We were lucky to catch up with Mark Shiba recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mark thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

During my six years in the Navy as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer, I supervised the operation of nuclear reactors on an aircraft carrier. This role demanded immense discipline, focus, and the ability to thrive under pressure—skills that have proven invaluable in my transition to a full-time singer-songwriter.

Working in the nuclear reactors department involved long, intense days filled with high-stakes responsibilities. Deployments often meant months away from home, standing watch through the night, and navigating a constantly stressful environment. Although I’ve moved on from that technical realm, the core principles of hard work and sacrifice remain central to my journey as a musician.

Now, instead of monitoring reactors, I dedicate hours to my guitar, crafting songs with the hope of touching the hearts of those who hear them. The songwriting process requires a similar level of commitment and focus. Just like in the control room, it’s about patience and persistence—sitting with a song as it slowly reveals itself. Each note and lyric demands the same dedication I applied to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of a nuclear reactor. While the missions may differ, the blueprint for success—discipline, knowledge, and a relentless pursuit of improvement—remains the same.

Mark, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Mark Shiiba, and I grew up in the small college town of Swarthmore, just outside Philadelphia. My childhood was largely centered around soccer, where my brothers and I dreamed of becoming professional players. I even had the chance to play for the first Philadelphia Union youth academy team. However, my decision to play soccer at the Naval Academy shifted my life onto a different path—one that turned out to be both challenging and adventurous, and surprisingly full of music.

While music was always a casual hobby during high school, it became a vital outlet as I navigated my journey through the Naval Academy and my six years of service. Over time, songwriting evolved from a pastime into a passion, ultimately revealing itself as my life’s work. I realized I wanted to share my songs with the world.

Since leaving my role as a Naval Officer in June 2023, I’ve embarked on a new mission: to create music that is raw and authentic, designed to resonate with people on their own journeys. My songwriting often delves into the more challenging aspects of life—topics like death, loss, grief, forgiveness, and the mysterious forces many refer to as God. I believe that exploring these themes can help others navigate their own experiences, just as music has guided me.

I’m proud to craft songs that not only reflect my personal journey but also connect deeply with listeners, offering solace and understanding in their toughest moments. My hope is that through my music, I can foster a sense of community and support, inviting others to share in the journey of life together.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As an artist, my goal is not so much an external aim, but more a desire for internal alignment with my identity as a co-creator of the universe.

From a practical standpoint as an independent artist, my aim is to sustainably support my creative practice. This financial stability allows me to focus on what matters most: being a patient and honest songwriter. I want to continue creating music that resonates with others and fosters genuine connections, all while staying true to my artistic vision.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best way to support artists and creatives is to engage with your local community. Seek out the artists who inspire you, attend their performances, and share your experiences with friends. Invest your time and resources in your local creative scene—it makes a meaningful difference!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://markshiiba.com
• Instagram: @markshiibamusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560794066940
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markshiibamusic
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@markshiiba

Image Credits

All imagines by Grace Gilligan