The reason for my decision to use the name MARQUIS is twofold… First, it’s how my grandmother used to address me during my rap-obsessed years (from 1984-1992) – “Yo, Mar-KEE!” – and second, it’s a nod to the infamous Marquis de Sade, whose naughty influence is apparent in a large portion of my work. I’ve noticed a growing number of artists using the same name (to some extent), but from what I’ve heard of their music, I’m pleased to say there can be no mistaking my sound from theirs; good or bad, love me or hate me, I’m an original.
But never mind the same name, how about all the musical competition out there, nowadays? Not that I consider another artist “competition,” but it seems like everyone has taken to creating music and promoting a song/CD of his or her own. How does a simple music fan find enough time to discover and explore what each new artist has to offer? I suppose it depends on what attracts them to an artist… A fresh sound? A familiar sound from a new voice? A physical attraction? A live performance? Only that music fan knows for sure. But how are they discovering these new artists? Word of mouth? The Internet? Magazines? Radio? Are the likes of websites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter truly that effective in reaching the eyes and ears of potential fans? GENUINE fans? Hmmm…
Personally, I don’t actively seek out new artists to follow, nor do I keep tabs on the current trends in music. Otherwise, it becomes almost unavoidable to incorporate a portion of someone else’s look or sound in your own presentation, and I prefer to remain as uninfluenced by “the competition” as possible. This means I don’t listen to the radio, nor do I use online means for any other reason but to promote my own work. As for the artists I’ve been a loyal fan of for years, I honestly have no interest in seeing them play live (I’ve seen some of their shows and wasn’t thrilled), so performing live myself has never been a major concern for me. I’m pushing 40 with a “day job” and two small children & a wife at home… Life on the road isn’t even an option, at this point. All I want – all I’ve EVER wanted – is to make music that people recognize and appreciate. Sure, I want them to buy it, but does a “studio” musician such as myself really have far less of a chance of that happening than a “performing” one does? It’s astounding how much importance is placed on getting gigs in order to have a successful music career nowadays – ironically, by online sources of independent music promotion. Flavor Flav said it best: “Don’t believe the hype”… I never have, and never will. If you’re at all like me, you’ll be more than satisfied with playing my music, turning others onto it, saying “Hey!” and stopping to chat with me if our paths ever cross, and keeping an eye out for my latest release. And for that, I thank you… You’re my kind of fan. ;)
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Mark Baranowski / Blog
Why MARQUIS???
The reason for my decision to use the name MARQUIS is twofold… First, it’s how my grandmother used to address me during my rap-obsessed years (from 1984-1992) – “Yo, Mar-KEE!” – and second, it’s a nod to the infamous Marquis de Sade, whose naughty influence is apparent in a large portion of my work. I’ve noticed a growing number of artists using the same name (to some extent), but from what I’ve heard of their music, I’m pleased to say there can be no mistaking my sound from theirs; good or bad, love me or hate me, I’m an original. But never mind the same name, how about all the musical competition out there, nowadays? Not that I consider another artist “competition,” but it seems like everyone has taken to creating music and promoting a song/CD of his or her own. How does a simple music fan find enough time to discover and explore what each new artist has to offer? I suppose it depends on what attracts them to an artist… A fresh sound? A familiar sound from a new voice? A physical attraction? A live performance? Only that music fan knows for sure. But how are they discovering these new artists? Word of mouth? The Internet? Magazines? Radio? Are the likes of websites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter truly that effective in reaching the eyes and ears of potential fans? GENUINE fans? Hmmm… Personally, I don’t actively seek out new artists to follow, nor do I keep tabs on the current trends in music. Otherwise, it becomes almost unavoidable to incorporate a portion of someone else’s look or sound in your own presentation, and I prefer to remain as uninfluenced by “the competition” as possible. This means I don’t listen to the radio, nor do I use online means for any other reason but to promote my own work. As for the artists I’ve been a loyal fan of for years, I honestly have no interest in seeing them play live (I’ve seen some of their shows and wasn’t thrilled), so performing live myself has never been a major concern for me. I’m pushing 40 with a “day job” and two small children & a wife at home… Life on the road isn’t even an option, at this point. All I want – all I’ve EVER wanted – is to make music that people recognize and appreciate. Sure, I want them to buy it, but does a “studio” musician such as myself really have far less of a chance of that happening than a “performing” one does? It’s astounding how much importance is placed on getting gigs in order to have a successful music career nowadays – ironically, by online sources of independent music promotion. Flavor Flav said it best: “Don’t believe the hype”… I never have, and never will. If you’re at all like me, you’ll be more than satisfied with playing my music, turning others onto it, saying “Hey!” and stopping to chat with me if our paths ever cross, and keeping an eye out for my latest release. And for that, I thank you… You’re my kind of fan. ;)
Reply