Mark Rogers Wants To Tell Us It’s All Going To Be Okay – ‘Just So You Know’

It’s hard to believe, but September 2021 is already on our doorstep, and with it marks 18 months of the world-wide reach of the Covid-19 virus. It’d be easy to get swept up in the doom and gloom of it all, and for a good part of last year, most of us probably were; but now, somehow, we seem to be settling into a “new normal”. We’re wearing masks, getting vaccinated, and slowly but surely, starting to once again brave the things we once took for granted.

Virginia based artist Mark Rogers knows this feeling all too well, and with his new single. ‘Just So You Know’ out tomorrow August 27, he wants to shine a light on the positives to be found in all this world-wide mess.

Taken from his forthcoming album, ‘Rhythm Of The Roads’, which is set for release on October 1, ‘Just So You Know’ is a rollicking good vibe of encouragement, bolstered by Rogers’ Tom Petty-esque vocals, jangling guitars, and locomotive-paced rhythms.

Produced by Rogers alongside Rob Ulsh, ‘Just So You Know’, along with the rest of ‘Rhythm Of The Road’, was also recorded and mastered by Rob Ulsh, at Master Sound, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Speaking of the track, Rogers says,

‘Just So You Know’ was the first song written for my new album ‘Rhythm of the Roads’. It was March 2020, just as the pandemic was gaining steam and we were all learning to live it place. The weight of our new reality seemed surreal yet very temporary at the time. This song was a wishful view into a post-pandemic world where people are gathering again to celebrate with newfound optimism. Seems things were heading in that very direction just a few months ago. We’ve had a set back more recently but stay positive. We will beat this thing.

Powell Randolph on drums sets the fast paced rhythm, giving the track a bluegrass feel, which is beautifully complemented by Jimmy Masters on bass, the acoustic guitar of Mark himself, as well as Bill Gurley on both acoustic, and high-strung guitar.

It’s Rogers’ vocals however, which are the heart and soul of the song. There’s a comfortable warmth about them, as he sings,

Just so you know

Everything is fine

Everybody seems to be improving

Just so you know

The fruit is on the vine

We were paralyzed but now we’re moving

It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts; back when he wrote it in March last year, the world was a frightening place. Although we’re not quite at the point of being able to reminisce about it all, we’re getting there. Just so you know.

‘Just So You Know’ is out tomorrow, August 27. ‘Rhythm Of The Roads’ is set for release on October 1. You can stream and download it here. Find out more about Mark Rogers and his music online on his official website.

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com