mark kroos and the forest floor

mark kroos and the forest floor is the heart-driven popsy-indie-folksy-slightly-country project of a guy who is continually learning how to love and accept himself.

Growing up in Michigan with acne and depression, Mark found a creative outlet in writing songs, but stifled the notion of sharing them as the vulnerability always felt overwhelming.

Mark pursued music professionally from the age of 23 as an instrumental guitarist and toured for 12 years as a solo act, releasing 4 full-length albums and performing over 1,000 concerts across the US and Canada.

But the more that Mark composed his instrumental “compositions,” the more he felt that old urge to write lyrics - to write “singin’ songs.” And they started to burst forth like a cathartic water balloon.

Mark’s lyrical and musical styles became heavily influenced by artists like <a href="spotify:artist:3qkZBMz5JgmRN9u5wwhRC6" data-name="The Hold Steady">The Hold Steady</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:1US3cA3tVZ50O7n4xE1o0K" data-name="The Weakerthans">The Weakerthans</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:142YBUGmLWCJigFLzgguf8" data-name="Gang of Youths">Gang of Youths</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:3Q8wgwyVVv0z4UEh1HB0KY" data-name="Jason Isbell">Jason Isbell</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:1MspPfENB9nzFGaagXmF7R" data-name="Lucero">Lucero</a> &amp; <a href="spotify:artist:1YSA4byX5AL1zoTsSTlB03" data-name="Turnpike Troubadours">Turnpike Troubadours</a>.

mark kroos and the forest floor began in late 2017 when Mark set to recording a collection of 11 original songs, but put the project on hold in favor of more touring and paying rent.

Mark’s guitar career took a hiatus when the pandemic hit in 2020. A combination of health issues and general burnout led to Mark seeking significant life changes, pursuing deeper personal and spiritual growth, finding a love for life, for himself, for his passions…finishing his album and picking himself off of the forest floor.