By Abby Hertzel
Messages of equality, unity, freedom and a pro-peace approach to thinking are evident themes in Marc Pedraza’s music. He combines thought provoking lyrics with a unique blend of folk, soul and reggae to create an acoustic style all his own.
Born in the suburbs of Phoenix, Marc traces his first interest in music to childhood memories of listening to his father play piano. After noticing his natural inclination towards music, his parents enrolled him in piano lessons at the age of six. As a teen, he took up guitar and with the help of two friends formed a band called Euphoric Blue. The band performed at house parties, bars and small clubs throughout their hometown for the next six years.
While studying music theory at Mesa Community College, Marc was accepted into the selective Music Industry program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During his three semesters at USC, Marc took classes in concert promotion and production, music supervision for film and television, music business, recording arts and sciences, music history and entertainment law.
Empowered by his education, Marc returned home and co-founded his record company, Independent Freedom Tribe, with long time friend Abby Hertzel. Throughout the summer of 2003, they worked together to create a platform for talented artists to freely express their unique thoughts and opinions.
Marc has performed at events such as Phoenix Pride, San Diego LGBT Pride, Palm Springs Pride, Humboldt Pride, GLSEN Phoenix "A=Art" Auction 2008, Arizona State University's Day of Silence, Glendale's Food Not Bombs' March For Social Change, The Season For Nonviolence Concert to benefit the Arizona Department of Peace and The People's Army Benefit Show for the No Borders Camp.
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