Brian Marquis

Biography

Brian Marquis, former guitarist of the beloved Boston-based post-hardcore outfit Therefore I Am, has just released his debut solo full-length album, Blood & Spirits, via Equal Vision – following his run on the first ever Acoustic Basement UK Tour, which will also feature Geoff Rickly (Thursday), KOJI, and Rob Lynch.

Marquis was born and raised in New England; splitting time growing up between the Northwest hills of CT and Boston, MA and now resides in Los Angeles, CA.

“I am extremely excited to have teamed up with Equal Vision Records for my first solo full length. I feel confident that they know where I’m coming from and are genuinely excited about where I’m headed with my new music,” shares Marquis. “Having played music for a while now in different scenarios, one of the most important things to me now, is working with people who are just as passionate about what they do as I am about my music. It’s that enthusiasm and foresight that make me proud to be a part of the EVR family.”

Last Summer, Marquis performed and ran production on the Acoustic Basement Stage on the 2014 Vans Warped Tour for the third consecutive year – a stage that he founded in 2011 under the guidance of Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman.

The semi-indoor tented stage features a wide variety of established acts performing acoustic sets, offering a break from the signature full-band stages of the massive annual touring festival. Artists who have performed on the stage include the likes of Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music/The Revival Tour), Into It. Over It., Transit, Anti-Flag, William Beckett (The Academy Is…), and many more. The Acoustic Basement has now expanded beyond the US Vans Warped Tour, having now completed two independent US tours and the aforementioned inaugural UK run in 2014.

Following the disbanding of Therefore I am, Marquis set out on his own musical path as a solo artist, straying away from the in-your-face rock that had been a part of his life for so long, and now presenting a softer more soulful side of his musical prowess.

Marquis’ deep, earthy vocals shine on Blood & Spirits, offering introspective, poetic lyricism, undeniably catchy melodies and a dynamic collection of songs that range stylistically from bright, memorable sing-alongs (“Paralysis by Analysis”) filled to the brim with Boston pride (“From Boston”) to dark, emotional tales crooned out with just the right amount of Americana twang (“Hem & Haw”, “I’m Still Chasing You”) and full-hearted genuineness (“Drink You Up”). One can simply feel the raw, honest truth and passion behind each word Marquis pours out on Blood & Spirits.

The new album was recorded in Los Angeles, CA with producer Doug Grean (Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, Stone Temple Pilots).

While a positive spirit has always been at the core of Marquis’ true being, it wasn’t until his recent brush with a potentially untimely fate that pushed him into the truly extraordinary territory of greater meaning and purpose displayed on Blood & Spirits.

While attempting to preserve the safety and integrity of the Acoustic Basement Stage of the 2013 Vans Warped Tour in the midst of a sudden, aggressive storm in Florida – Marquis was unimaginably struck by lightning. While the serious scare (that promptly landed him in the hospital) left him with no known long-term side-effects or ailments, the scarring event proved to be a stark reminder of the fragility of life, the importance of friends and family, and – above all for Marquis – to live life with real purpose and make music with real meaning.

Marquis’ message is clear and powerful on the forthcoming album, his first release of new music since the incident, as he leaves his heart and soul on the table and truly makes the most of every note on the record. With Blood & Spirits, Marquis has officially found his voice.