Country Artist Mark Ledlin Blends Wit and Heart in the Stellar Single “Jealous Of Jesus”
The topics of religion and romance can sometimes cause division and be a sticking point among people for various reasons. But country singer Mark Ledlin has thrown a curve ball of sorts into the mix with an incredibly witty angle for his latest single, “Jealous Of Jesus.” For the German-born artist now based in Vancouver, the song’s genesis (pardon the pun) came from a discussion he was having with a friend in a bar.
The single is the latest offering from Ledlin, who has had an incredibly interesting life thus far. Born in Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany (a place notable for its world championship-level ski slopes), Ledlin developed a knack for writing in high school and university English classes, which provided an outlet to express himself. But that itch took a backseat somewhat as Ledlin played professional hockey in Germany for a decade, playing for the likes of the Rostock Pirhanas and Bayreuth Tigers.
Ledlin hung up his skates for good for the microphone and guitar in February 2024. But by then, the music career was in full force. In August 2020, the musician appeared in the German version of The Voice, ending up in the third round and mentored by songwriter Michael Schulte. In 2022, his premiere single “Drink About Me,” hit two million streams quickly and made his name known in country music circles. Thus far, he has north of six million streams globally.
“The song walks a bit of a line in regard to being jealous of something so many believe in, but it’s really not religion at all,” Ledlin says of “Jealous Of Jesus.” “It’s about two people trying to become one and overcome what most can’t. I’ve been through the situation of someone being so invested in something that it’s hard for them to see any other view but theirs.”
“Jealous Of Jesus,” written and composed by Ledlin, Dan Botch, and Garrett Ward, makes a strong case for being a late addition to many year-end singles lists. The track brings to mind Tyler Hubbard, Eric Church, and Morgan Wallen as Ledlin paints a picture featuring some great turns of phrases alongside a deliberate but delectable arrangement that builds from the opening verse onwards. It also delicately toes the line between country and pop.
“If you think the song is about being jealous of Jesus, then you didn’t really listen to the words,” Ledlin says. Both Botch and Ward, who co-produced the single, told him if anyone would do a song like “Jealous Of Jesus” it would be Ledlin. “We put together a great song that tells a story of two people trying to overcome different views to attempt to be together.”
“Jealous Of Jesus” was written in Vancouver, where Ledlin crafted the melody and opening verse before entering the studio. After hearing enhanced mixes over a few months, the single was fully fleshed out thanks to a Nashville drummer resulting in “the beast of a song” Ledlin fell in love with.
Ledlin, who released his debut EP Cowboys Wear Sneakers Too in 2023, was a semi-finalist on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country that same year. He has played sold-out shows at Vancouver’s The Roxy as well as appearing at the Sunfest Country Music Festival in British Columbia’s Cowichan Valley. He has also shared the stage with the likes of Lainey Wilson, Dallas Smith, Riley Green, and Kameron Marlowe among others.
“Jealous Of Jesus,” following the success of his Top 40 hit “Slower Than You Planned,” is sure to be another solid stepping stone for Mark Ledlin who is planning an EP release on the horizon. With a single as smart and stellar as “Jealous Of Jesus,” look for Ledlin to be playing arenas again far sooner than you might expect. Just without the skates and hockey equipment.
Hi, Mark! Good to meet you! Care to introduce yourself to the readers?
Absolutely! My name is Mark Ledlin and I’m a country musician. Hailing from a tiny town in the southern state of Bavaria, Germany, and moving to Canada a few years later, music was not the end goal but rather hockey. Moving back to Germany at 15 to pursue my hockey dreams, I then spent the next 10 years pursuing and achieving my dreams of playing professional hockey. I admit that the silence in hockey is where I found music. Teaching myself to sing and play guitar then later learned to write music and this release my own. This takes us to where I am today pursuing music full-time and creating a new chapter which I am absolutely prepared for.
What was the moment or conversation in the bar that sparked the idea for “Jealous of Jesus,” and how did it evolve into a full song?
Well, it was a conversation I was having with a hockey buddy of mine in a bar, and after a few drinks, we started talking about a girl he believed he started having romantic feelings for. However, like most people they had differences. Now it wasn’t religion in question but rather the idea that he was only one person. Just an ordinary man incapable of changing the world. While she followed such a strong feeling of faith, he, a non-religious man just felt jealousy that he couldn’t give her the same feeling that she felt for something else. Hence where “Jealous of Jesus” came from.
You mentioned the song isn’t really about religion but about two people trying to overcome their differences. How did you approach balancing these themes to make the song relatable?
There were some obvious things we wanted to make sure were evident when writing the song. We never wanted to feel like we crossed a line or would offend anyone’s beliefs. So rather we tried to write the song as if it was a waltz. Together two can create this gorgeous, harmonious dance but done individually just two souls going through the motions. Much like people putting aside their differences to make a relationship work, the song talks about being given a real chance to show he’s worth it but also parts of the song “turning water into whiskey but it ain’t doing jack” is a play on words that even with that chance he’s still having trouble overcoming his feelings towards her. So I tried to write it in a relatable sense that no matter if it’s faith, work, or family people experience differences in this world and in relationships, but I just so happened to use this metaphor because it was the one I lived and experienced in that moment.
Your journey from professional hockey in Germany to a rising star in country music is fascinating. How has your time in sports influenced your approach to music and songwriting?
As a Pro Athlete turned musician, sports I’d say have primed me for the stage. Pressure management in front of people, the ability to handle criticism as well as the non glamorous abilities such as putting bad days in the back of your mind while playing a game or playing a show. As an athlete, there’s always a ton of spotlight on you but as a musician, it’s all on you. Your music is an oral representation of you! So if people don’t like you it’s going to be hard for them to like the music. So I’ve done my best to try and write about topics that I’ve personally been through and can give my two cents on. Hockey like music is an art. And I’ve done my best to turn my art into true expression through my music.
Having appeared on The Voice Germany and SiriusXM’s Top of the Country, how have these experiences shaped your career and prepared you for the country music spotlight?
I think appearing in these two singing competitions more or less gave me a bit more confidence that I was pursuing the career. It wasn’t just a string of dumb luck it was hard work and effort that was making the train chug along. Although my career is only just beginning I would say I’ve always been destined for big things, it was just choosing what thing I wanted to pursue. So for the first time, music has been something I’ve been so certain about for some time now that I know I’m making the right decision.