All that need be said about singer-songwriter Mark Cote (pronounced koh-tay ) is best summed up by the artist himself: "Music is oxygen. Whether I'm writing a song at the piano or performing with my band in front of an audience, I never feel more alive than I do in those moments."

Other known trivia about the Canadian-born musician is as follows:

a) His gene pool is divided between Palmerston North, New Zealand and Montreal, Canada, courtesy of his mother and father, respectively.

b) His favorite color is green.

c) His personal motto: "In life, three things are essential to get you from A to Z. A sense of direction. A sense of balance. And a sense of humor ... and I might add, comfortable shoes."

d) He is currently working in the studio on his forthcoming CD with producer Michael Frondelli, whose credits include working with Crowded House, Marianne Faithfull and Oingo Boingo among many others. Musicians playing on the CD include noted studio veterans Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Jackson Browne), Denny Seiwell (Paul McCartney-Wings), Zac Rae (Fionna Apple, Annie Lennox) and Greg Bissonette, to name a few.

e) Three songs from the soon-to-be-released CD are featured here.

Marks' songs, distinguished by his vivid lyrics, playful sense of irony, catchy melodicism and distinct vocal style have been featured in both television and film and continue to help define the ever-broadening and diverse landscape of pop music today.