Interview: Mark Vogel
Big welcome to Mark Vogel! We would love to hear more about your story - where you started and where you are now?
My music story started at the age of 4 at the piano. My dad was a musician and taught me at first; and then when I was 7, I was pretty advanced so they found me an amazing teacher, Maude Kuborn. She was the valedictorian at USC and could play anything! She was blind, but taught me that it wasn’t necessarily a handicap. She could tell when I was fingering the keys properly just by listening!
I used to rewrite the endings to some of the classics from Beethoven to Mozart. Some teachers would hit you over the knuckles with a ruler for doing such a thing, but Mrs. Kuborn would smile and say, “I know, you know how that really goes...” I’d say, “yeah, but I like my ending better”. She made me a deal that if I always learned how to play it as written, I could do whatever I wanted.
She knew then that I would be a composer, arranger.
Tell us how this year is kicking off for you? Any new projects?
Wow...what a question, and yes! In the pandemic, I wasn’t sure what would happen, and with technology the way it is, I actually produced more music than other years. Artists were ready to record a lot of music, simply because the live performance part of our lives came to a halt...a screeching halt. So, as a record producer, it was a busy year. One of my records from 2019 signed with a subsidiary of Sony for distribution. Another one of my clients has a deal with Interscope; and a major world wide project is in the works that I couldn’t be more excited about will be announced this spring! Stay tuned for sure! This is a quote from Paul Lambert, who brought me on board. “Mark is exceptionally talented, has all of the tools but has a spectacular imagination that is beyond what anyone could expect. Just amazing. We are proud to have locked him in for our huge international Musical in development to be announce in April.”
If you could pick just one - what has been your favorite project you have worked on and why?
That’s the hardest question ever! I love my projects and always chose people I love to work with. That being said, being on the number one television show FULL HOUSE brought so much great music and great friendships, I’ll choose it! It also happens to STILL be on television and that is pretty awesome.
What solid advice can you give to anyone in the industry that may be feeling down or that want to give up?
This may sound cliche, but DON’T ever give up. I believe things happen when they’re supposed to happen. Keep making GREAT music and keep working hard so you’re ready when it happens! Also, you NEVER know where your hit is going to come from, so just stay ready for it.
Tell us where to find you on social media and keep up with you?
Instagram: markvogelmusic
