Songwriter Mark Giufre
Burnt Hills resident Mark Giufre recently won the lyric-only category of the 20th annual Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Song Contest with his entry “Cast Away.”
The prize for winning this contest included $2,000 cash, a Martin guitar and a virtual mentor session with songwriter Tom Douglas.
An educator at a private school for students with autism and special needs, Giufre lives with his wife Carrie, two young children Olivia and Nicholas, and dog Huckleberry.
When not working, writing, or hanging with the family, Giufre enjoys fishing, running, and trying, very slowly he admits, to learn to play the guitar.
1
How did you become a songwriter?
“I have always been a writer and I have always been obsessed with lyrics and hearing every word in songs. I got into songwriting a couple of years ago after my father had a catastrophic illness occur. I studied songs, structure and lyrics and wanted to write something that would eventually be my memorial to him in song at his funeral. Since writing that song, I have read and studied a lot about songwriting and have written a few more songs mostly narrative and storytelling.
“I have been an active member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International and have learned a lot from them as well as made many connections.”
2
What was your inspiration for the song “Cast Away”? “My father is everything to me. He had a catastrophic event happen that left him with a 2% chance of survival and over two years later he is still with us but in full-time care. “Cast Away” tells the story of the life and evolution of the relationship between a father and a son, but it goes far beyond that. It includes memories so many of us can relate to. One woman came up to me and said she all but forgot about memories of fishing with her dad.
“This song brought back that piece of her life to her. That’s what it’s all about. I wanted to leave a lasting memory of all that was important to my father and I that I will also share with my children. Life is short and unpredictable and “Cast Away” emphasizes we just never know when it will be our time, and to cherish and savor the memories.” 3
What did you learn from your mentor session with Tom Douglas?
“Tom was the most down to earth person. Being a relative ‘outsider’ to the business and coming face to face with one of the best is unnerving, but talking to Tom was like connecting with an old friend. His authenticity, knowledge, and passion are what makes him the perfect mentor, especially to someone like myself. His goal is always to connect to the listener in a deeply personal way and to tell a story.
“Tom said that the power of song lies in its ability, in only a couple of minutes, to tell a story that may span many years and evoke the strongest of emotions in the listener. I think he embodies this as well and it was a perfect connection.
“Also that life is full of stories and possible songs. A song can truly change someone’s life. And to always share the personal details and the story that will evoke a response in the listener and that they will connect with.”
4
In your opinion, what is the best song ever written? “I am going to be that person and answer that varies day by day and moment by moment. The art of song and listening to songs is a deeply personal experience that at any given time can evoke a wide range of emotions. I do know that when I need to decompress for whatever reason, I turn to song. I listen to the story. I relate it to my life. And it can be happy, sad, beautiful, or painful. The best song is the song you need at the right time in your life to get you through it. And the song you play over and over and over and over again.
“You all know what I am talking about. THAT song will always be the best song at that time in your life.”
5
Do you have any advice for aspiring songwriters? “Sure there is a craft to songwriting, but when it comes down to it, it is simply writing what you feel. It is telling a story. Be true. Be authentic. It is making that story come to life so that others may grasp onto pieces of it to evoke their own memories or get them through a certain time. So get a pencil. Get a notepad. Go to a comfortable place … and just write.
“You’ll be amazed at what comes out... and the song that your heart has been trying to sing for so long.”