Biography

Ask the fans of Mark DeRose’s music what it is that keeps them coming out to his shows and you will find a common tie that unites them: sincerity.  “There is an honesty to Mark’s work that is so easy to connect with.  Whether it be his solid and intelligent lyrics or the intensity with which he pours himself into his live shows, the listener can easily relate to the emotions expressed in his songs.”

As a singer/songwriter and an instrumentalist on piano and guitar, the multi-talented Mark DeRose blends introspective lyrics with heartfelt acoustic rock. Influenced by musical greats like James Taylor, Bruce Hornsby and Dave Matthews, DeRose brings a distinctive sound that has been challenging listeners and entertaining high energy crowds for over a decade.

Patrick Kirchner of The Fly describes this engaging music as “thoughtful and provocative, laden with metaphors of hope and celebration for life – the stuff that makes feel good music feel so good.”

As the singer/songwriter and front man of the original roots rock group, the Ernest Goodlife Band, DeRose spent ‘02 through ‘06 performing throughout the greater Mid-Atlantic Region. On the heels of the band’s split in September ‘06, DeRose carried the building enthusiasm into his solo career with the ’07 release of Tales from the Sandcastle Kingdom.

DeRose celebrated his first solo album with a CD Release Party and performance with a brand new backing band that spawned what was to come – Mark DeRose and The Way Home. Three years later with an EP (self titled), Live Recording (Hear To Listen) and a handful of opening slots for nationally touring acts under their belt, the band is working on the final stages of their brand new FULL LENGTH album, Carolina Smile. (Due out April 16, 2011)

Over the past few years working as a solo act in the college music market, DeRose has been able to carve out a nice niche with repeat performances at over 50 colleges throughout the Mid Atlantic and Northeast regions. Other recent achievements include his original songs “Satisfied” and “4 and 5″ being selected to appear on three separate compilation CDs. Most recently, eight of DeRose’s songs were cleared for use on television’s oldest daytime soap opera, “Guiding Light”.

DeRose has had the pleasure of opening for Blues Traveler, Michelle Branch, Rusted Root, Edwin McCain, Josh Kelley, Sugar Hill Gang, The Earthtones, 10 Mile Tide, New Found Glory and John Eddie. With a brand new release due out in April and the festival season following just behind, DeRose is looking forward to a busy performance schedule in 2011.