Artist Summary
Artist Bio
Marke (silent ‘e’), from Des Plaines, IL, first began playing the viola at age 8, followed by piano at age 12, drums at 16 (although known to bang on various household things since 5), and guitar at 19. He has always sung throughout his life, whether in the bathroom, in the car, in church, and, later, onstage. Marke was recruited to his first band six months after receiving his first drum set and was recording albums that same day. After graduating he helped form Spiney Norman, a progressive/psychedelic rock combo. They later became Mosquitohead, who became well-known in and around Chicago for their long, improvised jams as well as their short, concise pop songs. In college Marke continued to study percussion with famed jazz drummer Jake Jerger at Oakton Community College, where he was given a music performance scholarship. In 1994 he co-founded Thunk and they too achieved notoriety around Chicago, at which time he moved to bass. Around this time Marke, who had previously experimented with poetry and short stories, began writing songs. His writing showcases a profound melodic sense over several genres, including rock, folk, metal and blues, with solid hooks and soaring choruses providing the frosting on a poetic yet timely lyrical cake. All the while the acoustic guitar, with its ability to whisper as well as roar, has been Marke’s main instrument. Influences include Neil Young, Pete Townshend, George Harrison and Jim Croce. Taking vocal lessons with renowned vocal and life coach Wendy Hart established a newfound confidence in his singing ability.) Marke recently began playing drums again, playing in Labrador Dali as well as with Phil Circle, The Hawk In October (now Left Turn at Albuquerque), Jack Salamander, Kristin Kelly, Kris Nichols and Marlon St. James, Ruby Harris, and French Finnish. His only release to date has been the EP "A Sound Seen Distant", but is currently at work on a new full-length album he hopes to be completed by the end of the year. Check him out at www.marke-lester.com, as well as on Facebook and MySpace.
More About Marke Lester
a biography
It could be said that music chose Marke Lester rather than the other way around. Marke (silent ‘e’), from Des Plaines, IL, expressed a unique talent to make musical sounds out of any household object and to reproduce any line of notes he heard early on. His first instrument was the viola at age 8, followed by piano at age 12, drums at 16, and guitar at 19. Marke also sang in his church choir. Marke was recruited to his first band six months after receiving his first drum set, in 11th gade, and was recording albums that same day. In 12th grade he joined his high school's marching band on percussion and performed in parades and events, and received a Modern Music Master award for his progress and accomplishments. After graduating in 1990 he helped form Spiney Norman, a progressive/psychedelic rock combo. They later became Mosquitohead, who became well-known in and around Chicago for their long improvised jams as well as their short, concise pop songs. While playing in these bands Marke continued to study percussion with famed jazz drummer Jake Jerger at Oakton Community College, where he earned a music scholarship. In 1994 he co-founded Thunk and they too achieved notoriety around Chicago, at which time he moved to bass. Around this time Marke began songwriting; by the time Thunk called it quits in 2003, Marke had about 25 songs under his belt, which by now has tripled. Marke's only solo release has been the internet-only EP "A Sound Seen Distant", and is currently in the studio at work on a new album. His writing showcases a profound melodic sense over several genres, including rock, folk, metal and blues, with solid hooks and soaring choruses providing the frosting on a poetic yet timely lyrical cake. All the while the acoustic guitar, with its ability to whisper as well as roar, has been Marke’s main instrument. Influences include Neil Young, Pete Townshend, George Harrison and Jim Croce. Marke recently began playing drums again, playing with his longtime friend and bandmate Robert Emmett in Labrador Dali. Word of his drumwork reached the ears of singer/songwriter Phil Circle, who hired him for his band. This led to Marke also being recruited for The Hawk In October and Jack Salamander. Marke currently plays in Labrador Dali and with Phil Circle and is starting to book solo acoustic shows. You can check out Marke’s music at: www.myspace.com/markelester and soon at www.marke-lester.com.
