Have you ever wondered what its like to play in Kate's band? Here's an exclusive interview with one of Kate Voegele's band mate as he gives us in-depth information on how he got to tour with Kate, and the hard work that goes into making a career out of music.

1. Hi Mark, please introduce yourself and tell us what you do on tour with Kate Voegele.
Hello, my name is Mark Tobik, I'm from Cleveland, Ohio and I play Bass for Kate Voegele.

2. At what age did you start playing Bass? and Why?
I started playing Bass at 15, when I was a freshman in high school. I started playing because my older brother was playing guitar at the time. I heard him and told him that I wanted to play guitar too, to be the frontman and the guy in the limelight. He then told me that I should play Bass because not many people do, and if I got good I could get a lot of gigs and be in many bands. So I chose Bass and haven't looked back.

3. Who were your idols growing up?
My Bass Idols were and still are Verdine White (Earth, Wind and Fire), Alan Gorrie (Average White Band), Stuart Zender (Jamiroquai), Bootsy Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic), Bernard Edwards (Chic), and Willie Weeks (Donny Hathaway).

4. So many people sacrifice something for their career, what's the most hardest thing you had to sacrifice?
I had to sacrifice my career and my home life. I had just graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology when I started touring. I really enjoyed Psychology but, I enjoy the music more. Not having a home and family with you can be tough at times as well. Luckily the band has become a family unto itself, and we all help each other out.

5. Did you ever imagine being where you are now?
I imagined being where we are now, but I didn't actually ever think that it would happen. I'm very thankful and grateful to be where I am now.

6. How did the opportunity of working with Kate come along?
I went to high school with Kate and her parents are friends of my family. So after her first backing band left (about 2 years ago), she asked me to play bass for her.

7. What's it like touring with Kate?
It's a blast! I have a lot of fun on the road and really enjoy Kate and the Band. It's really just like touring with a bunch of your best friends and some really fun and unique people. We have a lot of fun playing the shows and the hang is great as well.

8. What's been the funniest memory on tour with kate?
The funniest memory I have is actually pretty recent. We were playing The Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins, Colorado. During the set my pants split in my crotch. I told Kate during a song and she then announced it to the audience right after that song. Sam (guitar player) then proceeded to take some Gaff tape and tape up my split crotch. It was hilarious.

9. Which of Kate's songs is your favorite to play live?
My favorites to play are It's Only Life cause of the emotion and intensity of the song and Wish You Were, because of the beauty and simplicity of that song.

10. How would you describe a busy day with Kate? What do you guys do?
Wake up at 8am, She and Sam do Press and Radio and TV all morning and afternoon. Load in around 3pm, Soundcheck from 4pm to 5pm. Eat Dinner. Showtime's around 9pm or 10pm. Tearing down the set and packing up the Bus till around 12 or 1am. And then off to do it again.

11.Lastly, Do you guys ever visit kate-voegele.com? If so, what do you and Kate think about it?
I just visited it for the first time and it looks great man. It's cool that people appreciate her and her art form. I think Kate loves it and probably feels the same way as me.

Conducted by Kate-Voegele.com
Mark's photos were used with permission.