BITE ME! Course of Nature Interview

COURSE OF NATURE - By Nikki Neil

Things haven’t been easy for Course of Nature. The alt-rock group’s last label (Lava/Atlantic) dissolved not long after the release of their critically acclaimed debut, ‘SUPERKALA,’ as did the band’s relationship with their former managers. Lead vocalist Mark Wilkerson admits that he and his bandmates—Sean Kipe (guitars), Jackson Eppley (bass), and Shane Lenzen (drums)—have taken some pretty good shoots from the music industry. However, Course of Nature refuses to let a little disharmony keep them from staking a substantial claim on the current musical landscape.

Hailing from Enterprise, Alabama, Wilkerson relocated to Los Angeles about six years ago. And, like most transplants, has found it hard to adjust. “Everything is so difficult,” he says of life in LA LA land. “Driving, breathing, interacting with people…it’s just not my kind of place.” L.A. may not be his kind of place, but one has to wonder if Wilkerson would have penned Daughtry’s hit song “It’s Not Over” had he not resided in the land of glitz and glamour? “We’ve spoken a few times, but we really don’t know each other,” Wilkerson states, “We didn’t even talk until after he had recorded the song.”

Fans of the group’s previous work can attest to Wilkerson’s ability to pen songs that emit true emotion, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Course of Nature is getting ready to unleash Damaged (Silent Majority/Warner ILG). The album is an enthralling blend of passionate melodies, hard-edged riffs, and emotionally potent lyrics that will prove the band is not just a flash in the pan. “After someone listens to our record I want them to say, ‘Damn, now that’s a badass record,’” the singer says enthusiastically and, while he is excited about the album’s release, Wilkerson is looking forward to the next one even more. “We (this line-up) have just started writing together. So far, I think our next album is going to blow this one away.”

Even though the road to rock ‘n’ roll hasn’t been paved with gold Wilkerson notes, “I’m pretty happy with who I am and, though it may sound cheesy, wouldn’t trade my life for anything or anyone - not even for a day. Music has always helped me through hard times and lifted me during good times.” Most importantly the ambitious frontman doesn’t want his band to be remembered as a one hit wonder. “If we are it’s only because someone else has dropped the ball,” he states before dishing out advice for new bands. “Always keep your guard up and realize people will say anything you want to hear to get you to do what they want you to do.” Or maybe that’s just a part of living in L.A. -NIN

For more on Course of Nature visit: myspace.com/courseofnature