Creator Member Catchup with Musician Mark Kassa
This week, we caught up once again with Musician Mark Kassa. We first interviewed Mark back in 2019, and since then, his career has continued to advance and grow. You can follow him on Instagram @slightreturnusa, as well as check out his band, Slight Return, on Wikipedia.
How has your creative career evolved since we last spoke?
Since we last spoke, my creative career has flourished in exciting ways. I’ve been honored with awards for three consecutive years, including being featured on the cover of a UK publication, named The Prestige Awards—once for my band, Slight Return®, as “Band of the Year,” and twice as “Guitar Player of the Year,” earning induction into their Hall of Fame. I’ve had the privilege of producing, recording, writing, and performing with artists inducted into the Rock and Roll, Funk, Blues, R&B, and Musicians Hall of Fame. A standout moment was jamming with rock legend Ted Nugent, who joined Slight Return® on stage at the Salute Our Warriors fundraiser for military veterans. His generous praise for my music and guitar playing during an iHeartRadio interview was a true honor.
I co-produced two “For the Love of Buddy Miles” concerts in Dearborn, MI, with my friend Boo O’Conner, serving as music director and performer while my band Slight Return® opened the shows. A memorable highlight was the drum-off between legends Bernard Purdie and Dennis Chambers. I’ve released additional albums, with over a dozen songs appearing on the Grammy Awards’ first-round ballot and two on the Latin Grammy ballot. Recently, I collaborated with my friends Christian Fabian and Bernard Purdie on a tribute to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” featuring five other Grammy Award-winning artists, which we plan to submit for 2026 Grammy consideration. I also worked as producer and music director with Stephen Sadler, Josef Bastian, and Daniel Russel on the Folktellers’ “Hero’s Journey” animated/live concert series.
Beyond music, I’ve continued using my talents to support charities like the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund and the DMAN Foundation. With each passing year, I find myself cherishing this musical journey more deeply, grateful for the opportunities to create, collaborate, and give back.
How has copyright continued to help fuel your growth?
Copyright has been a game-changer for my career. It keeps my music, which I write and produce myself, safe from being misused. It lets me focus on creating and growing my music journey.
Is there anything related to copyright that you want to learn more about? What resources do you use in order to learn more about copyright?
I’d like to continue learning more about the most effective ways to safeguard my music and intellectual property copyrights, especially when facing challenges from powerful, multi-billion-dollar entities, as I’ve experienced firsthand how tricky that can be. To expand my knowledge, I tap into a mix of resources: internet searches, public records, attorney-led online videos, government websites like the U.S. Copyright Office, and insights from the Copyright Alliance. I also consult with directly with legal experts to round out my understanding, blending all this info to make informed decisions about protecting my work.
Where do you draw inspiration from when you create a musical work? Is there a specific musician you look up to, and if so, why?
My songwriting is sparked by all sorts of emotions—whether I’m feeling funny, sarcastic, or fired up, those vibes drive my creative process. I especially love crafting big, stadium-rocking anthems like “Welcome to the D” and “Hail the Heroes”. I don’t feel the need to shout my opinions out loud but weaving them into my lyrics feels just right.
I’ve been shaped by guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robin Trower, Santana, Ted Nugent, Tom Morello, Scott Henderson, and those funky ‘70s guitarists. Each has left a unique mark on my playing style. A defining moment was catching Stevie Ray Vaughan live at Meadowbrook Music Theater in Michigan in 1985—that show lit a fire in me to get serious about the guitar.
Do you follow a process or ritual before a live performance to get rid of nerves? Is so, what is it?
I don’t have a set routine to shake off nerves before a show. I’m usually so caught up handling producer duties, playing with the house band, and serving as music director that I don’t have a moment to overthink. That keeps the jitters at bay, letting me just dive into the performance.
Have you ever experienced writer’s block? If so, how did you overcome it?
I’m fortunate to rarely hit writer’s block. I just keep tinkering with ideas until something clicks, which has helped me finish a dozen albums of original music.
How has AI technology impacted your work and career?
AI has affected every musician’s work and career. The art of musicianship has already been compromised due to auto-tune, quantization, and similar technologies. AI elevates this problem to a new dimension.
If you could pass on one piece of advice to creators, what would it be?
Stay true to your craft and your distinct style. Steer clear of temporary trends. Take the time to learn about marketing, algorithms, and SEO. In today’s world, understanding how to promote your brand is practically a full-time job. Concentrate on evolving into a skilled musician. Use technology to enhance your expertise, instead of letting it overshadow your artistry. Make sure you enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Avoid letting distractions detract from your passion for the art.
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