Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric (stage Name Mark Facet) Gonzales
Hi Eric (stage name Mark Facet), we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved here from Austin, Texas very young. Prepped for the health-care profession my whole life though I loved theatre and to play music— Juggled so many bands growing up, but still made ample time for my education. In 2021, I graduated from UTSA with a bio degree and started studying for the MCAT. On my free time, I was working my way through the music community AND corporate healthcare — sh*t was exhausting. I was meeting promoters, playing drums, hitting MCAT prep and interning as a phlebotomist for awhile. I worked up until the point of no return and ultimately had to choose between Healthcare and Music/Entertainment. That is when I met the staff of Twin Productions. I sought them out at concert they were hosting and gave them a cracked lifestory synopsis (kinda like this one). Fast forward a few weeks, I’m on set doing commercials for them as a video personality and learning the business behind live events— but that was JUST THE BEGINNING. At the end of 2022, I got a call about another job opportunity from them, I arrive at a venue in full interview get up— waiting to meet and impress a professional… BUT I WAS WAY OFF. 5 minutes before show time, I’m told that my job is to jump on stage, and do whatever it takes to keep the crowd interested. The DJ was a last minute hire, who did NOT do crowds. I’m thinking to myself, how they hell am I suppose to keep a crowd engaged for 4+ hours ?? Just ME? Looking back at it, all I can say is that.. I was born for this. I grabbed the mic, and felt my fears evaporate— like Thor finding his Hammer. I started moving, yelling, jumping… playing off what the people wanted. The best part was, I was being my pure self and being loved for it. I definitely found my soulmate that night – 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘥. Everything I did, I made up on the spot, and coordinated my words with the DJs flow. The audience and I played off each other, danced in unison, and let go of the real world for the night. This success would land me more gigs as a dance party host— for Disco, 80s, Taylor Swift, EMO and so many more themes. I traveled as a privately contracted entertainer from Oklahoma to Chicago, and ALL OVER TEXAS. I Met and performed with my heroes like Travis Clark from We the Kings and actors on Broadway. Life was an actual dream for awhile. Aside from party events, I’ve been signed to multiple agencies as an actor and model— was honored to be in Texas Fashion Week ‘23 and scored iconic roles such as The Mad Hatter, Obi Wan Kenobi & more.
in 2024, I’ve started to build an entertainment company of my own with my mentors. A stressful jump from just hosting events onstage FOR SURE, but knowing just how volatile this industry is— it’s the only way I can keep being myself… to keep reliving that very first night. I’ve figured out that to really be yourself, you have to let go of most of your fears and expectations. So we create an environment that allows people to do that — with nostalgic music, games & me going cRAZY on stage. I’ve come to call this crazy side of me “MARK” which represents a character entirely different from Eric. Mark is fearless, has no expectations, and a role that can be played by anyone. I’d like to help people discover their mark, bc that’s how we discover our best life.
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
OhmyGOD no. A huge struggle is catering to an empty room, which happens aLOT. Even though the people there are just as valuable, it’s much harder to get them excited. Another struggle is engaging an audience that has no idea who you are— at the House of Blues in Chicago, there was over 800 people that were exposed to me for the first time. Not everyone took a liking, which is another haunting obstacle. Not being able to please everyone is inevitable and in this business, it’s marked on your permanent record.
Physically, I’ve cramped so hard on stage that I’ve been bed ridden for weeks. I’ve buckled both my knees out of state and spent about 4 months of 2023 SICK from the constant person to person contact— that and passing out from exhaustion or dehydration makes this the most physically taxing job I’ve ever had.
And tHEN getting in shape to last onstage is a daily struggle. I hit the gym about 10 times a week, spreading out strength training, calisthenics & cardio across a really strict diet. This allows me to last 4+ hours flying around stage.
Finally, the biggest struggle is the business side of things. Imagine spending 2 months creating artwork, shooting video, editing content, setting up ads, finding decorations, decorating the venue, performing your heart out and spending thousands of dollars in marketing to incur a loss on the event. It’s really discouraging for me… and I try not to think about it evER.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work involves hosting or MCing events— which is really vague I know. So what I actually do is entertain people. This can be a combination of acting, singing, dancing, jumping, screaming and leading crowd games at an event.
I specialize in crowd work, which could involve a Conga Line at one event, or a Dance off at another— it’s instructing and guiding a crowd through activities that make the night more engaging.
I’m known primarily for the chaotic and unrelenting energy I maintain onstage for long periods of time and the unique crowd work— but on the adjacent, I’ve picked up a few labels as well. To the general public I’ve been called “the host with the most.” “…basically Harry Styles” and “Mark Facet.” — I’m also the guy featured on Washington Post for throwing one of the biggest Taylor Swift Dance Nights for her 1989 TV release (moment I’m really proud of)
I’m the most proud of turning this into a Sustainable career in 2023. I was able to travel, meet my heroes, and get paid by just being ME infront of huge audiences at historic venues. With help — I DID THAT.
You cannot beat me physically, I train my body on the daily basis to be able to last 4+ hours moving around like a bullet onstage— that sets me apart. That and being able to keep a crowd engaged with improvisation and creativity. You can’t plan the stuff I do either.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
LOLOL this is a great question bc I don’t think I’ll ever be happy. Happiness is innocence— The feeling I get when I’m on stage is very close, but I’m still aware of the negative. Becoming this fearless character mark allows me to let it go YES, but it’s still waiting for me when the night is over. Being myself onstage a couple times a month and still having to deal with adversity in between is a good balance— one that gives me peace after a successful night that I’ve worked hard to obtain.
Pricing:
- Dance Party Ticket $13-$20
- Book us for Private Event(Varies)
- Merch($15-$35)
- I hope I did this section right ^^^
Contact Info:
- Website: https://markfacet.com
- Instagram: @markfacet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027097669518&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://freakout96.eventbrite.com/?aff=MarkFacet
