Marcus J. Austin

Marcus J. Austin
www.sonicbids.com/MarcusJAustin

Skope: What were you doing when you found out you were selected for Skope A2W April 2010?
Marcus Austin: I was driving on the Dan Ryan Expressway, in my hometown, Chicago, stuck in rush hour traffic.

Skope: Now that the weather is nice will you be out playing live this summer & spring & where?
Marcus Austin: I will be out performing at several venues. Some of the venue’s will include The Joynt, 650 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL ,and the Dragonfly Mandarin, 832 West Randolph, Chicago, IL. In order to stay updated on scheduling items please check my calendar at www.marcusjaustin.com for more information.

Skope: What motivates you everyday to get up and create and work on your music?
Marcus Austin: There are three motivating factors that contribute to my music work ethic. One of the main motivating factors is that in creating original music it uplifts my spirits, gives peace and calm in the midst of confusion, and allows an outlet to express life’s emotions. The second motivating factor that inspires me to create is the drive to produce a new sound and innovative creation, “Eleck-tro-Soul”. And last but not least, music is a universal language in which I can reach and speak to the world.

Skope: What bands & musicians before you heavily influenced your sound?
Marcus Austin: Many musical influences and artist have added value to my sound, “Eleck-tro-Soul”. Some of my influences include Kim Burrell, George Clinton and the Parliament, The Gap Band, Bobby Womack, and Gino Vannelli.

Skope: What is coming up for you and where can readers learn more about you?

Marcus Austin: I currently have a free mix-tape, “The Buzz: Heartbreaker” that is currently available to the public off my website, www.marcusjaustin.com. In June 2010, I will be releasing the first couple of singles from my upcoming EP music project, “The Love Inn: You’ve Been Waiting (V.2)”. Additionally, the complete EP project will be released fall 2010. Lastly, I will be posting updated video footage from concerts, events, and related activities on my website www.marcusjaustin.com, where readers can find out more about my music, videos, press coverage, and much more.

- Skope Magazine

Juniors Cave Online Magazine Presents...

Sensual, Seductive, and Satisfying are what comes to mind when describing the music of Marcus J. Austin. Come on this pleasurable journey of pure ecstasy as Austin is creating a nice vibe that fans will enjoy. Check out what this artist had to say about his music in this recent interview with our Webzine. Enjoy!

Isaac: I just listened to one of your songs from your CD. What was the inspiration for making your new album?

Marcus: There were several inspirations for making my album, “The Love Inn: You’ve Been Waiting (V.2). The first inspiration was the burning desire to share the love, heartbreak, and life-experiences that invoke authentic emotions from human relationships. The second inspiration was the excitement of sharing my new brand of rhythm and blues music, “Eleck-tro-Soul”. For three years, I’ve been dedicated to creating a unique music experience that truly reflects what I hear, see, and feel. Last but not least, my friends and family also have encouraged me to continue to use and share my musical gifts with the general public. Therefore, although some of my colleagues have not heard the full scope of what has been created, I’m sure they will be impressed with how far I’ve come and where I’m headed.

Isaac: Who were your influences?

Marcus: There are many musical influences that have substantially contributed to my musical taste and sound, “Eleck-tro-Soul”. Some of the major names include Jimi Hendrix, Kim Burrell, George Clinton and the Parliament, The Gap Band, Gino Vannelli, and Bobby Womack.

Isaac: What do you consider to have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?

Marcus: The highlights of my career until this point include my participation in concert opening up for Rhythm and Blues legend, Lenny Williams. Additionally, being selected by Skope Magazine and this publication, Juniors Cave Online Magazine, for review as an artist to watch. Lastly, being able to compete in a talent competition at the Underground Wonder Bar in Chicago, where the contestants and attendees sang one of my original songs with me.

In the bible, Proverbs 18:21, it states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." In this tough music industry you learn to develop tough skin because everyone that you would like to support might have a different taste or ear for what and where you are headed. It is in that vein, that many of my low-lights deal with receiving illegitimate and negative feedback during focus groups and listening sessions that I’ve been involved with. Although these experiences have been few and far between, many times people want to challenge your persistence and perseverance by challenging the merits of a quality product due to their insecurities. It is in those times you need to eat the meat, which is the critical feedback, and spit out the bones, which would be opinions that lack merit and give assistance as how to make your product better.

Isaac: Brief history about your background plus the style of music you play.

