Sparta performer takes a “Jump” to new career heights

SPARTA — “It’s all about the music, music is my passion, my life,” said 18-year old rising singer, Myles Marcus. Marcus has had a love of music in his heart since early childhood, and he started fostering his interest in performing, with vocal lessons at age 7. This Lenape Valley Regional High School graduate, who has been coined by some as an “Emerging Artist of 2011”, performed for two years at the New York City School of Rock, which prepares students between musical lessons and stage time. While in high school, Marcus was involved with choir and participated in musicals. Plus, he dedicated his time to the Peer to Peer program, and student council. Marcus, who considers his voice his instrument, has trained vocally with Amelia DeMayo of Tenafly, and Sal Dupree of Atlantic City, both renowned in the industry. Dupree is a veteran performer, and in addition to Marcus, has coached other recognized vocalists, such as 2006 “America’s Got Talent” winner, Bianca Ryan. Marcus additionally worked with children’s music producer Ed Kessel. He has studied acting and musical theater at the Performing Theater Workshop over the last year. Over the past year, there have been more major developments in Marcus’ career. First, he has hired publicity manager Rick Eberle. “It’s been a joy working with him [Eberle],” said Marcus. “It’s been an interesting year, and he has guided me through a lot of stuff.” Among the accolades over Marcus’ interesting year, he has caught the ears and attention of famous producer Roy “Royalty” Hamilton. Hamilton is a Pop and R&B songwriter, record producer, and talent developer. Hamilton has worked for Capital Records, and was a producer with Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, 'N Sync, and R. Kelly. Hamilton helped him to co-create his first single, “Jump”, and Marcus co-wrote the songs “Vixen” and “Everytime”. Marcus has also taken on a few cover songs, Rihanna’s “Russian Roulette”, Adam Lambert’s “Mad World”, and James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s World”. Although inspired by artists, like Brown, Marcus said, “Once you memorize a song, you have to make it your own.” And that he does as he navigates through each tune, available on his Facebook page, in a unique way. “Jump” is also available for purchase on iTunes. His songs have received airtime on the airwaves as well, on the New York radio stations WMJC, WCWP, WUSB, WRHU, and the HipHossip Media and Gossip blog in Canada. Marcus has performed at Maxwell’s in Hoboken, and at Six Flags. He sang for the Diabetes Foundation with his own rendition of, “It’s A Man’s World”, which was broadcast on Atlantic City Television. More recently, Marcus performed at the Stanhope House on Aug. 4, where legends like Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Muddy Waters have graced the stage. The crowd packed the house to the sounds of “Jump”, “Vixen”, “Everytime”, and some cover tunes. Fellow Sparta musicians Joe Parella joined him on guitar, Anna Gundersen on backup vocals, and Brian Cornish on drums. “Things went amazing,” said Eberle of the performance. This was Marcus’ final show before heading to school in Boston at the famed Berklee College of Music. “That school can take you to the next level,” said Marcus. He said he will miss Sparta, and Sussex County, but is looking forward to this new chapter in his life. “I am ready to experience new things,” Marcus said. This fall, Marcus already has his calendar booked with musical performances. On Nov. 4 he will be at the Vibe Lounge in New York for a TV taping and interview for Verizon Fios1 and MyLITV.com. He will also be performing at the Westfield Trumbull Mall in Connecticut on Nov. 21. Marcus credits his parents, Steve and Elissa, for their encouragement. “If it wasn’t for my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. He strives to continue as a performer, and reach new heights in his career. Yet, Marcus remains grounded, and plans to study the business end of the music industry at Berklee College. What advice can this young and promising performer offer to others looking to reach for the stars themselves? “Go for your dreams,” Marcus said. “If you want to make it happen, surround yourself with people who believe in you.” Find Marcus on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mylesmarcusmusic.