Aries Marquis is disrupting the current music landscape with his quintessential indie project Experience. The 7-track album is a well-rounded rhythm and blues expo from the perspective of Marquis’ real-life encounters.
“I named this album, Experience, for two reasons: one, is because I have gained a lot of experience in this music industry to be able to say, with honesty, that I have made improvements as an artist,” said Marquis. “Two, this album is another project based on true experiences that I’ve lived, and choose to write about. After all, my music is not written just for entertainment, but as life lessons that many can relate to, and learn from.”
A heartfelt effort from the Louisiana born singer, Experience epitomizes the theme of love that, at times, seems to blur the lines between romantic love and love of a higher power. This is illustrated on the awe-inspiring track “A Part of Me (Revisited),” a perfectly endearing song that would most likely be played during special occasions, such as weddings and anniversaries, yet is versatile enough to be a spiritual anthem with obvious gospel influences exuding through the chorus and the bridge.
Marquis makes a direct declaration for the sake of love on “Nikki,” an unveiled experience about a breakup that expounds upon Marquis’ storytelling ability. The pain that often projects from a breakup song is magically transformed by the sultry crooner into a calming, melodious state of peace that makes it easy to come to terms with the inevitable.
Another track that serves to perform in the same way is “Phases.” A clever assortment of fading in and out electronic instruments create an all-encompassing sound on the song about the ups and downs of relationships. Honestly, the production on “Phases” is reminiscent of Kanye West’s “Waves” from his 2016 album The Life of Pablo, although the repetitive beat has a slower tempo before breaking into a faster paced choral-like instrumentation.
Listen to Aries Marquis’ “Ghost”
The leading single, “Ghost,” solidifies Marquis’ natural gift of music and his specialty in the art of R&B. Clearly, a student of the genre, Marquis holds no bars on the classic R&B single that comes equipped with the combination of Marquis’ powerful delivery and a necessary fragility that shines through the lyrics.
He concludes the album with the unconventionally produced “Wanted,” where Marquis’ lustrously dubbed vocals mesh well with a mid-to-slow tempo pop melody that sonically plays like the sequel to the equally optimistic “Dove Across the Ocean.”
Experience conjures a here and everywhere vibe, where love is the everlasting loyal companion even when loss seems to overwhelm all emotions.
Stream ‘Experience’ On Spotify:
Marquis has been singing since the tender age of five years old, gaining his foundation as a member of his mother’s church choir at First Presbyterian Church of Scotlandville. Raised by parents with musical backgrounds, Marquis didn’t step into the spotlight as a solo artist until his senior year in high school when he would take the intimidating step of performing in his school’s talent show. His performance received a standing ovation, which was all the confirmation that Marquis needed to pursue a professional music career.
During a honorable stint with the U.S. Army, Marquis made a song for his voicemail message that unwittingly drew the attention of his family and peers, and also sparked a desire for Marquis’ father, Kenneth Johnson, to manage his career. One of the first songs Marquis recorded was a cover of the soulful song “East Side High Alma Mater” made popular on the film Lean On Me.
In 2008, Marquis co-created the duo singing group, J2, with fellow singer Renaldo Pryce. J2 established a solid reputation as the group explored the music circuit, but would later dissipate in 2010.
Marquis’ drive and ambition would motivate him to once again embark on a solo career that would see him rack up a host of awards from talent showcases, and earn him the title of the 2013 Breakout Artist of the Year at the Independent Entertainment Summit in California. A year later, he found himself opening for R&B legend Keith Sweat and booking dates across the nation. Marquis’ music has received radio rotation in over 150 stations and currently amasses thousands of listeners on Apple Music and Spotify.
Learn More About Aries Marquis
Experience can be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
