Artist description Fusion of Rock-Pop-Gospel-Blues and Country

Music Style Alternative Pop

Musical Influences Wynonna ; Paul Simon

Artist History Mainstream or maverick? That's one of the choices facing popular music historians as they try to catalogue the artists who debuted during the late 1990’s. In most cases, they'll have no problem deciding which category to use; when they get to MarkAdam, however, they may discover a dilemma. Looking at the title of his latest album, My Own Little World, might make them lean toward the maverick designation, but once the W.E.G. album hits stores winter 2002,they may be leaning toward mainstream. Fitting MarkAdam into either presents a challenge - he's both, yet neither.Since his 1998 debut single, "Carefree World," the Carolina native has racked up his share of success, both on college radio and with critics. He's scored 2 radio hits with his debut CD (including "Time After Time") and earned nominations from INDIE artist network and the NYSA. Still, Mark has always taken a maverick approach to his career and his music, never yielding to the "do it the safe way" philosophy of some Music City execs. Instead, MarkAdam has steadfastly set his own pace,following his own artistic vision and finding his own place in the independent music echelon. "Just gut feeling,I don't know any other way to do things," he says of his career outlook. The result of heeding these instincts? "My music career is great right now," the singer-songwriter declares. Signing to WindStar Entertainment Group in early 1996 was one of the keys to his current contentment."Once in a while, the stars line up, and when they do, you can feel it," he remarks. My Own Little World finds MarkAdam in a new form, combining pop-rock with country-soul and gospel, the 15 tracks provide music from his roots, eleven of which MarkAdam wrote. The title track and lead single is a rollicking, in-your-face statement about just exactly what Mark wants and how he’d like it to be.Mark reveals: '" It's one of those catch-phrases. A lot of people use, an everyone dreams of living in a place that’s all them, so people can relate to this." The skit-skat tune “The Lonely Road of Love" is a smoky showcase for Mark's vocal prowess in which he deftly captures the ache of waning passion. With a harp filled blues version of "Blue Moon of Kentucky," toes will tap despite the fact that Mark is singing about a broken heart. "Say Goodbye" goes straight to the listener's inner-rebel with an energetic groove that's firmly rooted in the Paul Simon sound. "What’s A Man To Do" is a prime vehicle for expressing MarkAdam's sensual side, while "Road of Dreams (Dorothy’s Song)" written by Mark after viewing The Wizard of Oz , is a nod to his tender, sentimental side. Lyricaly, Mark encompasses diverse themes, from the uncertainty of faltering life to the dependability of familiar love. Musically, Mark is often cited for his unconventional musical structures; his melodies frequently take on an unprecedented sense of passion. "I'm in the writing mode all the time," Mark states. "I don’t just sit and wait on inspiration, it usually just comes. If it's slow, I don’t write it, usually the song just flows out." Of the songs on My Own Little World that he did not write, he says: "I wanted to take some of the classics that I have grew up with and give them a new twist. I was afraid at first to tamper with perfection, but we managed to produce arrangements that were unique and fresh, yet true to myself and the song." As Mark's career indicates, he walks it like he talks it. From Along Time Coming (his debut CD ) to My Own Little World he's followed his own road, allowing his music to evolve naturally while making sure each project is creatively refreshing, combining traditional sentiments with modern accents. "I've been fortunate to have a lot of artistic freedom doing what I do," he says. "I want people to know that I'm gonna give 'em something just a little bit different -and pray they like it."

Instruments Guitar

Albums Along Time Coming (1998) My Own Little World (2002)

Location Durham, NC - USA

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