We recently connected with Mark Buchwald and have shared our conversation below.
Mark, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
In certain areas I really had no choice, I was basically born into music. Early on, the stage was my playground where I got to play around with all kinds of instruments, be on the road and learn the business. I navigated towards the drums mostly. I studied drumming both with teachers and privately with drum professionals. From there I just picked up other instruments on my own. I learned the recording process from my late Uncle and ultimately built my own recording studio in my house. I don’t see the learning process in terms of time or speed, but as a journey itself. I’ve been involved in many projects, many bands, worked with many musicians, some who have continued in music and some that have not. The biggest skill that is most essential for me is to continue to be the ultimate professional and to learn to still enjoy rehearsing, individual practicing and all the business things that go on the back end, and to sometimes take calculated risks. The only obstacle to learning comes from within. You must understand the process in learning, persistence, wanting to learn and just diving into whatever interests you. I believe the underlying theme in all of this is being yourself. I saw a great quote that says, “The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action.” Do the work!
Mark, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I come from a family of musicians and music professionals. I always have multiple projects going on at once including drumming for a new country star out of West Virginia named Carson Hay, releasing electronic albums under my name Policy, studio session work or various other projects in the studio as a producer/engineer. I toured all over the US and Canada as a kid and basically travelled with the road crew. Right out of high school I had the opportunity to move to Los Angeles, CA where I earned some wings and got to study with some great drummers out there. Currently I have also taken on the role as a mentor, manager, and consultant within the projects I’m involved with. Even though I’m the drummer in the back, I’ve been told I’m the heart a soul of the project. I think what sets me apart is my work ethic and my ability to earn the role as a servant leader. My preparation and attention to the details is key to our success along with capitalizing on opportunities. Some may think opportunities come easy being from a family in the music business, but it still takes a proactive approach, a skillset to selling a brand, networking, creativity, taking risks, finding solutions, going above and beyond for a client, delegation and being professional.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I think the best way for an independent artist or record label is to take advantage of the tools that are provided. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Thread, Youtube as well as music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer etc. are excellent platforms to inform users of your music and sell your brand. I think of it as a grassroots campaign. An official website also works very well as there is usually email blasts tools that can be executed. My advice is to decide on what you are going to focus on with the use of social media. I tend to not get into personal issues or details and keep it all business with regular content. Be patient, it will take time to build an audience of followers and fans. Remember Spotify is not the end all. I receive weekly reports where I get good numbers of plays, views and shazam’s on other platforms all around the world. Lastly, sell, sell, sell. Become a salesperson for your brand and engage in conversation. Everyone loves music. Striking up a simple conversation about music can quickly lead to a follower and ultimately a fan.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is composing a song or drum part or learning a new drum fill or guitar lick or learning a new recording trick is that I enjoy it the most! Again, I always stress to be yourself when it comes to music composition. Even on the business end of things, coming up with a creative marketing plan or idea that comes to fruition and has a return on investment. I also think it’s very rewarding when you can teach or mentor someone else who participates in the success. Remember, a part of what made Micheal Jordan the greatest is not only did he want to succeed himself, but he wanted others to share in that success. I get somewhat stunned at how many people react in a positive way towards the music I’m creating. These harmonious frequencies and lyrics can move emotions and bodies in such a positive way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.policymusic.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpolicy1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MPolicy1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72567916/admin/feed/posts/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MPolicy1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5F5Lu_AeAkJClmBwnV-kQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mpolicy?lang=en https://carsonhay.com/
Image Credits
Michael P. Zaremba Tommy Kneeland Mark Buchwald Abby Buchwald Dave Burzanko