Marq DeSouza
A veteran rock n' roll survivor, Marq DeSouza has weathered the fads of the music industry over the years, never losing site of the integrity that cornerstones the stuff that truly lasts. Songs in the classic way. Lauded for his razor-sharp lyrics, ambitious arrangements, & incendiary live performances, whether solo-acoustic at a sold-out Commodore Ballroom, or fronting his full-band at the grungy Cobalt. Music that knows no fixed genre.
Marq's best known previous project is 'Solarbaby'. That group released 2 successful albums. Both were nominated for the prestigious Georgia Straight Music Awards, as well as placing high on the national college charts. The band was also taped 'in-session' for CBC radio, performed on MuchMusic, & did the festival circuit, with Marq invited for multiple appearances at the Bluebird North Showcase, in conjunction with the Canadian Songwriters Association.
In his various incarnations, Marq has shared bills with such artists as Drive By Truckers, Ben Kweller, Martina Sorbara, Joel Plaskett, Matthew Good, Sarah Harmer, & Nickelback. Sir Bob Geldof sought Marq out backstage at their co-bill at the legendary Commodore Ballroom to tell him he was reminded of a 'young Van Morrison', & Canadian rock icon Todd Kerns has called Marq his favorite Canadian songwriter, & 'Canada's Bob Dylan.'
A staggering number of accolades have been accumulated here on this site, so please check out the full reviews, or for just a smattering, see selected quotes.
Marq is also a multi-instrumentalist, & handles most drum/bass/guitar/keyboard/harmonica duties on each recording project, as well as session/live work for hire with other artists.
Most Thursday evenings find Marq hosting the popular open-stage at Trees in the heart of downtown Vancouver, as well as booking/hosting the Friday Night Music series featuring the best of local & touring acts doing full sets.
Marq's latest release is an EP side project focusing on his love of the electric blues. An all original concept record that sounds nothing like anything he's done before. It's currently getting airplay on indie blues stations around the world. Check it out here.
Also, check out a few featured interview/performances on music podcast episodes of 'THE ARTIST SERIES', 'MAKE A SCENE' & 'MUSIC A to Z'.