Biography

Contact: Mark Regula p: 516-473-4396 (please leave a message)
em: rockam1@hotmail.com

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Artist Profile:
The phrase:'Ivory Tower' has long been a metaphor for a place of refuge from the rest of the world. For singer/songwriter: Mark Regula of the critically acclaimed modern vintage rock band: Ivory Tower Project, this figurative ideal resonates deeply. The New York City-based band has functioned as a safe haven for its members to process and, ultimately, triumph over trying times.

The group’s greatest victory is its rousing and emotive latest album; ‘How Much More?’. It’s an album that bids farewell to a key collaborator, co-founder and dear friend while it also welcomes a new era as Ivory Tower Project gears up for more recordings and fresh creative partnerships.

“For me, the name Ivory Tower always conveyed a feeling of escapism,” reveals singer, songwriter, co-founder and multi instrumentalist: Mark Regula. “The music has been where my heart and mind can live when everything around me goes wrong. It’s been my savior.”

Ivory Tower Project specializes in the majestic power rock of the 1970s and early 1980s. The songs burst with stirring vocal melodies, soaring vocal harmonies, polished musicianship, heartfelt lyrics, and imaginative arrangements. The band is part of a new breed of classic rock purists preserving the traditions set forth by masters such as 1970s: Styx, Queen, Foreigner and Boston. ITP has garnered praise from a variety of sources including: The Entertainment Bank, The Ripple Effect, Mossip, ELO/BeatlesForever, and Boom Boom Chick, among others. The group’s debut: 2008’s 'Red Hot’ (Guerilla Records-NY), has received rave reviews and airplay on over 800 radio stations in 33 countries.

Much like Boston and Steely Dan, and other purveyors of exquisite pop-rock; Ivory Tower Project is not so much a band as it is a collective of songwriters. Mark Regula and lyricist; Johnny Jace have been the creative core since the 1980s. In 2003, Johnny passed away, and the lyrics on ‘How Much More?’ are some of the last he’s written. In 1983 original drummer; Sal DiAngelo also passed away. And in 2009, Mark survived a car accident that has since left him barely able to walk, and currently battling chronic pain. In the face of it all, Regula has valiantly upheld Ivory Tower Project.

In the wake of all the loss, longtime collaborator and hotshot studio guitarist; Tony Novarro has emerged a central creative force. Currently Ivory Tower Project is: Mark Regula on vocals, keyboards, guitar, bass, and percussion, with Tony Novarro functioning as recording engineer, guitarist, bass, percussion, and co-songwriter.

The title of ITP’s latest CD; ‘How Much More?, references the band’s own challenging journey. “In life, you sometimes find yourself waiting for a good thing to happen or a bad thing to end,” Regula says. “It’s like: ‘How Much More can we take?’ That sentiment resonated with me and Johnny [former songwriting collaborator].” He continues: “The struggle can be tough, but it can also be important in that; if you don’t give up, you learn something.”

‘How Much More?’ posits a query and provides a comforting prescription of answers in song. The album manages to be soothing, seething, and stirring. The title track: "How Much More?" unfolds from a boldly vulnerable piano ballad with smoldering emotionality to an anthemic climax with burly classic rock guitars. “That’s a song about being frustrated with a friend. In it, I ask, ‘How many times must I be a victim of your lies?’ The feeling is: how much more can I take?, or should I take?,” Regula says.

On "The Ides of March (Et tu Brute?)" ITP manage to create their own niche of 'Shakespearian Rock' through melding classic texts with classic rock in the grand theatrical tradition of Queen. Guitarist: Tony Novarro turns in the touching soft rock gem; “Please Tell Me,” a tribute to a long lost friend, ITP's original drummer Sal DiAngelo. The tracks “Ring Around Rosie” and “Way Too Late" are visceral and uplifting. “Ring Around Rosie” is a stately love song overflowing with amorous vibes and lush production touches. The invigorating “Way Too Late” is a hard driving rock song with galloping guitars that evoke 1970s Styx, Billy Idol and Survivor.

Up next, Ivory Tower Project is working on a few cover songs as well as new, original music. Reflecting back on ITP’s journey thus far, Regula says: “Music is what has kept us going. It’s been our light during the darkness of loss. This album is a memorial to those no longer here with us. I hope this music is as healing and cathartic for others as it has been for us. I hope it gives people a chance to escape their pain and fears, and feel hope.”

'How Much More?' is currently being played on over 300 radio stations worldwide and has rave reviews on: ELO/Beatles Forever (UK), ALL Magazine (NY, USA), Blazing Minds (UK). Your Music Blog (The Netherlands), Music Interview Magazine (NY, USA), get ready to ROCK! (UK), Strutter Magazine (The Netherlands), Melodic.net (Sweden), Indie Artist Magazine (BC, Canada).

Produced by: Mark Regula & Tony Novarro
Engineered by: Tony Novarro

Studio Musicians:
Ivan Elias: Bass (formerly with Patty Smyth & Scandal)
Richie Cannata: Sax (formerly with Billy Joel)
Joey Bruno: Electronic drums
Tex Prothro: Sax
Mike Carbone: Drums, percussion
Frank Vella: Back vocals
Tyrone Johnson: Bass
Zoe Grella: Percussion

“The Ides of March (Et tu Brute?)” is also available as music video: - Official You Tube Music Video. This song was nominated for ‘SONG of the YEAR’ in the 2018 Nashville Universe Awards.

“Ring Around Rosie” is also available as a fully animated cartoon music video: - Official You Tube Music Video. ITP’s video was nominated for ‘MUSIC VIDEO of the YEAR’ in the 2018 Nashville Universe Awards. ~ ©℗2018

“Surf Song is now available as a music video: – Official You Tube Music Video. ~ ©℗2016

Air Play Direct users: Please click the link below to listen & download tracks from our debut CD: 2008’s Ivory Tower Project: 'Red Hot’-(Guerilla Records-NY)

'How Much More is available at: CDBaby.com and
iTunes

Also you can visit ITP's official web site at: www.IvoryTowerProject.com

Social Media
Please 'Like' us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/IvoryTowerProject
or 'Follow' us on Twitter: @ITPMark