We previously featured Mark Shepherd for his powerful and important call to action, World on Fire, so when we heard that the talented artist had just released Don’t Stop Walking, we couldn’t wait to listen and feed back!
Drawing us in with a moody, acoustic dark country energy, Mark Shepherd opens Don’t Stop Walking with a tale as the sings with drama and charisma, “You’re walking down the alleyway in the darkness, in the daylight it’s the short way home, but now in the night it feels so scary when you find yourself out here again…”
We immediately connect with the metaphorical and also literal nature of what Mark Shepherd shares with his poetic prowess and tangible ability to take us on a narrative driven adventure.
His words heed warning, whilst simultaneously conveying a self-reflective and optimistic nature. For this internal trip, we are grateful. We learn that Don’t Stop Walking is “about being frightened walking home at night.” Mark says, it is “inspired by childhood memories and recent stories in the news, it’s a potent piece of work that anyone who has ever walked home at night can relate to. And that’s pretty much everyone.”
When discussing influences, Mark tells us that he grew up listening to Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Jimi Hendrix as well as Miles Davis and Kraftwerk, Devo and Gary Numan, which are great references, but what the vibe that Mark creates is true to his own imprint.
Mark Shepherd’s sonic output is intended to “explore the stygian side of life with a rough warmth sure to stay with you long after you finish listening.”
We love the sound, we love the message, and we have added Don’t Stop Walking to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Mark Shepherd’s expanding discography!