Mister Green is the professional name of the songwriting/production duo of Andrew Lindner and Mark Renk. The pair made their professional recording debut in 2021 with the single “Annabelle”. The breakout hit featured legendary Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello and peaked At #55 on Billboard’s Triple A chart.
The Charlotte, North Carolina duo’s sound recalls great adult-alternative/college-rock pioneers like The Jayhawks and Wilco. It’s laid-back groove that mixes elements of country, folk, blues and rock & roll from across the ages. The group recently answered their hit debut single with the release of a full-length album.
“Stay Tuned” is the debut album from Mister Green, released worldwide via all major streaming services on December 9, 2022. The eleven-song collection continues the southern story-telling vibe and Americana soul of “Annabelle”. The record is also a showcase for Lindner and Renk’s love of traditional singer/songwriter styles, including hobo folk, doo-wop pop and classic rock.
From the visual poetry of “California Night” to the old-time country waltz of “Sadie”, Mister Green’s Stay Tuned is a dreamy mix of sights, sounds and memory. They ponder ill-fated romances (“For Better or Worse”) and failed intentions (“Small Town Pretender”) amid melancholy steel guitars while lush layers of vocal harmony paint the periphery.
Joining Andrew and Mark on the album is a star-studded band featuring guitarist Corey Churkoff (Shania Twain), keyboardist Bob Malone (John Fogerty), percussionist Jim Kaufman, multi-instrumentalist Art Santora, drummer/bassist Shane Gaalaas, drummer Dylan Howard, and bassist Gregg Cash. The ensemble slides with ease from country crooners to grungy rockers like “Valray” and their faithful cover of the Tom Petty classic “Last Dance With Mary Jane”.
The Mister Green sound is familiar and intuitive. That’s by design. In recording their debut album, Lindner and Renk set out to capture the magic of the music they love, from the 50’s to the present day.
Check out “Stay Tuned” in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the song “Annabelle” on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. We had the chance to chat with Andrew about the album. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Mister Green.
8 Questions with Andrew Lindner of Mister Green
Where are you from?
Charlotte, North Carolina
How long have you been making music?
2 years. I’ve been playing music my whole life, but started writing and making my own in 2020.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
Vocalist Mark Renk
Acoustic Guitar/Electric Guitar/Harmonica Player Andrew Lindner
Guitarist Tom Morrello – Appears on “Annabelle,” which peaked at #55 on the Triple A Charts
Guitarist Corey Churkoff (Shania Twain)
Keyboardist Bob Malone (John Fogerty)
Percussionist Jim Kaufman
Acoustic Guitar/Electric Guitar/Pedal Steel/Mandolin Player Art Santora
Drummer/Bassist Shane Gaalaas
Drummer Dylan Howard
Bassist Gregg Cash
Antonia Bennett, Tony Bennett’s daughter, — Appears as guest vocalist on “Sadie”.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Tom Petty has to be number one. He was the master of painting an entire portrait with just a few carefully selected words. He was amazingly efficient with his lyrics, and his delivery was authentic and irresistible. His songs are like a soundtrack for my life, and have inspired me to write my own songs that, like his, are catchy, relatable, and full of imagery.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My father. He taught me to be a man of integrity and optimism. He pushed me to follow my dreams and achieve my goals with gratitude along the way. I am forever grateful for the lessons he taught me. I wrote the song “What He Said” after he passed from ALS, and every time I listen or sing it I feel like I get to visit him, and that brings me great comfort.
What inspired you to create this project?
When the pandemic hit, it hit me, I had been working non stop my whole life and hadn’t given myself the opportunity to explore my creative desires. It was like a bomb going off, in an instant I knew I owed it to myself to dive into songwriting and not let anything deter me from following the dreams of my youth. I had created a business, a beautiful family, and now I am so proud to say I’ve created an album.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I keep writing. I’m hoping to complete a follow up EP to release later this year. I feel like with every song I write I am getting better, and more tapped into my style and sound, which is exciting.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Follow your dreams! I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true. At any stage of life you can achieve things you never thought possible. Take chances – you never know. I hope you enjoy our debut album “Stay Tuned”! Follow us on instagram to see what’s next for Mister Green.