"Music has been and will always be the only hope for people to regain what has been stolen from us by the evil governing demons who have stolen the broadcasting industry."

Mark Farner:

(I’m Your Captain) Closer To My Home

“Closer to My Home” is the long-awaited, new album from legendary guitarist and singer/songwriter Mark Farner. Bridging past and present, the grit of industry and the calloused hard work of a rural man, “Closer to My Home” (Release Day: November 8th) champions Farner’s multi-faceted artistry. Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the iconic hit “(I’m Your Captain) Closer To My Home” the album is highlighted with a re-record, finding Farner in exactly the same form as 1970. “These songs are honest and from my heart,” Farner said. “The collaboration with Jim Peterik and Mark Slaughter came from a place of trust and that makes the whole experience so much more rewarding as songwriters. The audience can feel that and these songs reflect those very human moments that you can’t find creating a song from a computer.” As one of the founding members, lead singer, lead guitarist, and wrote more than 90% of the Grand Funk music catalog, Farner has always been known as the energetic driving force on stage, the engine that pulled the original Grand Funk Railroad to the top of the charts. From his soulful voice and power rock riffs, to fueling the Funk with his atomic stage presence.                         (Photo: Mark Farner, a legendary guitarist and singer/songwriter)

His story and his imprint on music starts with Flint and since 1969 from his humble beginnings and a blue-collar outlook, Farner has captained a global crusade for love, peace and freedom and became a rock ‘n’ roll icon. More than 60 years later – he commands the stage with the same intensity performing epic hits that defined a generation – “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)”, “Bad Time”, “Some Kind of Wonderful”, “Foot Stompin’ Music”, “Heartbreaker”, “Rock & Roll Soul”, “Locomotion”, “Mean Mistreater” and “We’re An American Band”.

Interview by Michael Limnios                    Archive: Mark Farner, 2012 Interview

Special Thanks: Mark Farner & Melissa Kucirek (Moxie Publicity)

How has the Rock n’ Roll Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

I have used my music in the counterculture to report truth to the listeners and help them find Love and Peace through all the mainstream bullshit.

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

My sound is what I personally like and attempt to capture live and on recordings. My music is love letters to the listeners.

The balance in music between technique and emotion is arrived at by applying good intentions towards your responsibility to the fans and God ... to make them all HAPPY!

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the iconic hit “(I’m Your Captain) Closer To My Home”. Why do you think this song [“(I’m Your Captain) Closer To My Home”] continues to generate such a devoted following? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Closer to My Home”?

I believe the song is an answer to the prayer I prayed to God to "please give me a song that would reach and touch the hearts of those you want to get to" ... the re-recorded version produced by Mark Slaughter is recorded in 432 HZ and the original is recorded in 440 HZ... 440 HZ was established as the American tuning standard in 1953 ... prior to the 1953 tuning standard it was 432 HZ... I like the 432 HZ much better... It is lovely and harmonious with natural God created things.

"Historical facts that have been preserved to report the truth about the world to people and dispel the attempt to lie to the public and declare falsities which confuse and piss people off." (Photo: Mark Farner)

What moment changed your life the most? What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

When I died October 23, 2012, that changed my life more than anything else. The lessons I covet the most are 1. Do not trust anyone you do not know well... and (2) always have someone representing yourself who knows and loves you and is not just a poser in the music scene.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

I would re-regulate the FCC and reinstate the 7, 7, 7 Rule, putting the ownership of the radio and television stations back in the hands of the people... and take it away from the corporate moguls who are controlling what the people are now listening to and watching.

Why is it important to preserve and spread: Love, Peace, and Freedom? What is the role of music in today’s society?

Music has been and will always be the only hope for people to regain what has been stolen from us by the evil governing demons who have stolen the broadcasting industry.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Historical facts that have been preserved to report the truth about the world to people and dispel the attempt to lie to the public and declare falsities which confuse and piss people off.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

I would like to go back to the time in the United States when the Native Americans showed the white how to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Mark Farner - Home

(Photo: Mark Farner)