Long before moving to Nashville and kicking off his songwriting career, J. Marco listened to records in his Massachusetts bedroom, inspired by artists such as Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac. This was before he would join other projects before ultimately creating solo music under the name of J. Marco, and years later, he combines both of those genres and more on Days Of Surrender, his newest release and second album as a solo artist. Emotionally vulnerable and full of all new sounds for listeners to dive into, Days Of Surrender is out now and ready to be heard by the world.
We recently caught up with J. Marco to talk about his musical influences, the creative process for Days Of Surrender and plans for the rest of the year. Read the entire interview and get a taste test of the album now below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who might not be familiar?
I make rock music in Nashville TN under the name J. Marco, but I’m from Massachusetts originally. I’m a big dog person, I love guitar pedals, and all kinds of music. My second album, “Days Of Surrender” comes out September 29th and I’m really excited to share it with you.
What or who first inspired you to get involved in music?
As a kid, I remember listening to Tom Petty & Fleetwood Mac and becoming completely obsessed over the sounds that I was hearing, and as I got older I felt like I needed to make my own sounds. My dad plays guitar too. He taught me some chords when I was ten, and I haven’t stopped since.
Before creating music as a solo project, you were involved in other bands. What are some important lessons you learned while in the band that you’ve found useful as a solo artist?
Being in a band is harder, in my opinion, than doing the solo thing. But, going solo does have its drawbacks. In a band, it’s really important that everyone is on the same page about everything; whether it be money, the creative process, song ownership, booking, promotion, scheduling, etc. I think when a new band is starting, everyone is so excited that these things often go overlooked, and as time rolls on, these things often tear apart a band. There has to be shared vision, and that shared vision has to line up perfectly between everyone. On the other hand, going solo means that it’s just you. Its just you creating, it’s just you booking, it’s just you handing all of the responsibilities of being in a band. That can be a lot of work at times, but since it’s just you, it’s often a faster process. You’re in the driver’s seat, alone, and it can be very daunting at times. Going solo really puts your organization & multitasking skills to the test.
You just released your new album, Days Of Surrender in September. What inspired the songs on this release?
A lot of the songs on Days Of Surrender come from the days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, and are tired of trying. It’s not a sad album, by any means, but there’s a lot of angst and longing for better days in those songs, I think.
What are you most excited for listeners to hear on the album?
I’m really excited for listeners to hear the whole thing. I think it’s one of those albums that should be listened to cover to cover in one sitting before making a judgement. There are a lot of sounds on there, some much different than the rest. I’m very proud of this record, and can’t wait for it to be heard.
Recently you released “Now That It’s Over” from the album. Can you walk us through this song? What’s the story behind it?
“Now That It’s Over” is from the perspective of someone who can’t get over losing someone important to them. Someone who is haunted by the memories of what once was. Someone who is trapped in a prison of nostalgia. The song just formed itself that way, and I thought it was an interesting point of view. I think we’ve all been there in one way or another, and I think that song captures the feeling.
With Days Of Surrender out now, do you have any live shows coming up or any plans to hit the road in the next few months?
Yes! Shows are being booked as we speak, but for now, Nashville, New York, and Chicago! Check J-Marco.com for all dates & details
10/7 is the Days Of Surrender album release show at The High Watt in Nashville.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for your time! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! To keep up with everything thats going on and to get notified when I come through your town, sign up for the email list at J-Marco.com!
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