Mark D. Conklin

Conklin's tunes a big hit at The Minstrel. - MorristownGreen.com

BRANCHBURG — The accolades for Branchburg singer and songwriter, Mark D. Conklin, just keep coming.

Over the last few years, he’s been nominated for a slew of songwriting awards by prestigious organizations like the Nashville Songwriters Association International, Billboard Magazine, the L.A. Music Awards and the New York Songwriters Circle.

Most recently, a song he co-wrote and produced won the Independent Music Award for Country Song of the Year. And the album it appears in has been nominated for Best Country Album at the L.A. Music Awards.

So it’s no surprise that the South Plainfield native is now being honored by his current hometown. The Branchburg Rotary Club has chosen Conklin as a “Best of Branchburg 2011” honoree in its 17th Annual Best of Branchburg Awards. The reception will be held on May 7 at Raritan Valley Community College.

“It recognizes accomplished individuals in the field of arts — artists, authors, poets. There are five honorees and I got selected for it,” Conklin told the Messenger-Gazette. “It was a total surprise. So, that’ll be pretty cool.”

Like a lot of kids, Conklin started playing guitar at the age of 13. The rest, as they say, is history. Music has turned into a lifelong professional journey that has seen him write, perform and produce for more than 20 years.

“I’ve done the whole gamut of cover bands and bar bands all the way up and down the East Coast,” he said.

Conklin has performed the blues, rock, pop, folk country, played in funk acts in the ‘90s, and even produced bands at Electric Lady Studios, Jimi Hendrix’s legendary recording Mecca in New York City.

“Elvis made me want to sing. The Beatles made me want to write songs. And Clapton, Prince and Stevie Ray (Vaughn) made me want to play guitar,” he added.

A recent addition to his repertoire has been country music. In fact, Nashville is a place where he’s been spending a lot of time recently.

“I kind of made a left turn and started going to Nashville on a fluke really. My sister lives there. People just stated asking me to do some demos for them. The next thing I knew I was writing country songs and flying back and forth to Nashville for the last four years,” said Conklin. “It’s kind of my home away from home, as it were.”

Although his roots, because of his father’s influence, are in classic country songs like those of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline, Conklin has been writing more contemporary, pop-oriented country material.

Conklin released his first full-length CD in 2010. Titled “It’s About Time,” it can be purchased on his web site at markdconklin.com.

“Because of the CD, I’ve gotten songs on television. Now there’s a movie coming out that’s going to have a Christmas song I’ve written and recorded. It’s with Tom Arnold and it’s called “Walk a Mile in my Pradas,’” he said.

So, what’s next for a musician with such a solid, flourishing career?

According to Conklin, the next few months he will be busy booking and hosting a musical series called “The Nashville Hitmakers” at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, and heading the launch of its new Internet radio station.

He’ll also be avidly watching the country charts because a single he co-wrote — “Wait” sung by Amber Hayes — is currently positioned at number 77, and climbing.

And he’ll continue to write music and tour in New Jersey and Nashville. Conklin says he performs live at least two or three times a month.

His next gig will be his annual birthday concert at the Watchung Arts Center this Saturday at 8 p.m.

- NJ.com / Messenger-Gazette

New Jersey Songwriter/Producer Mark D. Conklin has spent the better part of the last decade writing and producing songs for other artists. On Saturday, March 27th at 7:30pm at the Watchung Arts Center in Watchung, NJ, he will debut and perform songs from his first full length CD as a recording artist, appropriately titled "It's About Time." Conklin states, "The reason for the album title is twofold." "First, for years friends and fans have been asking for and encouraging me to record my own CD. Second, we've all been given a limited amount of time on this earth. I've come to believe that it's important to pursue the passions and dreams that have been given to us while we still have the time to do it. Not only am I pursuing my passions as an artist but perhaps in doing so, I'll encourage others to follow their dreams, whatever it is, no matter what your age, ignore the doubters, and just go for it." The event will coincide with his 40th birthday or as he calls it, "combination CD release and beginning of my mid-life-crisis party."

Conklin describes himself as a singer/songwriter "Like Springsteen, only funnier, but not NEARLY as cool!" He is known for his satirical and soulful style of music and engaging performances in the vein of John Hiatt and Randy Newman. The album consists of songs that blend his musical background in classic rock and blues with the craft of Nashville songwriting, which he has spent honing over the last four years while commuting to Music City. "I wanted to write music and lyrics that people my age could relate to," he adds. "It seems like all the new music that's coming out is geared toward kids and the rest of us are forced to listen to "oldies" stations." He laughs, "It's not folk music, it's GROWN folk music!"

