Mark Sanchez

Shaggy Docious of Class Reunion

I am Shaggy Docious (Mark L Sánchez) of the Chicago-based rock band Class Reunion. The band is comprised of ex-high school classmates (hence the name). First, me on guitar and vocals (I sometimes play bass). Next, JAD (Jonathan A Demas) on bass and vocals (he sometimes plays guitar).Then, Dave Cheesman on drums and percussion. Plus, JAD's wife Val (who also went to the same high school, as the band) on tambourine and vocals.

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music to me is life. It gives me satisfaction and keeps me grounded.

What is your music dream?

I would love to be a well-known singer/songwriter. Maybe win a Grammy or two.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I don't think anyone, including myself, can change the world, but with music we can bring the world together, or at least, to a common ground.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

I would have to say "Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street" (or "Sunny Days")-the Sesame Street Theme Song, which I usually fiddle with on guitar.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Elvis Presley, Beatles (group/solo), KISS, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath (w/Ozzy Osbourne). This is just to name a few.

What inspires you to make music?

To be honest, I don't know. I just always wanted to do it, so I do it.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

I just want people to know who I am. Most of my songs are from experiences I've had in life and I just want to tell part of my story through my songs.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

I feel great. It's an amazing thing when people are singing along with me (especially, the original songs) and really enjoying themselves.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

I think with so much going on in the world, we need to bring brighter songs to lift people up. I'm not too keen on the whole Emo-thing. A lot of those songs are depressing and downers. I understand wanting to tell people how you're feeling, but don't bring me down. I want to be lifted up. Especially, if I'm feeling down. I don't want to be reminded of my troubles.

What do you think of Drooble?

To be honest, I haven't really been on it much. This is the first time in 3 years. Part of it is that I forgot I had an account with Drooble. I mean, I rarely receive e-mail about anything that's going on. When I'm not being kept up-to-date, I tend to forget with whom I have an account.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Personally, it's being a lazy musician. Thanks, Dad. I don't spend enough time practicing my guitar or any other instrument I play (bass and drums), but I do get a lot of playing time, but my laziness shows in my playing. It might not be such a bad thing because I'm usually the only one who notices.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I try. For the last year, the Pandemic has put a damper on things. It hasn't allowed me to go out there and perform like I used to or check out what acts are out there. In college, I had friends of local bands, like mine (Class Reunion), and they would tell me where they were performing and I would go check them out, then I would talk with them after the show, and encourage them to keep doing what they're doing.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

I think whatever works for you, go with it. I'm musician, singer and a writer, so I do my own thing, even when I'm doing covers. I recommend artists who do covers to not try to imitate the artist(s) you're covering. Put your spin on the song. Make it your own. Simon Cowell (of American Idol, America's Got Talent) has enjoyed many contestants who've made the cover songs they've done their own. It what I've learned from the Beatles.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

I wish I knew some, but if I haven't heard of them, it means I don't what's out there, either.