Even from a young age, Marc Andre was fascinated with sound. At the age of 7 (1982), he received his first cassette recorder, with which he began capturing a number of self-produced "talk shows", laced with original interviews, songs, skits, and commercials. Throughout middle school, Marc's interest in music and recording continued to develop as he found a new interest in rap music. Marc's first rap, written during an eight grade English class, was a comical rendition of Walt Whitman's"Oh Captain, My Captain". This song was followed by a number of original raps which were eventually compiled and released as an album entitled "Initial Cut" in 1991. Marc and his friend Dave Bechtel recorded this project using their youth group's Yamaha DX7 keyboard, Simmons Electric Drum Set, and 1/4" reel-to-reel tape machine.

Andre is Marc's middle name. Marc came up with the idea of using "Marc Andre" as his stage name in 1989 as he was preparing for the release of his first rap cassette "Initial Cut."

In addition to keyboard, one of Marc's first instruments was trombone, which he played throughout middle school and high school. He attributes much of his musical interest to his mentor, ms/hs band teacher, and friend, the late Bob Bechtel.

In 1994, Marc released his second album "Mouse in the House", several weeks before high school graduation. This project (tracked on ADAT) introduced several guest vocalists, including Karl Cornelious (Freedom), Tia Harris (Columbus Jazz Group), John McCollum, and also a fictional rodent DJ named C.L. Squeak (ie. the name of the project, Mouse in the House). Marc performed these songs at a number of youth and outreach events, including the 1997 Billy Graham Kid's Crusade in Columbus, OH. This was also Marc's first experience working with computer-based recording. The album was edited (several cross-fades between songs, etc.) and mastered at the The Recording Workshop (Chillicothe, OH), using a very early version of Pro Tools. The same editing process (which cost over $400) can be accomplished these days on an affordable home computer system.

During high school, Marc also recorded and performed several raps for Grace Brethren Church's Neighborhood Bible Club, including "Three in One" (written by Fran Anthony) and "The Good News" (which was performed along side some actors dressed up like large JellyBeans).

Marc recorded and released several other projects while attending Word of Life Bible Institute (1995) and Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA 1996). The "Institute Thang" (Word of Life) and "My Almamater" and "Jerryland" (Liberty) used audio samples of popular phrases, taken from various speakers & teachers within each school system. In 1997, Mark Nunnally (a friend of Marc's) produced a music video for the campus radio hit "My Almamater". Marc used the proceeds of sales from this video to purchase his first computer-based recording system.

While at Word of Life, Marc traveled the east coast with the Word of Life Collegiate Choir. This was an incredibly eye-opening experience for him as he and other choir members ministered at a variety of churches and were housed by a number of Christian families. Marc also worked as a counselor at the Word of Life Island (Scroon Lake, NY) during the summer of 1995. God used this opportunity, among others, to instill in Marc a passion to work with young people.

Marc majored in communications and minored in music at Liberty University (1995-98). He particularly enjoyed his music theory classes, as his studies only aided in sharpened his own compositions. His developing interest in chord structure and melody served to push his musical ventures past "rap beats" and untimately towards what he now refers to as "progressive rock." One of Marc's first rock songs is the familiar tune "Dishes," written and originally recorded in his 2nd story senior dorm room at Liberty University. Marc and his dormmate Ryan Summers spent many late nights tracking original tunes to an early version of ProTools. They still remember how the students on the first floor would bang on the ceiling in attempts to quiet the late night recording sessions. To hear the orignal version of "Dishes" as well as some of Marc's early instrumental songs, click here.

In 2001, Marc once again teamed with Dave Bechtel to produce "Dishes" (Marc's first full-length rock CD). About %80 of this project was recorded in Marc's bedroom studio using Emagic Logic Platinum. The rest of the album (live drums, and a few additional instrumental parts) were recorded at Ascend Productions (Dave's studio). A number of talented local musicians were involved, including Tom Tussing, Troy Bourne, and Kevin Bourner. Because of space limitations, all of the instruments were recorded at separate times. After the songs were tracked and edited, Marc exported audio files which Dave imported into Steinberg's Cubase, for mixing. "Dishes" was mastered by Glenn Meadows at Masterphonics (Nashville). "Dishes" was a compilation of various musical styles, which included Rock, Electronica, Hip-Hop, and Jazz.

In 2001, Marc also launched his small business "10x12 Productions," which was named after the physical dimensions of his first recording studio...his bedroom.

Marc released his sophomore CD project, "Backstage Pass." in November 2004. In comparison to "Dishes," "Backstage Pass" can be described as"more organic and a lot heavier musically" and much more passionate and honest lyrically." A number of Nashville studio players comprise the band of "Backstage Pass," including Mark Baldwin (guitar), Jerry McPherson (guitar), Craig Nelson (bass), Steve Brewster (drums), and the Nashville String Machine. "Backstage Pass" is currently available for purchase at a number of locations, including itunes and grassrootmusic.com.Click here for details. The new album draws from a number of influences including dc Talk, Luna Halo, The Goo Goo Dolls, Switchfoot, Evanescence, ColdPlay, Blink 182, Relient K, Plumb, and Pink Floyd.

Here is some of the gear which Marc uses for music creation:
Computers, software: Apple Powerbok G4 & OSX, Logic Audio, Pro Tools LE, Apple GarageBand, Spectrasonics Atmosphere, Native Instruments Battery and Intakt, Antaras Filter
Keyboards, hardware: Yamaha PS140 digital piano, Kurzweil PC2X, Korg MicroKorg, Digi002 mixer.

Marc is currently writing new music for his next project and is taking a break from traveling with his band. His focus has turned to a more piano driven ambient rock sound, in the likes of Keane, Coldplay, Muse, or Pink Floyd. Some of his more recent influences also include Ours and The Afters. He considers this a time of "training" where he is further refining his piano and vocal skills, as well as narrowing and focusing his overall sound. In addition to writing and recording his own music, Marc works as an audio & music producer/sound designer in Columbus, OH. His small business, 10x12 Productions, has produced works for a variety of businesses including Crown Financial Ministries (GA), Layson's Restorations (WA), and Draw Productions (OH). He also recently received three Telly awards for his sound design work on Taylor's Attic, a nationally syndicated children's tv show (produced by the Guardian Television Network). Marc also just recently finished some keyboard programming/arranging work for Fresno, CA worship artist Jon Shabaglian (produced by Michael Quinlan). In additional, Marc works as a sound engineer at a church in Powell, OH and runs sound here and there for various Columbus cover bands.

In conclusion, Marc hopes to point others to Jesus Christ both through his music and his daily life.

Contact marc at: marc@marcandremusic.com