An Exclusive Interview With Talented Artist Rockstar Marcus

Rockstar Marcus is a New Orleans native that features a relaxed melodic delivery blending styles of punk rock, hip hop, and R&B. Marcus was first introduced to music while playing the snare drum and xylophone in the middle school band. The video game, Guitar Hero inspired him to pick up a guitar where he fell in love with the likes of Jimi Hendrix. His biggest styles of influence come from Hayley Williams of Paramore and Wale.

Q: When you decide it’s time to make a new record, is that more exciting or stressful?

Ans: It’s really more exciting than anything. There’s never a right or wrong time to decide to start a new song. When have that spark of inspiration I run with run it and get in my zone. The truly exciting part comes when the song is finished and I’m playing my unreleased song while driving around waiting to finally release it.

Q:  How do you shut things out?

Ans: This is tough because I always have my phone on me and whether it’s someone who is a fan of my music or friend/ family member, I always like to respond when I can. I think the simple way to answer this is, I don’t. When I’m recording and here someone cutting grass outside, I have to stop and take a break. A lot of times it’s a much-needed break. If my phone buzzes, and someone wants to hangout, I value that the time that they want to spend, and I’ll save what I’m working on and come back to it. Most of the times I’m recording in the late hours of the night of a weekday where I don’t really have a choice but to shut things out since nothing is really happening.

Q: How easily do songs tend to come to you?

Ans : Everything is really organic where I don’t have to think much about song topics or lyrics. It comes very naturally because I take bits and pieces of what’s happened or happening in my life and put together the pieces on a song. By doing so, it creates a story that the listener can interpret and find how a song relates to their life.

Q: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

Ans: Don’t be afraid to at least try. You’ll be better off getting your answer than wondering what if.

Q: What is you favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car?

Ans: Emergency by Paramore. That’s my favorite song by them.

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Q: For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words?

Ans: Vibes, fun, chill, melodic, and grungy. Each song can be different depending on what sound I’m going for.

Q: You write all of your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?

ANS: Most if not all my songs have to do with love and relationships because that’s my life. I believe everyone deals with that kind of stuff whether you’re a guy or girl. Currently I’m sitting at 51% of my audience being female and I feel like I’m a voice to guys who don’t know what to say or how to say it. My inspiration can come from a girl I talked to 2 years ago to a girl I just met. I put them together on song where they meet each other.

Q:What is your favorite song to sing live?

Ans: Sarah Tonin, that’s my baby, it’s definitely of my favorite songs I’ve done.

Q:Do you have any events coming up or recording going on right now?

Ans: I’ll be kicking off festival season by performing at SANDFEST 2 in Cedar Rapids. Right now, I’m planning the theme of my next project Universe 6. I have a couple of songs done that I’m excited for.

Q:  How often and for how long do you practice?

Ans: Everyday even if it’s just for 30 minutes, I try to get better at something.

Thanks for taking time out of your day:)