Acoustic
music hasn't been mainstream since the late seventies. And since
then, few artists have released any top charting material. Roy Marx,
however, might just single-handedly bring it back to life. His latest
CD of recordings comes from a string of live shows around Los Angeles
at bars and coffee shops. He is currently in the studio now creating
his first album.
Roy's
songs, all originals, are a stylish mix of his smooth, powerful
voice and his 12-string guitar. His blend of unusual chords and
melodies fill each song with it's own distinctive acoustic rock
texture. The use of the 12-string guitar allows him to create the
illusion of more than one instrument. And as each song sounds musically
full, his strong vocals not only fill in with ease, but also rise
to equal and sometimes surpass the music. His wide vocal range is
also evident. A voice that is delicate and gentle for "Space Odyssey,"
but highlighted with a little grit and strength for "Make You Mine."
Thrown in with perfect timing are his tender falsettos. Equally
as noteworthy as the music he writes are the lyrics to go with it.
Roy's lyrics are open, emotional, and compelling. Full of thoughts
and feelings that we have all experienced along the way, even some
we didn't recognize. "Happy Girl," is a story about a girl who claims
to be content with her life, but is falling apart on the inside.
"No Strings Attached" is a cry for help from someone feeling lost
and neglected. All his lyrics are original, but combined with his
music turn out sounding fresh even though the subject matter is
the same old heartbreak and loss songwriters have been writing about
for years.
Born and raised in Illinois, Roy has been in the Los Angeles area
a little over a year. The only child of two blue-collar workers,
he quickly learned at a young age the value of hard work. His college
education started at Northern Illinois University with the promise
of a business management degree. Music eventually overpowered all
else, however, and he left school to find recognition in Los Angeles.
Roy Marx is only 23 years old. And he's only been playing guitar
for a few years. His music promises great things to come. Take a
listen to Roy and his music and give acoustic rock a warm welcome
back.
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