Feature: Marcus: The Apex Predator! Decodes ‘Newborn Fossil’
Can you talk about any specific themes or motifs that run throughout 'Newborn Fossil?'
Probably more than anything, ‘Newborn Fossil’ is about coming to terms with time, contribution, and legacy. I wrestle a lot with questions about whether what I have to offer artistically or with respect to my experiences and worldview really matter to people--especially those I care the most about. As I get older, and I watch my kids grow up, I have begun to ponder what the things I do, say, sing, and play might mean to them. The songs on this record hit quite a bit on those themes.
What impact do you hope this EP will have on your audience?
I hope it reaches people in a way that is helpful to them. Whether it picks them up when they're down, makes them realize they're not alone, or just makes them want to get up and rock out--any or all of the above is all I can hope for.
What was your experience working with Grammy-winning Detroit legend Dave Feeny?
It was tremendous. Dave mastered the record and did an amazing job. He is such a down-to-earth, relatable guy. He's a dad, plays hockey, and is easy-going and funny. But he's also a master craftsman who cares about what he does and could rattle off a million name-drops and accolades if you pressed him, but that's not his style. Jake Shives works with Dave and engineered and mixed the record. Jake is also amazing. He is a technical wizard but also has a gift for making people feel comfortable and confident.
Can you tell us more about you as a band?
Nick (Marko - drums) and I have played in projects together going back almost 25 years. (I can't believe I just wrote that!) We had both done other things for a while (he was in the Holy FIre and I was in the Senate), and when those had run their course in about 2015, I had some riffs and song outlines I had worked up that I thought had his name written all over them. He's an awesome drummer and he picks up quickly on my ideas and he's got a great feel for arrangement and little touches to bring things out. We did the first M:tAP! record in 2018 and then got back to working on new stuff shortly before COVID hit. That set off a series of delays, but we recruited Sean (from Kind Beast) to play on the record in early 2024 and he really helped cement the new songs. I've already got some new material cooking, so Nick and I have vowed not to go the "Chinese Democracy" route again with another seven-year gap between albums!
What do you enjoy most about performing live and connecting with your audience?
I like the release of being able to belt out songs and thrash around on stage. It's so much different from what I do for a living, but in many ways it's a lot more "me." I also like the feeling afterward--the afterglow where you know you played well and you hang out with people between sets and people you've never met seem to have genuinely enjoyed it. Any time people pull something positive out of something I've helped create, it's validating and gratifying.
