Nick Marks (@nmarksmusik) is a New York-based artist, composer, and producer from Melbourne, Australia. Not too long ago, he released a fascinating crossover jazz single “Current Location,” featuring CARRTOONS, Dave Levy, Chien Chien Lu, Chris Ott, Brittany Harris, Doron Lev, Benjamin Furman, Sarpay Ozcagatay, and Leandro Pellegrino. The song is featured on Marks’ latest EP “Cinematic Chromatics Vol. III.”
Nick Marks – “Current Location” Single
“Current Location” is a metaphorical title reflecting the malleable and amorphous definitions of place, time, and space. Think BADBADNOTGOOD and MNDSGN teaming up with Tom Jobim and Quincy Jones to write a film score. This sound best describes Marks’ latest sonic exploration, taking listeners to another corner of his sonic universe. Never content to rest on his laurels, Marks is always looking to push the boundaries of what is possible musically, as well as himself artistically.
“Current Location” began in July 2022 when Marks was walking home one day in Manhattan, and after listening to some of his favorite Brazilian artists (Jobim, Artur Verocai, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Jorge Ben, Egberto Gismonti), he felt inspired by new melodic ideas. Once he got home, he sat at his upright piano and began singing and reharmonizing these ideas while recording into his iPhone.
A fairly standard process then followed where Marks began demoing these ideas, fleshing out the structure, form, and arrangements. With all the tracks of the “Cinematic Chromatics” universe taking either a large-form ensemble track or a jazzy/lo-fi-inspired turn, Marks wanted to find something that was a halfway point between the two. He began experimenting with different synth sounds from his Nord, creating vocal stacks and placing unusual effects on acoustic instruments.
Marks was thrilled to invite new collaborators on this track, including electric bassist CARRTOONS, virtuosic vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu and renowned Chilean pianist/songwriter Benjamin Furman. Whereas Marks has worked with numerous orchestras before, and indeed recorded with the Budapest Art Orchestra, he opted for a more ‘homegrown’ approach with recording strings here, going for a more DIY soulful R&B/Motown sound.
Nick Marks
Nick Marks’ music is laced with ear-candy hooks, lush jazz harmonies, expansive arrangements, Latin flavors, 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.
Marks grew up among Melbourne’s innovative musical scenes, absorbing the cross-pollination of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, funk, Latin, and hip-hop influences. He 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 and is a frequent collaborator and arranger for various cross-genre artists. His music has been performed in iconic venues including Carnegie Hall. His latest releases have received support on BBC, Jazzwise, Worldwide FM, and Bandcamp Weekly. Marks’ music resonates with the full spectrum of emotions, a reflection of his view that life is multifaceted with layers of beauty and complexity.
Nick Marks – “Cinematic Chromatics Vol. III” – EP
We recommend adding Nick Marks’ “Current Location” single to your favorite crossover jazz playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Please comment below and let us know how this song makes you feel. Remember, your feedback helps us bring you more of the music you love to discover. As always, thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment. We’re your go-to source for new music and positive entertainment news. Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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