Challenge Champion: Mark Cheshire

At Talent Is Timeless, we run Monthly Songwriting Challenges to help keep our members writing, sharing, and connecting. Each month, we spotlight some of the incredible songwriters who placed in these challenges — inviting them to share a bit more about their lives, their creative journeys, and the stories behind their songs.

This month, we’re featuring Mark Chesshir, a 69-year-old songwriter currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, though his story begins across the world — born and raised in Seoul, Korea. Mark joined Talent Is Timeless in January 2024 and, in many ways, it marked the start of a new chapter.

Mark began writing songs as a teenager, not just out of curiosity, but out of necessity. He was in bands that needed material, and songwriting became his outlet — a way to express, explore, and, as he puts it, “bring dreams, visions, faith, hope, and love to the surface so that I might share with others.”

In his early twenties, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue music seriously. It was a leap of faith — and one that was quickly met with harsh industry realities. “I was turned away by everyone,” Mark recalls. “A major publishing executive even told me I would never be a real songwriter and should pursue another career. That was the most devastating day of my life.” But it also became a turning point. “That day, I chose to dig deep and become a professional songwriter.”

And that’s exactly what he did. Over the years, Mark built an impressive career in music. He’s written over 80 songs that have been recorded and released by internationally known artists — many in the contemporary Christian world, but also in the secular space. He’s had number ones, top tens, and charting songs. Along the way, he’s owned recording studios, run record labels, produced records, played guitar on countless tracks, and collaborated with names many would recognize.

Then, in 2013, he walked away.

“I stopped writing and working in music. I took about ten years off to build a health and wellness business,” he says. “No writing, no playing, no nothing.” The music business had worn him down. The joy was gone.

It wasn’t until he stumbled on an ad for Talent Is Timeless that something stirred again. “I thought it was a great program for us old folks!” he jokes. But that light-hearted click led to something much deeper. “It sparked my interest to write again — but this time, to write the way I want to write. No pressure to write the next hit song. Just loving what I’ve always loved.”

For Mark, songwriting now is about authenticity, not perfection. He plays all the instruments, sings, records, and even makes his own videos — but with one golden rule: only one or two takes allowed. “After years in studios wasting time chasing perfect recordings, I now go for real,” he says. “It’s about as real as it gets.”

His advice to other songwriters over 50 reflects that same ethos: “Write from the heart, and remember there are no rules to be confined to rhythm or rhyme.”

Mark’s journey is a rare full-circle — from chasing validation in the spotlight to rediscovering joy in simplicity. His songs now come from a quieter place, but one filled with the same passion that sparked it all decades ago. And through Talent Is Timeless, he’s found a space where music once again feels like home.

You can listen to Mark’s winning song here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/mar-25-lost-found-catalogue/?contest=video-detail&video_id=55639

And connect with Mark on Talent Is Timeless here: https://www.talentistimeless.com/members/mhc56/profile/