American rock singer Troy Marks. He talks about recording the EP Illumino and more. Enjoy this Troy Marks Interview from June 18, 2014.
Troy Marks Interview
1. What’s new in the world of Troy Marks?
It is a really exciting time. I am about to release my first solo EP called Illumino. I wrote all the songs on my own and was able to demo them at my home studio. This EP has been inside my head and my heart for many years. It’s great to finally purge, so to speak! Can’t wait for everyone to hear it! If you like rock and roll, this one’s for you!
2. How was it recording your first EP Illumino?
I was really fortunate to work with Jack Miele, who is a Grammy award nominated engineer and producer at Fudge Studios in New Orleans. He is currently producing the new Blues Traveler record. He really got the vibe of my songs pretty quickly, and we were able to really push the boundaries together. I wanted to work with new people, so Jack put the studio band together from a bunch of New Orleans musicians, most of whom I was familiar with. Interestingly, he would not let the band hear the songs prior to recording them, so we would all listen to the demos in the control room, discuss a few intricacies, then walk into the next room and knock them out. It gave the EP a real sense of urgency. It was a great experience!
3. How did you go abouts to making the artwork?
I was poking around looking at various images and looking for something that would reflect the EP properly. I really love the angel picture that ended up on the disc itself. It is a striking and powerful image. My initial thought was to use that for the cover, but then everyone said that I must put a picture of myself on the cover. (hence my mug) I do use the angel on my backdrop and also on a lot of my merchandise, though.
4. During an average year how many shows do you do?
I know it’s not perceived as cool or hip to say this, but being from New Orleans, I started a cover band in 1994 and have been able to make a great living for the last 20 years. We do a wide variety of music, most of which I really love to sing. It is really helped my voice and broadened my songwriting horizons. The success of the band has allowed me to pursue my original music, which I always had dwelling inside of me. So getting to your question, although I started in the business doing all my own music as a younger musician, I am just really starting down that path again now. My EP release party will be at the House of Blues in New Orleans on July 13th. I hope to announce some other shows soon.
5. Could you describe some of your earliest influences?
I would have to say my biggest earliest influence was Zeppelin. I was given Led Zeppelin IV for my 12th birthday, and my life was never the same. I really identified with Robert Plant and knew what I wanted to do from then on. I just couldn’t wait to get through school so I could join a band. Some other big influences were Rush, Judas Priest, and most of the rock bands of the day that had great singers. I’ve really come to appreciate Chuck Berry and Elvis as well. The things they did were just so pure, you don’t find that anymore. We have a saying down here in New Orleans, “ Ain’t dere no more,” that describes that artistry perfectly. Ain’t dere no more.
6. How important is it for a musician in this generation to spend time on social media?
As we all know the musical landscape has changed dramatically. Social media has become vitally important. It is absolutely necessary to use it in order to compete these days. Fans today have more access to their favorite artists than ever before. If it is used in positive and creative ways, it can be a really useful tool for this generation of musicians to get their voices heard. There is so much white noise out there, that you must be creative to break through!
7. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
I have younger children at home so my record collection is pretty varied. The whole English invasion of the late 60s still lives on vinyl in my household. Led Zeppelin, the Who, the Rolling Stones, and of course the Beatles. I also own Elton John, James Taylor, and Cat Stevens records. My oldest son is 13 and has discovered the beauty of Nirvana. I am proud to say that he is a rock ‘n roller at heart. My house is a musical gumbo!
8. Where do you see music in general going in 100 years from now?
That is a very difficult question to answer as I’m sure I won’t be around to see it. I would hope that whatever music is in 100 years that it is honest and comes from a place of sincerity. I don’t like perfect music, I have always been attracted to music that has passion to it. Technology has afforded us better sounds and more recording options than ever, but the reality is that the world can still be changed with song. I hope that never changes!
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