I often write about the power of music to move and motivate people. The arts have a monumental role in culture which is, of course, at the intersection of politics, science... life. As a musician and former radio jock, I recognize talent, and a couple weeks ago I heard something special from outside The Broad Street Cafe in Durham... I wandered in to see a young guy on stage with an acoustic guitar, but it's his voice that gave me pause - influences of Eddie Vedder and Dave Matthews are immediately evident--Just take a listen to 'The Rabbit' and see what you think...
The simple message is to be careful about who you let into your 'garden' - meaning your life. In these times of modern technology and easy accessibility, it's easy to lose oneself by giving up too much. Andrew explains 'the stranger is nice' reflects the good people and intentions we must recognize while avoiding 'rabbits' who are capable of more on their own, yet not willing to do for themselves. In his words...
It is a golden rule from day one that you must put others before yourself. I believe this to be true, but as the second verse says, if you don't first look out for yourself, then you'll never be able to help anyone else. Self-preservation is actually in my opinion a big contributor to society.
I hope readers will join me in welcoming Friday's featured artist here at The Intersection and enjoy listening to his music. For more songs and info on Andrew Marlin, visit his MySpace page.
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"It is a golden rule from day one that you must put others before yourself. I believe this to be true, but ...(s)elf-preservation is actually in my opinion a big contributor to society."
From Jewish scholar and theologian Hillel (30 B.C.E. - 9 C.E.) in Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers):
"as a musician..."
Wait. I thought you played drums.
??? ;-)
PS. didn't say in the other thread, but I love the new pic.
Thanks Anon.
Foremost, I'm a pianist - been playing keys for two decades now... but yes, I dabble in drums and assorted other instruments now and then too.
So what do you all think of Andrew?!
I like the lyrics; it is easy to listen to and brings a sort of calm.
My apologies--I was not able to listen before, so I went for the cheap drummer joke. Now that I am in the midst of my third listening...
Lyrically... Andrew's lyrics have 2 things going for them that mine never have been able to manage--they are introspective, and they are meaningful. This is perhaps why he caught your ear, and why you will never hear anything I ever wrote.
Musically... Very nice. I was surprised, though; the opening reminded me quite a lot of some Jersey Shore influences, so I was not expecting that sort of intimate sound when he sang. It took all of a couple of bars for it to overcome that, and it really worked. And I especially liked the piano noodling; so simple and yet at times harmonically complex as a juxtaposition to the guitar chords.
Gestalt... Both easy to listen to without listening, and rewarding to actually listen to. Too bad I'm not in the area; he'd be worth seeing.
Wow! If Andrew is reading this, I want to tell him that this long-time singer-songwriter is extremely impressed. I'm fortunate to live in the area so I'll keep an eye out for his next local performance (can't make the Cat's Cradle gig he advertises on his MySpace page.)
Great introspective lyrics and very nice arrangements. I hear much more Pete Yorn than Eddie Vedder - as Anon states, kind of Jersey Shore-esque. (Pete Yorn is really from NJ despite his current home in LA).
Warrenton, NC? What is it about semi-rural NC that brings out such great singer-songwriters (I believe that Ryan Adams is from Jacksonville, NC).
Anyway, keep it up Andrew!
yeah, definitely just saw andrew last night, and he's quite amazing.