May 5, 2007 MEDIATRIX RECORDS In November of 2006, the Archdiocese of Detroit newspaper, the Michigan Catholic headlined a story, "Making a joyful sound." It told of a newly established Catholic record company, Mediatrix Records dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mark Cabrera, the founder was, for over 20 years, once a part of the secular pop music business before he left it in early 1996.

Mark Cabrera started playing the guitar at 11 years old. He loved playing and writing music. Throughout the 70's (starting at 16 years old) Cabrera was a guitarist for two rock bands playing at high school dances, block parties and eventually in local bars, in the Detroit metro area, with his father in attendance as a chaperone. Although the bands mostly covered the current hits of the day, Cabrera did write original music they performed.

In the 80's he helped produce music for a four women urban group, known as Marcera. The group achieved some success locally, so Cabrera went to Hollywood to see if he could get a record label deal for the group. Unfortunately that did not happen. In order to sustain himself he played for a group CJ and Company. Then he moved to New York where he lived for five years producing CD's and trying to secure a record deal.

In 1992, Cabrera returned to Detroit and helped produce recording sessions for urban and rap artists. It was at this time that a local golden glove boxer was shot and killed in a car jacking incident. He was killed a day before his first professional boxing match. Mark Cabrera co-wrote a song based on the sentiments of the boxer's 6 year old sister, it was entitled, "Til I See You Again." A cassette single was released locally with modest success.

During his years in the secular music industry Cabrera's Catholic faith was tepid at best. It was the era of long hair, rock and roll, pop, rap music and everything that went with the times and business. Cabrera's dream was tied to catching the golden ring of fame and fortune. His link to what was left of his faith was his mother, whom he talked to on a regular basis. Where ever he was she mailed him various holy cards of saints and novena's. Finally in 1996, after almost twenty years of struggling in the secular music field Cabrera quit the music business. Although he loved writing and producing music he came to realize that he had allowed himself to be a part of an industry whose values were questionable.

In 1997, Mark Cabrera married Rendie Tank. Now he began looking for a more stable career and life. He and Rendie wanted a family. Cabrera joined his brother Steve in opening Empire Financial Mortgages. As part of their business the Cabrera brothers made a trip to Atlanta, Georgia in May of that year to meet with a mortgage broker. While visiting some friends there, they were told about Marian apparitions that were taking place in Conyers, Georgia. Out of curiosity they drove to Conyers. Once there Mark Cabrera spoke to several of the pilgrims who told him of many conversions to the Catholic faith, healings and various miracles. At first he was skeptical about what he heard. However, on the 12 hour return trip to Detroit he read all the books, the messages and other materials he could gather regarding the apparitions. It changed his life. Back in Detroit, he found himself in a confessional after 20 years apologizing to God for the music he produced which promoted drinking, drugs and adultery.

The Cabrera brothers had their business enthroned to Jesus and Mary through the Men of the Sacred Heart. Eventually the business began to grow as did his family. He and Rendie became involved in the pro-life movement. The music had become a thing of the past. In 2000 Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of Christ" and it stirred his soul. It put him on fire for God. He went to see the associate pastor of his parish, Father John Ricardo. He spoke to the priest about his feelings and about not having in passion for his job and the mortgage business. He wanted to find his "niche in life." He felt he should be back producing music. Father Ricardo told him to be patient and "fast from all music for forty days." His friends did not know of his past association with the music business. They all knew him from the mortgage company. Then the business took a sudden plunge downward. The Michigan and Detroit economy hit the skids. There were thousands of jobs cut in the auto industry and mortgage rates went up. In 2005 Empire Financial Mortgages was forced to pare down drastically in size because of the drop in real estate sales.

At this time, by chance or fate, Cabrera's wife, Rendie now expecting their fifth child went to see a four sister (siblings) singing group. She was impressed with their vocal style and harmony. She told Mark about the foursome. The girls had initially traveled to Nashville to find a Christian producer. However, they decided that they needed to find someone who was a Catholic. The fact that they were able to connect with Cabrera was a blessing for all concerned. Cabrera's wife Rendie knew that he wanted to produce music again only this time in uplifting God with a modern beat. Rendie told him, "We'll just trust in God." And that is what Cabrera did.

In December, 2005, Father Andrew Bloomfield blessed the studio Cabrera built in his basement spending $40,000 of the family savings. Now with a limited income becoming a real financial burden Mark and Rendie Cabrera put their trust in God. His basement office and recording studio is rife with statues and pictures of Jesus, Mary and various saints. Cabrera has several Catholic artist's signed to the Mediatrix label. The label's first major release is by the group, Ascent, entitled "Toward The Heights" which will be released in late April or early May. The first single CD from the album, "My Divine Mercy" has received excellent reviews.

In Cabrera's words, "Through this label and artist's its now about promoting virtue and not vice, and that it is okay to play drums and guitar and love God." Mark Cabrera understands though, that the major challenge for the fledgling label is to put together solid marketing, promotion and eventually concert plans for the artists. Mark Cabrera can be contacted at mark@mediatrixrecords.com