Mark W Winchester is Making a Scene

May 16, 2026

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Making a Scene Presents An Interview with Mark W Winchester

Mark W. Winchester is a Grammy-winning bassist, award-winning songwriter, independent recording artist, and live performer based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Originally from Monroe, North Carolina, Mark moved to Nashville with his wife in 1988 determined to figure out how a songwriter gets noticed in Music City. Ironically, he got noticed first as a player—sitting in on upright bass and showing off the rockabilly “slap” technique he had sharpened in his University of South Carolina combo, The 88’s. That moment opened the door to a career built on one opportunity leading to the next.

His early Nashville break helped make him a founding member of roots-rock cult favorites The Planet Rockers. From there, Mark’s path led to touring with Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers, and then into the Brian Setzer Orchestra, where he recorded, toured, and co-wrote with Stray Cats frontman Brian Setzer. The band went on to win a Grammy in 1999 for “Jump, Jive An’ Wail,” cementing Mark’s place in a world-class lineup known for high-energy swing and musicianship.

Between his time with the Ramblers and Setzer, Mark’s dedication to becoming a better songwriter paid off when he landed a staff writing contract with Reba McEntire’s publishing company, Starstruck Writer’s Group. That led to a Top 25 hit, “Would I?,” recorded by Randy Travis. More songwriting successes followed, including multiple Setzer recordings of their co-writes. Mark also sang lead on “Rooster Rock” and co-wrote “Drive Like Lightnin’” from the Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Vavoom!, a track that became a staple in Setzer’s live shows.

Mark’s songs have been recorded by a wide range of respected artists, and his writing has earned major recognition—most notably when Balsam Range won IBMA Song of the Year with Mark’s “Moon Over Memphis.” Other artists who have recorded his work include Carlene Carter, Sam Bush, The Planet Rockers, Tall Paul, Smokestack Lightnin’, and more.

In 2005, Mark launched a parallel career as an independent artist with the release of All These Young Punks. Since then, he has released additional full-length albums on his own Times Three Records label, including Upright, Flannery’s Prayers, and Angel By Nature, along with a serious song e.p., continuing to build a catalog that reflects both his songwriting depth and musical range.

Around 2017, Mark took another creative turn by forming the art-rock duo Sizzle Went The VCR with longtime friend and fellow Nashville musician Rick Lonow on drums. Inspired by Mark’s early love of punk and new wave, the duo developed an idiosyncratic “power duo” sound and released three full-length albums—Sizzle Went The VCR, Again, and Another Cry For Help—followed by the 12” vinyl EP Don’t Blink in 2025.

Whether anchoring legendary touring acts, writing award-winning songs, or pushing into left-field art-rock, Mark W. Winchester has built a rare career defined by musical curiosity, working-class consistency, and a refusal to stay in one lane.

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