Progressive Christian Pop Rock - this project draws from elements of rock, electronica, hip-hop, AC, and even jazz. For a heavier sound, check out Marc's newest CD "Backstage Pass."

10 MP3 Songs
POP: with Live-band Production, ROCK: Progressive Rock



Details:
Even from a young age, Marc Andre was fascinated with sound. At the age of 7, he received his first cassette recorder, with which he began capturing a number of self-produced "talk shows", laced with original interviews, songs, skits, and commercials. Throughout middle school, Marc's interest in music and recording continued to develop as he found a new interest in rap music. Marc's first rap, written during an eight grade English class, was a comical rendition of Walt Whitman's, "Oh Captain, My Captain". This song was followed by a number of original raps, which were eventually compiled and released as an album entitled "Initial Cut" in 1991. Marc and his friend Dave Bechtel recorded this project using their youth group's Yamaha DX7 keyboard, Simmons Electric Drum Set, and 1/4" reel-to-reel tape machine.

In addition to keyboard, one of Marc's first instruments was trombone, which he played throughout middle school and high school. He attributes much of his musical interest to his mentor, ms/hs band teacher, and friend, the late Bob Bechtel.

In 1994, Marc released his second album "Mouse in the House", several weeks before high school graduation. This project (tracked on ADAT) introduced several guest vocalists, including Karl Cornelious (Freedom), Tia Harris (Columbus Jazz Group), John McCollum, and also a fictional rodent DJ named C.L. Squeak (ie. the name of the project, Mouse in the House). Marc performed these songs at a number of youth and outreach events, including the 1997 Billy Graham Kid's Crusade in Columbus, OH. This was also Marc's first experience working with computer-based recording. The album was edited (several cross-fades between songs, etc.) and mastered at the Recording Workshop (Chillicothe, OH), using a very early version of Pro Tools. The same editing process (which cost over $400) can be accomplished these days on an affordable home computer system.

During high school, Marc also recorded and performed several raps for Grace Brethren Church's Neighborhood Bible Club, including "Three in One" (written by Fran Anthony) and "The Good News" (which was performed along side some actors dressed up like large JellyBeans).

Marc recorded and released several other projects while attending Word of Life Bible Institute (1995) and Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA 1996). The "Institute Thang" (Word of Life) and "My Almamater" and "Jerryland" (Liberty) used audio samples of popular phrases, taken from various speakers & teachers within each school system. In 1997, Mark Nunnally (a friend of Marc's) produced a music video for the campus radio hit "My Almamater". Marc used the proceeds of sales from this video to purchase his first computer-based recording system.

In 2001, Marc once again teamed with Dave Bechtel to produce "Dishes" (Marc's first full-length rock CD). About 80 of this project was recorded in Marc's bedroom studio using Emagic Logic Platinum. The rest of the album (live drums, and a few additional instrumental parts) were recorded at Ascend Productions (Dave's studio). A number of talented local musicians were involved, including Tom Tussing, Troy Bourne, and Kevin Bourner. Because of space limitations, all of the instruments were recorded at separate times. After the songs were tracked and edited, Marc exported audio files which Dave imported into Steinberg's Cubase, for mixing. "Dishes" was mastered by Glenn Meadows at Masterphonics (Nashville). "Dishes" was a compilation of various musical styles, which included Rock, Electronica, Hip-Hop, and Jazz.

Marc just recently released his sophomore CD project, "Backstage Pass." He describes his new sound as, "more natural, more passionate, more honest, and a lot heavier." A number of Nashville studio players comprise the band of "Backstage Pass," including Mark Baldwin (guitar), Jerry McPherson (guitar), Craig Nelson (bass), Steve Brewster (drums), and the Nashville String Machine. The new album draws from a number of influences including Switchfoot, Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, and Evanescence.

Currently, Marc is working several part time jobs to support his music ministry. Whenever possible, he is out on the road sharing songs from both "Backstage Pass" and "Dishes." He prays one day to have the opportunity to explore music fulltime. In conclusion, it is Marc's hope that his music will both encourage and lead people to Jesus Christ...for all songs will be forgotten, but a heart changed will mark eternity.

A number of people have contributed greatly to Marc's life journey, including his artist father Phil Gegner and weekly accountability partner and author, Kary Oberbrunner.

Visit the "bio" section at www.marcandremusic.com for a number of interesting links, which do not appear in this bio.