Music, some say, is humanity’s universal language.
Dr. Mark Katz, a psychiatrist at Southlake Regional Health Centre, is of the same mind.
Throughout his 15-year tenure at Southlake, specializing in patients with cancer and mood disorders, Katz has seen firsthand the benefits that a sense of community can bring. And, as a local musician, he’s recognized music as one of the best ways to get his message of solidarity across.
Katz is the singer-songwriter for the folk Americana band Rubin Kates and the Revival, which performs original music inspired by Katz’s work as a psychiatrist. Supported by bandmates Manny Degrandis, Jenna Gallagher, Todd Porter, and Chris James, Katz explores issues of substance abuse, depression, terminal illness, and mental health struggles through the medium of music.
His second album, Twilight Tales, a follow-up to 2019’s Vivian Road, is set for release in October.
“I try to keep my psychiatric practice separate from my music,” said Katz. “That’s why I make music under the stage name Rubin Kates, and not my real name. But I find lots of inspiration in my work as a psychiatrist.”
Each song Katz writes is inspired by a different real-life experience. Melancholy Girl voices the struggles of watching a partner live with depression. Breaking Me Down tells a story of substance abuse, and the ripple effects cast on those around them. Bring To Thee speaks on the difficulty of dealing with death. Through his lyrics, Katz wants people to know they are not alone.
“I’ve had a number of patients, too, who have listened to these songs and have told me that they’ve resonated with their own experiences,” said Katz.
Though Katz has been a practising psychiatrist since 1992, his music career is still young. Turning 55 was a wake-up call for the self-taught guitarist and songwriter, who had previously dabbled in music only casually. He enrolled in voice lessons at Newmarket’s Katerina’s Voice Studio and met with producer Todd Porter in 2018, with the aim of releasing original music.
Two years later, with his second album due for release, Katz isn’t slowing down. He’s looking forward to his physically distanced album release party at Newmarket’s Market Brewing Company Oct. 24, where he’ll be performing an outdoor concert.
“The name of the album, Twilight Tales, symbolizes a time between light and dark,” said Katz. “Things are often unclear, uncertain. Like now, it’s about finding the good in the bad.”
In the time of COVID-19, where mental health struggles are only being exacerbated, Katz’s music may be more relevant than ever.
“My music draws on musical styles that aren’t modern: roots, Americana,” said Katz. “But the lyrics, I think, reflect many current issues. It’s classic music with a modern message.”