James Longo, Talent Agent for the Watchung Arts Center had this to say about Mark: "Mark Conklin is a musical monster. Not only does he possess a terrific voice—his tunes are beautifully crafted, cleverly written and instantly likeable. The man's got a seemingly inexhaustible supply of great licks, memorable phrases and terrific melodies which suck you in the first time you hear them. He's one of those gifted songwriters that can actually sell all of his goods entirely by his lonesome. You're in for a treat if you happen to catch this guy's work—and make the effort. You're gonna leave humming a whole new set of tunes."

Conklin recently reached the Top Ten on the Billboard Blues Charts with his song "Fast Lane Addiction" recorded by Shannon Curfman, and a song he wrote and produced called "Country Living" has just been nominated for the IMA Country Song of the Year.

The performance on March 27th will feature special guest Chris Yurchuck. Tickets are $17 in advance and $21 at the door. All in attendance will receive a free copy of the new CD and will enjoy a wine, cheese and dessert reception. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.markdconklin.com
- The Alternative Press

FOX & Friends national cable network did a feature segment on Mark D. Conklin's "We Say Merry Christmas" Anthem. - FOX & Friends

New Jersey singer/songwriter Mark D. Conklin, who describes himself as "like Springsteen, only funnier but not NEARLY as cool" has released a new rockin' Christmas song poking fun at the recently heavily debated topic of holiday political correctness. Portions of the net proceeds raised from downloads of the tune will be donated in support of U.S. troops this holiday season. "We decided to donate the money," said Conklin, "to the people who serve to defend our freedom to celebrate, or not, in the manner we choose."

The song, entitled "We Say Merry Christmas" and accompanying music video has a serious message: LIGHTEN UP! Conklin, who claims to be neither very conservative nor liberal, says this is one topic his friends who support both sides of the aisle seem to agree upon. "The idea that someone is offended when someone wishes them Merry Christmas is unbelievable to a lot of us," he states. "I mean," he adds with laughter, "in this dog-eat-dog, what's in it for me world, if someone wishes you Merry or Happy ANYTHING you should say, 'thank you, same to you' and keep it moving! " You can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGcwZKz3CGo

The accompanying music video for the song is a collection of Christmas photos sent to him from all around the country. "We put a posting on Facebook telling folks what we were doing and the emails and pictures started pouring in." The song title is inspired by Fox News' Bill O'Reilly's annual "We Say Merry Christmas" campaign. "I happened to be watching him last year and he was doing a story on a town that wouldn't allow public nativity displays," Conklin said. "It seemed to me things were getting a little out of hand," he adds. "I kept wondering if I was the only one who finds it ironic that a country whose economy is significantly bolstered by the Christmas season seems to be trying to eradicate its origins."

Conklin encourages people to visit www.markdconklin.com to "check out the 'We Say Merry Christmas' video, pass it along to some friends and download the mp3 (song) to support our troops." "Our goal in writing the song was not to offend anyone," he says, "we're just trying to entertain, make you think a little and speak out for a group of people who seem to be losing their traditions and voice." He concludes, "like the song says, 'some folks don't want to hear it and we STILL wish them good cheer, but we say Merry Christmas around here!"
- The Alternative Press

BRANCHBURG - Singer/songwriter and Township resident Mark D. Conklin has released a new song and music video just in time for the holidays titled "Santa Needs a Brand New Bag."

The song is available as a free download at markdconklin.com. Sign up on Mark's mailing list to get a download code and add this tune to your playlist.


- NJ.com / Messenger-Gazette

New Jersey singer/songwriter Mark D. Conklin, who describes himself as "like Springsteen, only funnier but not NEARLY as cool" has released a new rockin' Christmas song poking fun at the recently heavily debated topic of holiday political correctness. Portions of the net proceeds raised from downloads of the tune will be donated in support of U.S. troops this holiday season. "We decided to donate the money," said Conklin, "to the people who serve to defend our freedom to celebrate, or not, in the manner we choose."

