Mark Vassberg

Band member since 1989

Bio
A latecomer to guitar, Mark took up the instrument at age 19 after toying with piano and tuba. Well-accustomed to 'heavy metal' after his marching band history with tuba, he took to guitar surprisingly quickly.

Mark met lead singer Alan Barnette through a mutual friend while in grad school at Texas A&M university in the late 80s. Casual friendships evolved into a long-distance musical collaboration, with band members in Colorado and Iowa. It took them several years of home recording sessions to realize it, but they'd forged the foundation of a really solid ensemble. The experience was SO good that Mark called his brother and asked him to fly well out of state to be a part of the fun/mess. Currently, that trio remains the core of the band.

When good fortune relocated both Mark and a co-guitarist to central Texas due to a spousal job change, Mark and Co wasted no time before seeing how their recording ventures would translate into a live sound. The results were unique and fun for all involved. We had a sound and a direction.

Mark is currently the main guitarist for the Psychic Cowboys. He also sings, though the results are not pretty. Before Mel's arrival, Mark had the unique distinction of being both the highest and lowest voice in the band. This distinction speaks volumes for his willingness to contort his vocal cords, but little about the quality of his voice. And for good reason. Mark doesn't sing the 'pretty tunes'. But he does sing, and belts out what he can when he can....

Professionally, Mark does 'web stuff' for a local big corporation, and builds furniture in his sparse spare time.....