Cody Marks is one rocking babe.

I want to know what she's all about. I'm a hustler,ù she tells me over the phone with a sultry, raspy voice (she says she has a bit of a cold, but I want to believe this is her everyday speaking tone, it's hot). We're talking for the first time as we've only just met, the interview set up by her people (marketing) and my people (uh, me), but there's something about Cody that strikes a familiar chord, so to speak.

She's real. She's a working artist and she's making her own way in the industry, playing gig to gig; a road warrior.

Biker convention one day, gay pride in West Hollywood the next, We play for people nobody else will play for,ù she tells me. Well, those people are in for a sweet treat. Her brand of Southern Rock-Americana-Folk music is raw, gritty and best appreciated like any good music: LIVE.

I confess to Cody that while I consider myself a decent writer, I'm not the best interviewer-type person, because after asking what she's all aboutù I don't have any other prepared questions. I'm one of those go with the flow and get to know talkers. We've just been gabbing away, having a great chat about the joy of live shows. I find if you let people connect with you, they'll always tell you a great story.

So she does.

On her mind and touching her heart is a recent performance at the Sierra Conservation Center in Northern California. First of all, this chick is fearless. Rocking out in prison? Awesome.
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We play for people nobody else will play for.ù
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In 25 years, she says, her show is the first time all the normally separated groups (you know, Bloods, Crypts, Arians) were together in the same space. Talk about music bringing the people together.

The gig went off without a hitch.

Though she easily admits there were some nerves, any tingling feelings of fear were not hers. She was rock steady. And I lover her now.

The inmates were absolutely enthralled, setting aside all lines of diversity to create a simply amazing moment in time. Though she's too tough for butterflies, Cody is incredibly sensitive and clearly moved by the experience.

Just hearing to her enthusiasm as she describes the awesome feeling of performing for such an appreciative crowd, feeding her so much raw energy, it's clear that she thrives off being center stage. It's her passion.

That's what turns mere notes into artistry - and that goes well beyond fame and fortune. She doesn't just rock. She lives it.

Word.
-Wes

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