Best of August 2023

you used to call me my heart
i used to call you my star

when i was a golden egg
and you bought me at the fair
raspberry on my leg
corncockle in your hair
you strangled the goose by the neck

stiff as a feather, light as a board
floating forever, wrapped in a cord

when i was a golden egg
and you bought me at the fair
raspberry on my leg
corncockle in your hair
you strangled the goose by the neck

Golden Egg

‘Ride The Dragon’ is the first exposition of Marks’ artistry, harmonizing futuristic synthesizers with a 4 pieces horn section, rhythm section and lush orchestra. The result: a through- composed voyage traversing the borders of jazz fusion and electronica with a cinematic edge. 

The track opens with is a literal ‘warp-speed’ sound that transports the listener into a dark futuristic jazz sonic universe, with a driving rhythm section steering the journey. It builds into a heroic theme as the horns, orchestra and synthesizers fuse together and explode like the fire from an unleashed dragon.

Nick says about the song: “This track is about unleashing the inner dragon in all of us; daring to take risks, all in pursuit of our dreams, the greater vision we have for a better world, without limitations. It’s also a homage to the process of how the track was written and performed: riding inspiration fearlessly without not necessarily knowing where the ultimate destination is, but trusting it will lead to where it needs to go”.

Ride The Dragon

“Dorongo” represents an aural metropolis set in a futuristic dystopian world. Driving bass lines, modern jazz rhythm section, stoic horns, flute and blazing solos fuse with explosive synth stabs, mashed game-boy sounds, and arpeggios that fly like racing hover vehicles. Underpinning it all is a lush orchestra that takes listeners on a soaring through-composed adventure via moments of cinematic jazz, electronica, drum’n’bass and a Fela Kuti-inspired groove. The track was recorded between New York and Budapest with a 21 piece orchestra. Think Thundercat and Jacob Collier combining to write a score for the latest Blade Runner, supervised by Jaga Jazzist and recorded by the Metropole Orkest.

Dorongo (Single)

Dorongo

From//October - Somewhere Quiet

New York based Australian Composer and Producer Nick Marks steps a little outside his usual cinematic jazztronica world, dropping this single 'Between Gigs': a lo-fi jazzy hip-hop 'aural aperitif'  for the 'in-between' moments of life: whether waiting for a call back to find out if you got the gig; waiting for the latest test results, or hoping to hear back from a friend or new acquaintance.  Written to keep your spirits up and serve as a reminder for the potential beauty that life can bring.

Between Gigs (single)

Between Gigs

Hold Your Horses

The first single from Serious People.

https://www.instagram.com/seriouspeoplemusic/
https://seriouspeople.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fYw4yTUJN5Q1oWgrqGXGR?si=t8-2FOjNQR2f31dFrOy3lA

Nobody Knows I'm Twisted

In Circles

I know I say this every month, but we’ve truly been spoiled with new music recently. This month might just be the best one yet! We’ve got new albums from Kaytranada, Sango, Rapsody, and Vince Staples, plus so much other great new music. I recorded this months show from NY without a mic so fortunately for you guys you can just enjoy the music without my talking!

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El Train Radio Episode 066

New York based artist Nick Marks is a composer and producer of sonic narratives that traverse musical boundaries. Described as 'cinematic jazz electronica, infused with hip-hop breaks and latin flavors', Marks' music is laced with ear-candy hooks, lush jazz harmonies, expansive arrangements and hard-hitting beats. His ethos is to provide listeners with a soundtrack to their day that helps them feel energized and at ease, facilitating deep emotional connections to moments of everyday life. 

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, he grew up among that city’s innovative musical scenes, absorbing the cross-pollination of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, funk, latin and hip-hop influences. Marks is a conservatory trained jazz and classical pianist, and self taught composer. His training is combined with a deep passion and study of film scores and synthesizers. This has informed a sound that is wholly his own, combining the real with the surreal, designed to stimulate the soul, body and mind. 

Since moving to New York in 2016, Marks has firmly established himself as an in-demand composer, producer and musical director. He writes scores for feature film and television, is a frequent collaborator and arranger for various cross-genre artists. Marks' music resonates with the full spectrum of emotions, a reflection of his view that life is multifaceted with layers of beauty and complexity.

Fresh pressed indie music. 
http://obscuresound.com

Between Gigs

Nick Marks

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