Marques Martinek

Marques Martinek has been writing music and performing since the mid 90’s. Over the years, many people have tried to narrow down the genre that would best describe his musical style, but tying all of his music into a single genre has proven to be a very difficult task. He has written everything from soft ballads to hard driving metal, from thrash alternative to mainstream pop. Marques started playing guitar in the early 90’s, and shortly thereafter came the natural path of starting a band. “Further Gone” was born in 1995 and yielded only one album during the band’s tumultuous six-year existence, “…Doubting Dark Skies.” The album sold only a few hundred copies at local shows in their small hometown of Johnstown, PA. For a first attempt at songwriting, the album was given respectable reviews by many regional music critics. “…Doubting Dark Skies” consisted of many different influences but focused on the new wave of alternative that was sweeping the country at the time. After “Further Gone” disbanded, a new project appeared. The dance/party cover band “Jimmy Sweatpants” was born. This new project included no original song writing, but the vast array of music the band performed showed that there was no end to the potential for inspiration. It was with this project that the once hard-rocking performer developed the softer and more melodic side of his musical style. In 2002, Marques experienced a series of emotional events that led to the heartfelt recording of “One Day.” After finding his inspiration was ill founded he then took a break from writing for the next few years. However, "One Day" did not die in vain. It will be featured on the upcoming Quikstar Productions compilation album "Chill Out". But, as in most songwriters’ lives, dramatic and personal events eventually led him back to his roots. Since then, his emotions have inspired him to focus on a more rugged, edgy sound. Writing has started on a new album that is set for completion in the fall of 2008.