SXSW Artist Preview: Marques Toliver

I think I just fell in love with Marques Toliver.

The Afro'd violinist with the sweet, clear, passionate and haunting vocals has indeed captured my musical sensibilities. I was perusing the SXSW showcase roster of all the good things that I will MISS this year and came across his name. The 23 year old classically trained Marques Toliver will appear at the Red Eyed Fly on Wednesday, March 16 and pop up in various other locations throughout the week.

Blending his unique vocals with the sound of R&B, soul and classical strings, Toliver's is quite refreshing to say the least. The Daytona Beach, Florida native was in the middle of wooing a tough New York subway crowd when TV On the Radio member, Kyp Malone heard him. Malone invited him to record strings for a project with Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. This one invitation started a chain reaction which lead to recording with Holly Miranda, Scott Matthew, Grizzly Bear and more. After busking on the platforms of the "L" train as well as in Central Park making upwards of $80 in about three hours, the virtuoso traveled across the pond and landed on the show of famed band leader and pianist, Jools Holland. Toliver's goal is to create a platform for his music by traveling nationally and internationally and pretty much creating a buzz. He is certainly doing that.

The now London based artist's, lyrics move from sensual to seductive to melancholy and spiritual. Toliver's first EP 'Butterflies Are Not Free' will be released April 25th on Bella Union. I am sure his SXSW performances will be killer. If you are by chance in Austin, Tx next week check him out!

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