelling back and forth to Nashville, writing and performing at famous Nashville haunts, The Bluebird Café, The Stage, Wild Horse Saloon and became a regular performing at Tootsies.

 

In 2008, Mark began recording his second full length album, “Route 72”. The first single, “You Wreck Me”, co-written with Julian Austin, gained Mark Canadian and US radio plays. Four more singles would head to radio, followed by two music videos shot for “Like a Radio” and “Somewhere in Alberta”.

 

Mark has a brand new project out "This Old Guitar & Me" It's a new collection of songs wrote or co-wrote for a brand new sound, and a brand new project. Check out the newest video for "My Way Back Home" on all of Mark's social media platforms.

 

With 12 Canadian and worldwide radio releases, 6 music videos and countless co-writes on other artists projects, Mark shows no signs of stopping.

 

“I can’t see myself doing anything else; it’s a passion that drives me to want to do bigger things everyday”

 

Mark Lorenz’s passion for performing, and his drive to succeed are only limited by the amount of hours in a day. Mark and his band have played venues from 5-50,000 people. Each year brings something new for Mark. Make sure and stay tuned to what the future holds.

 

“I can’t wait to see you on the road at a show real soon” Mark Lorenz