Marq DeSouza is a Vancouver based musician who's so far released 5 critically-acclaimed albums of self-penned material. For the most part, records composed of strong, song-based rock n' roll in the classic way, with frequent detours into the shady musical sidestreets. Elements of 70's glam, Nashville twang, hard city blues, country-folk, Brill building balladry, power pop, Southern soul & even the occasional hip-hop & metal are all filtered through a uniquely powerful lyrical view. At the heart of these sounds lies the unvarnished voice, bloodied but unbowed. Possibly an acquired taste, but this world certainly doesn't need anymore cookie-cutters or even virtuosos behind the mic. Truth, however, is never out of demand. This music will remind you of a time when you could put faith in that voice coming out of the speakers. Where listening to a record could actually give you the secret codes to live your life by. Plus, it's FUN!! Check out the first single from the new album, "WHO IS BETTER THAN US?"
http://www.marqdesouza.com/
http://www.myspace.com/marqdesouza
LOTUS is an indie female band from Vancouver, BC (Canada) that formed in 2000. The Lotus sound is urban folk pop ~ an up-tempo mix of lyrical realism, winsome vocals, and sleek musical grooves...
The band has just released their second self-produced album Under The Sun, which was recorded in Bryan Adams' Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC. Lotus also has a music video for Under The Sun, that was directed by J.P. Finn (producer of X-Files) on the beautiful Danny Virtue ranch in Mission, BC. Both the album and the video were made by respected industry people who recognized Lotus' potential for success and approached the band for these projects.
LOTUS was self-represented at MIDEM 2008 (oui, the one in Cannes, France) to promote the band on an international level. LOTUS has had over 7 years of performing experience together, having played shows and festivals across BC and the US. The band has a great image and stage presence, and thier music is appealing to a broad range of audiences.
The members chose the name Lotus, as in “Lotus Land” to represent their home. Lotus has many meanings - a Buddhist quote says, “lotus is the purity that come from nothing more than dirt, humble beginnings”. Historically, B.C. was nick-named “lotus land” as many people arrive with intentions of visiting, only to never return home. And so it is with Lotus.
Their new album and their debut CD, Better Day (re-released in 2005), are both available at CDBaby.com and iTunes. The singles "Little Train" and "Under The Sun" are currently on commercial and college radio.
The members of Lotus have strong musical backgrounds:
Feona, the lead vocalist, is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, and has been singing and writing since a very young age.
John was in a group called Psychic Cowboys in Austin, Texas, now has a solo career as Psychic Cowboy.
Elizabeth, of Victoria BC, is a singer/songwriter, who studied piano at the Royal Conservatory for 12 years.
Rachael was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and holds music degrees in piano and flute and learned drums at the music school that she also manages.
Anne, who plays the upright bass (and many other instruments) is the newest member of the band and one of the few natives of Vancouver area.
http://www.lotusbc.com/
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