3/24/10 - Newsflash: Marko has been receiving many inquiries from Europeans who want to see him perform live. Although Marko is not on tour in Europe at this time, there is a video on youtube.com where you can see him perform a song from this CD, "Wichita Lineman" live! Check him out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5x7VNTXi6WM
Marko welcomes your comments at youtube.com!
The Marko Nadsworth - Universal EP CD blends High Energy Dance, Country & Pop with ripping male vocals to create an interesting sound. Inspired by many styles in music and favorite music artist influences, Marko (Marc) attempts to push the boundaries on this EP. Marko and his brother-keyboardist, Eric (http://levinsong.com) both collaborated and performed on this EP. "I've always been very comfortable working with my brother on many music projects ever since he was about 12 years old.", said Marko. "I believe we are always on the same wavelength and that fact has really enhanced our abilities to stay creative and be productive." The combination of Marko's mother being an artist/painter and always stressing to him, "you need to maintain continuity in your work" and Marko's appreciation for great album oriented material (AOM,) i.e. Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, Uriah Heep's Demons & Wizards and Todd Rundgren's A Wizard - A True Star, just to name a few, Marko set out to keep the Universal EP AOM with continuity. The Entire EP was produced and engineered by Marko himself on his own label, Warp Drive Productions, www.warpdriveprod.com
Disclaimer:
Hey, Let's be honest, we're not going to BS you and tell you that Marko started in the music business when he was only 2 years old like some artists do here at CD Baby. We're also not going to try to convince you that Marko has some kind of magical, ability to correctly voice 4 part harmonies in his dreams and when he awakes, his masterpieces all come together. Hey, we’re certainly not going to sugar-coat this guy or his music by telling you how wonderful it all is. It is what it is; we'll let you be the judge.
History:
Marko began with piano lessons at age 8 and then later after much banging at the dinner table, his parents decided he was going to be a drummer. With both his father and grandfather being orchestra leaders in Chicago, Marko was introduced to many musical styles. At age 16 Marko went to work as a professional musician when he joined the American Federation of Musicians union to be able to play gigs around the Chicago area. A transplanted Chicagoan now residing in Orange County California, Marko did his thing for many years with many lounge, rock, blues, R&B, wedding and dance show bands throughout the 70's and 80's in the Midwest.
About the songs:
"I was touring with the Tammy Thomas Group on Playhouse Records, Chicago in '87 - '88 and two of our songs went to #1 on the top 60 dance chart, "It's Getting Better" & "Do You Want Me?" we were also covering a lot of Madonna songs and I asked myself, "What if a guy was singing High Energy Dance music?" That was the motivation behind Marko’s song, "Girl You Make My Body Move" This song was written by both Marko & Eric.
"I wanted to take an old country song and make it more danceable for today's dance crowd, but I wanted to make it High Energy Dance and play with polyrhythms" This is what inspired Marko’s version of Jimmy Webb's song "Wichita Lineman" which was hit from Glenn Campbell in 1970 - 71.
"We Can Make It All Work Out" inspired Marko while listening to a lot of black-soul radio stations while still in Chicago. "I found these songs to all have a very positive message. I've always been a Todd Rundgren fan, so I thought, What the heck! I'll make it sound like Todd R. himself did it!" Kenneth, Marko's father, did the alto sax solo on this one.
Next, Marko wanted a song that would be futuristic, VERY danceable, and timeless as an instrumental with special effects and everything! This is what inspired his song "Warp Factor One." Eric does a mean square lead synth. solo in this tune. All the bells & whistles!
The song "She's A Manowar" came form many years of Marko listening to and playing King Crimson - UK - John Wetton, Robert Fripp, Peter Gabriel and Genesis stuff. "I've always loved their music." Eric and Marko collaborated on this one.
"Overpopulation" is a song that was actually written by Eric. Marko then added lyrics and they recorded it 25 years ago! This song features the great Ken Thornton (http://vonfrickle.com/) on guitar. "At the time, I was making a political statement about certain world events as other bands were also doing."
"WFO Reprise" This is not actually a song, it's just the same sample that was used in the song "Warp Factor One" and was included at the end of this EP. I know it says you get 7 songs on this EP here at CD Baby, but this one was accidentally counted as a song when it shouldn't have been. Just so you know before you buy it, this EP contains 6 songs and not 7.
"I'd appreciate any feedback from you and thank you for your interest in my Universal EP!"
PS: The Marko Nadsworth DVD has just arrived! This DVD contains 3 music videos of the songs "Girl You Make My Body Move," "Wichita Lineman," and “We Can Make It All Work Out." Contact Marko at marc@warpdriveprod.com for further details.
“Thank you for your interest in my music.” Marko
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