Leigh Marks
Sydney, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2016
Music
Press
‘very well written and constructed songs that reminded this listener of 'Audioslave' especially front man Leigh’s vocal.’ - Emergenza
(Translated from German) COTC, a group with three musicians from Hamburg, Northern Germany, on the instruments and an Aussie on the micro, found each other in spring 2010 and published their first EP end of 2010. The four Tracks on the CD prick up one's ear and proof at every part the musical competence of their creators. The first songs with their Rage Against the Machine-Style (Radiate) sound pretty promising and get even better when the sound gets closer to Metallica (Animal). But the third track turns into a matter of taste when the singing-parts in Velocity get extremely high. Whereas the fourth song Same Colour is heading in the right direction again. Here they play with Disturbed-Melodies and -Riffs and spread great atmosphere. All in all haven't the crow-boys done anything wrong with their first CD and neither will the listener. - Metal Hammer Germany June 2011 p116.
(Translated from German, excerpt)
'With their Australian singer Leigh COTC grows a monster, which deep-rooted stage-stars couldn't have done any better. The singer with the distinctive voice, who thanks to his versatility could be compared to Ed Kowalczyk from Live, joins the band since spring 2010 and is a welcomed crown on top of the “tight” rocker's head.' - Unlce Sally’s sally.net May 2011
(Translated from German, excerpt) 'The songs feature a balanced mix of guitar riffs, ‘smoky, yet very melodic vocals’ and catchy beats. ‘Singer Leigh always plays cleverly with his distinctive, velvety voice, that here and there provides an uplifting goosebump feeling.’ - Kitty N. 1.9.2010
Discography
Growing up west of Sydney in the artistic melting pot of the Blue Mountains, Leigh Marks has anchored much of his material to his grunge and blues roots and the environment of his upbringing. In his formative years he’d spend hours listening to vocalists such as Garry Stringer (Reef) and Paul Rogers (Free/Bad Company) developing his own vocal and songwriting that has grown to primarily serve the song and utilize landscapes and textures to present his style of delivery. This approach and capacity was echoed by award winning producer Syd Green who said ‘it was inspiring to work with an artist so open to ideas.’ This searching for free expression and honesty is the characteristic focus of his songwriting.
Marks started singing gospel at the Fathers House Blue Mountains in 2007, where freestyle singing and harmonizing with acoustic instruments and percussion would develop his ear and understanding of music. Already a regular fronting various acts across Sydney’s live scene, this experience would help him develop his craft and find opportunities abroad.
In 2009 Marks moved to Hamburg Germany and quickly discovered its vibrant music scene. After songwriting with a variety of musicians, Marks joined heavy rockers Joe Phone which then became Crow of the Cloud in 2010. The band released their self- titled EP (mixed and mastered by Roman Rossbach) in 2010 with enthusiastic reviews from publications such as German Metal Hammer who likened their musicianship, riffs and Marks’ melodies to Disturbed. Uncle Sally’s .com stated that (translated from German) ‘With their Australian singer Leigh COTC grow a monster, which deep-rooted stage-stars couldn't have done any better. The singer with the distinctive voice, who thanks to his versatility could be compared to Ed Kowalczyk from Live, joins the band since spring 2010 and is a welcomed crown on top of the “tight” rocker's head.’ The band in their time together would play numerous international festivals including Reload in 2010 performing alongside Sepulture, Everlast, Billy Idol, Taylor Hawkins, Selig and Ten Years After.
Marks, with COTC, played at festivals such as Rockspectakle and the Siegelei Festival with Saint Lu, the Brew and Ingo Pohlmann in 2011 also appearing on live NRJ Radio, Hamburg. The band opened for Blind, One Fine Day, Kings and Killers and supported Daniel Wirtz on the Northern German leg of his 2012 tour.
After Crow of the Cloud wound up in 2012 Marks returned to his native Australia playing at the New Town Festival with old songwriting companion Daniel Kopp in 2013. 2014 brought session vocals and a collaboration that involved working with producer James Englund (Michael Bolton, John Butler). 2015 would see him play at the Iconic Metro Theatre which has hosted such acts as Muse and Jeff Buckley with the band Dime. In 2016 he recorded a solo EP with Syd Green at the Mono Nest, Nowra featuring the tracks Tightrope and Unknown (available on
iTunes) taking an Americana/blues/folk direction honing in on the songwriting process. 2016 has also seen the release of material from his early days in Hamburg with singles Where Rivers Meet and Drowning.
When he is not making music, he is playing basketball, reading or enjoying walking his staffy in the mountains.
Sounds like Leigh Marks: Amos Lee, Chris Cornell, Ben Harper
Photos
