Flying with Mark Bullet Wartman
By Joei Shaller
“Where words fail, music speaks,” wrote Hans Christian Andersen. Music and songwriting are outlets.
Some of us dream about being famous musicians, but believe it’ll never happen. But what if it really is possible?
Mark “Bullet” Wartman had the same dream and is now fulfilling it. He started in the small town of Mahanoy City, and graduated from Mahanoy Area School District. He recently released his new single “Fly with Me” and is now playing all over Philadelphia. The rest of his EP will be out this summer.
I interviewed Mark about his music and his life goals.
Coal Cracker: What inspired you to start writing music and performing?
Mark “Bullet” Wartman: I would have to say my dad influenced me to write. My love for music started at a very young age. My dad can play guitar, piano, and drums. I grew up with all three in the house. In addition to the instruments, my parents always had a variety of music playing constantly.
The new single by Mark Bullet Wartman.
But growing up, my dad would quiz my siblings and me on songwriters. We would be rocking out to Hendrix “All Along the Watchtower” and he would let us know Bob Dylan wrote it. So, from a young age I knew the songwriter was the brains behind everything.
Also, the thing that I am most envious of, is an artist performing in front of thousands of fans who are singing back lyrics that the artist wrote in his/her bedroom or bus or plane, whatever. That has to be pure ecstasy.
CC: What year did you graduate from Mahanoy Area? And did you study music production in college?
MBW: I graduated MAHS in 2006, then Bloomsburg University in 2011 with a degree in Business Management.
CC: What is living in Philly like compared to living in Schuylkill County?
MBW: Two different worlds. I like variety. I meet a new person every day. I see something new every day. And I go to a new place every day.
CC: Will you continue to make music? If so, what is next for your career?
MBW: I will definitely continue to make music. At what rate? I don’t know. I would love for my music to catch some ears and allow me to make more, quicker. But it is my passion so it’s not leaving me.
CC: Do you plan on keeping this as a side job or do you want to make this a full career?
MBW: The ultimate goal would be to play music full time.
CC: What are some of your favorite bands and singers?
MBW: This by far is the toughest question to answer because no matter where I stop answering, I will snub somebody I absolutely love. I grew up listening to The Eagles, Clapton, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Beatles, Elvis, Doo Wop and Motown. I’ve gone to hundreds of concerts. I gravitate to the singer/songwriter. I want to hear an artist’s story; not the words of 5 co-writers. With that being said, some of the present day bands I like are Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, 21 Pilots, Killers, Kings of Leon, Oasis, Dispatch, Lumineers, Sia, 1975, Portugal the Man, J. Cole, and Jay Z.
CC: Thanks for your time, and for inspiring us. Don’t let your dreams continue to be dreams; it’s a big world with room for tons of opportunities.