Morgenstern

Tightrope

Growing up west of Sydney in the artistic melting pot of the Blue Mountains, Leigh Marks has anchored much of his material to his grunge and blues roots and the environment of his upbringing. In his formative years he’d spend hours listening to vocalists such as Garry Stringer (Reef) and Paul Rogers (Free/Bad Company) developing his own vocal and songwriting that has grown to primarily serve the song and utilize landscapes and textures to present his style of delivery. This approach and capacity was echoed by award winning producer Syd Green who said ‘it was inspiring to work with an artist so open to ideas.’ This searching for free expression and honesty is the characteristic focus of his songwriting.  

Marks started singing gospel at the Fathers House Blue Mountains in 2007, where freestyle singing and harmonizing with acoustic instruments and percussion would develop his ear and understanding of music. Already a regular fronting various acts across Sydney’s live scene, this experience would help him develop his craft and find opportunities abroad. 

In 2009 Marks moved to Hamburg Germany and quickly discovered its vibrant music scene. After songwriting with a variety of musicians, Marks joined heavy rockers Joe Phone which then became Crow of the Cloud in 2010. The band released their self- titled EP (mixed and mastered by Roman Rossbach) in 2010 with enthusiastic reviews from publications such as German Metal Hammer who likened their musicianship, riffs and Marks’ melodies to Disturbed. Uncle Sally’s .com stated that (translated from German) ‘With their Australian singer Leigh COTC grow a monster, which deep-rooted stage-stars couldn't have done any better. The singer with the distinctive voice, who thanks to his versatility could be compared to Ed Kowalczyk from Live, joins the band since spring 2010 and is a welcomed crown on top of the “tight” rocker's head.’ The band in their time together would play numerous international festivals including Reload in 2010 performing alongside Sepulture, Everlast, Billy Idol, Taylor Hawkins, Selig and Ten Years After.  

Marks, with COTC, played at festivals such as Rockspectakle and the Siegelei Festival with Saint Lu, the Brew and Ingo Pohlmann in 2011 also appearing on live NRJ Radio, Hamburg. The band opened for Blind, One Fine Day, Kings and Killers and supported Daniel Wirtz on the Northern German leg of his 2012 tour. 

After Crow of the Cloud wound up in 2012 Marks returned to his native Australia playing at the New Town Festival with old songwriting companion Daniel Kopp in 2013. 2014 brought session vocals and a collaboration that involved working with producer James Englund (Michael Bolton, John Butler). 2015 would see him play at the Iconic Metro Theatre which has hosted such acts as Muse and Jeff Buckley with the band Dime. In 2016 he recorded a solo EP with Syd Green at the Mono Nest, Nowra featuring the tracks Tightrope and Unknown (available on 
iTunes) taking an Americana/blues/folk direction honing in on the songwriting process. 2016 has also seen the release of material from his early days in Hamburg with singles Where Rivers Meet and Drowning. 

When he is not making music, he is playing basketball, reading or enjoying walking his staffy in the mountains. 

Sounds like Leigh Marks: Amos Lee, Chris Cornell, Ben Harper

Tightrope

Leigh Marks

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