Checking In with Mark Nawara of The Outfit and Pavement Entertainment

Checking In with Mark Nawara of The Outfit and Pavement Entertainment

The Outfit is a hard rocking collective from the streets of Chicago, featuring brothers Mark and Matt Nawara on drums and bass respectively, Mike Gorman on bass, as well as Phoenix, Arizona’s, Andy Mitchell on vocals and guitar.  Their latest magnum opus is entitled Viking, an explosive extravaganza of supremely memorable tunes now available worldwide through Pavement Entertainment.  Fans of acts such as Foo Fighters and Stone Temple Pilots are sure to be thoroughly enraptured by the raging tunes The Outfit unleashes throughout the grooves of Viking.  In this interview, Highwire Daze checks in with drummer Mark Nawara to discuss The Outfit’s brand new album, working with topnotch producer Ulrich Wild, his own long-running Pavement Entertainment record label, and other topics of intrigue.  Read on…

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in The Outfit, and how long the band has been together
My name is Mark Nawara and I’m the drummer for The Outfit.

Where is the band based out of and what is your local music scene like there?
We are based out of Chicago. Unfortunately, there is not much of an original scene here these days. It’s mostly a cover band scene.

Is there any overall story or concept behind the CD title Viking?
Not really. We just wrote the song about a year and a half ago and started playing it live. It received a great reaction from crowds, so we decided to name the album Viking. I had my friend Travis Smith come up with the artwork concept.

Select two songs from Viking and what inspired the lyrics.
Come Alive is about connecting with loved ones that have passed on in your dreams. I’m sure most of us have had that happen to us at some point in our lives.

Bleed in The Dark is about losing a loved one forever and the pain of never being able to see them again.

Who was it like working with Ulrich Wild and what did he contribute to the overall recording process?
It was amazing. We worked with Ulrich on our debut album too. He defiantly sprinkles the magic dust on our recordings. He’s just amazing.

What could one expect from a live The Outfit show?
We run our show like a freight train. Non stop slamming in your face ROCK.

If The Outfit could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Cheap Trick because I love everything about them, and Foo Fighters because they kick ass. I think those two would be great matches.

Mark, have you been in any other bands prior to The Outfit, and at this point, what made you decide to be in a band after operating from a record label perspective?
I’ve been in bands most of my life since the age of 15. Took a break for a bit when I started the record label. It’s just something that’s always been in my blood, and I decided it was time to get back behind the drum kit.

What is the most important advice you could give bands seeking a record deal?
Be yourself and your own sound will be created. Make some noise in your hometown and work hard. Labels and managers will hear about you if you are causing a stir.

What is the best and not so best part about having two brothers in one band?
It’s pretty much great. We get along well. There is no down side for me.

What’s up next for The Outfit?
We are opening up some shows this summer for Puddle of Mudd. July 10th in Detroit, followed by shows in Chicago and Southern Illinois. Also opening for Kings X at Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL on July 31st.

Any final words of wisdom?
Stay safe and Rock and Roll…

The Outfit is:
Andy Mitchell – Vocals, Guitar
Mark Nawara – Drums
Mike Gorman – Bass
Matt Nawara – Guitar

(Interview by Ken Morton)

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