Marcus: While attending Rutgers University, I became a fixture at open mics, talent showcases, poetry slams, and student events. My energy, soulful vocal sound, originality, and crowd involvement were consistent elements that endeared me to my peers. During my four years of college, I began learning music production, song writing, and vocal arrangement in a studio setting.

After graduation, I decided to come back to the “Windy City” where it all began. I continued to balance a heavy work schedule while performing at weddings, stepper’s sets and other social events that enabled me to display my cutting edge and soulful sound. Additionally, I invested resources in studio equipment that elevated his production capability to an elite level.

After two years of seeking diligently to create an innovative sound, “Eleck-tro-Soul”, I embarked on my solo debut project, “The Love Inn: You’ve Been Waiting.” As an innovative producer of Eleck-tro-Soul, I combined melodic harmonies and powerful lead vocal composition to tell stories of love, happiness, hurt, and pain. My production and instrumentation features a variety of new school synthesizers, and percussion drum riffs, with old school minor keyboard and organ feels. As a hybrid music style, Eleck-tro-Soul is influenced greatly by Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, R&B, Pop, Soul, and Funk. This album displays my vocal abilities and range as well as my song writing and production skills. My style has been described as a combination of Jamie Foxx and Carl Thomas meeting legendary artist, Bobby Womack.

Isaac: How easy is it to gets gigs for you as an artist? What is the live music scene like in your area?

Marcus: It can be tough to process to get gigs when you are an unknown commodity. However, thankfully, Chicago is rich in musical talent and there are many opportunities to receive free exposure due to open mic venues and talent showcases. Therefore, if you start at the beginning level of free events, that typically lends itself to more paid gigs to perform.

The music scene right now is developing slowly in Chicago. Currently, local infrastructure is being rebuilt in order to attract more attention and revenue for music and the entertainment industry as a whole. However, just like a major urban metropolis, you can definitely find venues, speak with influential music stakeholders in the Midwest region, and develop a strong local following.

Isaac: What do you think of the state of Indie music at the moment? Do you listen to radio much at all? Has the Internet helped music grow or hindered it in your opinion?

Marcus: I believe that the state of Indie music is at its strongest and most powerful position at this current moment. There are unprecedented opportunities for exposure due to social media outlets. Additionally, through the web, you can post video footage of all performances and the creation of your music process. Information Technology has also opened the communication lines for networking across the world, not just local interaction.

I do listen to the radio as much as my schedule allows. Although many times indie artists create a strong dislike for main-stream radio stations, it allows you to do homework as to what the public is buying and listening to. In studying those musical trends, the information created can allow you to implement specific trends to advance your relevance to the general consumer market.

Isaac: If you could create a fantasy band - what would be the line-up and why?

Marcus:

Stevie Wonder- Keyboards

Bootsy Collins- Bass Guitar

Jimi Hendrix- Lead Guitar

Wynton Marsalis- Horns

Stewart Copeland- Drums

The above line-up of musicians highlights different brands of music that all have made substantial contributions to soul music. Stevie Wonder represents traditional rhythm and blues, Bootsy Collins represents Funk, Wynton Marsalis represents Jazz, and Jimi Hendrix as well as Stewart Copeland represents rock music. I believe the blend of styles although different would have a common thread that most definitely could create some ground-breaking songs. Lastly, the group would not only be great musicians but also great vocal performers as well.

Isaac: What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?

Marcus: Currently, I have my mix-tape, “The Buzz: Heart-Breaker”, available online for free at my website, www.marcusjaustin.com. Please feel free to go to the website, leave your e-mail address, and download the 9 tracks available for your listening pleasure. Additionally, I’ll be posting upcoming singles from my album, “The Love Inn: You’ve Been Waiting (V.2) in August 2010. CD’s as well as song downloads will be available in your local record stores as well as online.

Isaac: Where can fans access your music, videos, blogs, and anything else about you online?

Marcus: Fans and music lovers alike can find music, videos, blogs, scheduling updates, photos, e-mail correspondence, through my personal website, www.marcusjaustin.com. Additionally, I am on all the social networking sites including, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, BlackPlanet, etc. Please do know I pride myself in being personable and would love to hear from you through any of these communication vehicles.

Isaac: Message to your fans?

Marcus: I would first like to say thank you for your love, time, encouragement, and inspiration. No man’s an island, and I understand that I could not have made it this far without God and also you. Do know that I’ll be performing as much as possible in the upcoming spring and summer months. Please keep up to date on new activities via my personal website, www.marcusjaustin.com. Lastly, please tell your family, friends, and colleagues about what’s currently taking place. Peace and blessings.

- Junior's Cave Online Magazine