The song, entitled "We Say Merry Christmas" and accompanying music video has a serious message: LIGHTEN UP! Conklin, who claims to be neither very conservative nor liberal, says this is one topic his friends who support both sides of the aisle seem to agree upon. "The idea that someone is offended when someone wishes them Merry Christmas is unbelievable to a lot of us," he states. "I mean," he adds with laughter, "in this dog-eat-dog, what's in it for me world, if someone wishes you Merry or Happy ANYTHING you should say, 'thank you, same to you' and keep it moving! " You can view the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGcwZKz3CGo

The accompanying music video for the song is a collection of Christmas photos sent to him from all around the country. "We put a posting on Facebook telling folks what we were doing and the emails and pictures started pouring in." The song title is inspired by Fox News' Bill O'Reilly's annual "We Say Merry Christmas" campaign. "I happened to be watching him last year and he was doing a story on a town that wouldn't allow public nativity displays," Conklin said. "It seemed to me things were getting a little out of hand," he adds. "I kept wondering if I was the only one who finds it ironic that a country whose economy is significantly bolstered by the Christmas season seems to be trying to eradicate its origins."

Conklin encourages people to visit www.markdconklin.com to "check out the 'We Say Merry Christmas' video, pass it along to some friends and download the mp3 (song) to support our troops." "Our goal in writing the song was not to offend anyone," he says, "we're just trying to entertain, make you think a little and speak out for a group of people who seem to be losing their traditions and voice." He concludes, "like the song says, 'some folks don't want to hear it and we STILL wish them good cheer, but we say Merry Christmas around here!"



- The Alternative Press

“Mark Conklin is a musical monster. Not only does he possess a terrific voice—his tunes are beautifully crafted, cleverly written and instantly likeable. The man’s got a seemingly inexhaustible supply of great licks, memorable phrases and terrific melodies which suck you in the first time you hear them. He’s one of those gifted songwriters that can actually sell all of his goods entirely by his lonesome. You’re in for a treat if you happen to catch this guy’s work—and make the effort. You’re gonna leave humming a whole new set of tunes.”
- James Longo, Talent Agent for the Watchung Arts Center. NJ

“Mark D. Conklin is a mighty, mighty talent!”
- Angela Kaset (SESAC Songwriter of the Year)

“Mark is a very clever and smart songwriter. He has a great gift of language and it’s been enjoyable watching him develop over the last few years both as an artist and a songwriter.”
- Tommy West (Legendary Producer of Jim Croce and Anne Murray)

“He writes the kind of songs I like. His music is honest and has a lot of heart.”
- Dave Berg (ASCAP and NSAI Songwriter of the Year; six #1 hit singles.)

“Mark is one of my favorite up and coming songwriters and I’ve enjoyed working closely with him over the last few years.”
- Chad Green (Former ASCAP Member Rep and current Creative Director of Word Music Publishing, Nashville, TN)

“Mark Conklin is my favorite co-writer. When I’m producing an album he’s the first person I call to write with and I try to make sure there’s at least one or two of his songs on most every album I produce. He’s also an outstanding singer and guitarist.”
- Anthony Krizan (Producer and former Spin Doctor and Lenny Kravitz collaborator)

“I’ve been to a lot of CD Release parties and this was by far the best one from start to finish!”
- Melanie Theil (Program Director, WNTI Radio)

“I really enjoyed the event and Mark's performance. I was mesmerized. It’s a night I will remember for a very long time. Mark is the real thing and one of the rare souls for whom the proverb ‘Happy is the man who finds his work’ definitely applies!”
- Frank Mustac (Managing Editor, Messenger-Gazette)
- Jive Buddha Music

“Mark, nobody as talented as you can remain a mystery to the world at large much longer.”
Jim L.

“Mark is really an entertainer, more than a just singer. He fully engages his audience and connects with them. He has a great deal of warmth and charisma and his lyrics are terrific.”
Sylvia G.

“An absolutely amazing show! Great songs that were easy to connect with. You’re a wonderful talent. Thanks for sharing your gift with us tonight.”
Corrine S.

“Your music and lyrics always leave me with the chills. You completely inspire me.”
Brielle S.

“I just wanted you to know that I was totally blown away by your performance Saturday evening. You are just terrific! What a treat to have been there.”
Ruth S.

“The concert was just fantastic! We hope you had as much fun playing as everyone had listening, you are great!”
Risa O.

“My brother you blew us away!!!!!! There were two songs that touched us deeply – ‘September 12th’ and ‘Only When I Laugh’. You add a new meaning to music. May you be blessed in all that you do moving forward.”
Vivian B.

“You are an amazing entertainer and musician and quite the comedian as well! You’re songs bring tears to my eyes.”
Diane B.

“You were amazing! Not only an amazing singer, you cracked me up the entire time!”
Jen Q.

"What an awesome performance! You have quite a talent and you are a wonderful entertainer. WOW. More than I ever imagined!"
Bonnie T.

“Mark was stupendous! I was glued to the chair listening to him. He was great!
Phyllis P.
- Roxi Entertainment