Artist description Eclectic alternative rock, pop and folk sound from the Pacific Northwest. Thoughtful and sensitive lyrics augmented by catchy melodies.

Music Style Eclectic rock pop and folk

Musical Influences Sixties, Eighties, Beatles, Talking Heads, B52s, Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Suzanne Vega, Tori Amos, Bob Dylan

Similar Artists Beatles, Talking Heads, B52s, Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Suzanne Vega, Tori Amos, Bob Dylan, Little Feat, Cure, Oingo Boingo, Alanis Morissette, Pink Floyd

Artist History Studio project from the Pacific Northwest featuring great musicians and featuring a variety of styles and influences.

Group Members Mark Protus: Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Bass Tom Freeman: Drums, percussion Mark Bader: Keyboards Leslie Eliel: Vocals Bob Campbell: Classical Guitar David Corina: Mandolin Steve Elston: Bass

Instruments Guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, mandolin

Albums The Future That Used to Be; Intent

Press Reviews Though it opens, inexplicably, with a metal-lite track, this album is an art-rock project through and through. Mark Protus infuses his inventive songwriting with strains of Rocky Horror theatricality, pop-rock, smooth jazz, King Crimson-style psychedelia and rootsy Americana, just to name a few. Somehow, it works. The songs are occasionally sabotaged by too-busy arrangements, where one can detect the musicians trying very carefully (and not quite 100% successfully) to lock their meticulously constructed parts together in the studio. It's as if Protus didn't quite trust his writing to carry the music sufficiently, or had too many ideas to squeeze into a limited number of songs. But his abundance of creativity and devotion to his artistic vision comes through loud and clear and makes for a delightful, unusual listen. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a pleasing and challenging treat for the ears. - Jon Sobel - THEGLOBALMUSE.COM http://theglobalmuse.com/cdreviews/reviews20.html Review of Intent by Mark Jeffrey, ChoiceRadio.com Although known as the breeding ground for Starbucks, Microsoft and Grundge, Mark Protus has emerged from the Great Northwest with one of the most curious and interesting records in memory. It’s hard to know just what the intention of “Intent” was, but the affect is some pretty satisfying listening. A very personal and uncompromising record, “Intent” pulls no punches. I submit it must have been designed and created for listeners with more than a 3 minute attention span, which admittedly is asking a lot in today’s musical marketplace. However for those willing to explore diverse musical influences along with themselves, then “Intent” is a must listen.Why? Well, for starters, unlike most albums, there’s no filler material here. And if you’re looking for a Kenny G record where every song sounds the same, you’re outta luck. What you can expect is to be unabashedly and completely entertained and challenged, which is why I bonded with this record. There were many tracks of special note:“How To Begin” begins with Protus’s signature bass sound, emerging into a frolicking B52's type riff, complete with pogo beat and organ solo. Fun, yet with an intensity that forecasts more serious moments ahead. Although the lyrics end the song with “I Don’t Know How To Begin,” Protus clearly does know how to begin this impressive record.“Tomorrow” provides a different change of pace, sung in a blues-cum-folk style, featuring terrific background vocals by Leslie Eliel, with down home mandolin picking by David Corina. A strong radio choice for AAA fans, with slight folk flavorings.With “Life’s A Game,” Protus’s sagely songwriting is shown against a neo-George Martin arrangement, with twirling lyrical rounds, backward loops and orchestrated cello’s. The juxtaposition of the synth solo over the magical history tour creates a modern context and a more hipper and contemporary feeling than the original. Rather than merely sounding way cool and hopelessly retro, Protus gives the mood a well deserved facelift revealing a tune of true ingenuity and beauty.“Blow You a Kiss” is the perfect cruising song, tight, raw and edgy. Nice and tight interplay between guitars give it a Knopfleresqe flair, reminding us that rock and roll doesn’t always have to be simple and stupid. Check out the tight drumming of Tom Freeman, who shines throughout the recording.The piano provides an interesting contrast on “Oh Mother," allowing the listener to more clearly resonate with Protus’s lyrics... there’s some serious stuff happening on this record, although it’s often eclipsed by almost too many exciting musical moments. The chorus is killer, in a song already loaded with hooks, makes this the most complete and satisfying song on the recording.18 & 38 has a infectious beat, but the star here is Protus’s confessional lyrics, looking at 38 years of life, and reflecting upon it all. From son to father, Protus examines various parts of his life, of all our lives, asking the important questions. The modern pop environment in which the lyrics are placed give this sterling track the feel of what might happen if Oingo Boingo met Alanis Morissette, provided that the latter could provide something other than dated sophomoric lyrics. Protus’s ideas conversely are quite ready for graduation, thank you. The only question here is wondering what made him write such an introspective song in the first place? Inquiring minds want to know!Protus has surrounded himself with some very good musicians here, and it’s another impressive example of what can be done in a home studio environment these days. “Intent” is a diamond in the rough, a sparkling jewel that should not be overlooked.In a world where polish and ear candy are considered the whole cake and not just the icing (as it should be,) it’s refreshing to hear a project that has soul, depth, and character. There’s a whole lot of stuff happening on this record, and each song provides it’s own reward. Kudos' to Mark Protus for staying true to his vision, and extra credit to those listeners who have the refinement to appreciate what he has to offer.

Additional Info http://www.buddyboymusic.com

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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