Nicholas Markos, has been called “a hipper underground version of David Gray” (Chicago Sun-Times) and "almost bewilderingly eclectic" (by Greg Kot of NPR's Sound Opinions); but the reality is that he's a subtle wizard of Pop music. Writing the score for several independent films, and doing remixes with Styx, Journey, and REO Speedwagon as The Hitmaker. Nicolas has also performed as an opening act for Bob Dylan, Melissa Etheridge, and the Violent Femmes. Writing for artists like Taylor Mills (of Brian Wilson's band), he is a slave to no genre. Markos always finds the right mood.
From pop-rock to ambient and electronic music, Nicholas Markos deftly shapes musical colors to suit his songs. Operating in a variety of genres (under a variety of pseudonyms), Markos consistently delivers music with real soul and emotion. His live-performance credits include opening sets for Bob Dylan, Melissa Etheridge, The Violent Femmes, Todd Rundgren, Roger McGuinn, Squeeze, and many others. His recorded works are brought to life with guest appearances by a number of friends: Todd Sucherman (Brian Wilson, Styx), Mike Zelenko (Material Issue), Howie Kantoff (Poster Children), Eddie Carlson (Poi Dog Pondering), Mark Schwarz (David Singer & the Sweet Science), and others. In addition to producing and performing with other artists, and doing music for numerous TV and radio commercials, Markos has composed music and provided songs for several independent films, including the 2007 documentary Trashed (Oxi Productions), the forthcoming documentary Vincent: A Life in Color.
Rock song in the vein of U2's "One" and Oasis about triumph over heartbreak. Great for dramatic piece, and the instrumental coda will work for any sequence that needs a triumphant lift. Male Vocal, Rock Music, Pop Rock
Groovy, slightly psychedelic song with a Lenny Kravitz vibe, good for a romantic film or a commercial that needs a hypnotic hook. Mixed Vocals, Rock Music, Melodic Rock
Moody, electronic ambient piece that moves from contemplative piano figure to more mysterious synth feel with pulsing, percolating undertones, perfect for dramatic or suspenseful work. Instrumental, Electronic Music, Ambient
U2-style song of triumph, built on delay-pattern electric guitar and driving tom-tom and drum beats, great for drama, action, sports. Male Vocal, Rock Music, Melodic Rock
Bittersweet song about romantic regret over a pulsing synthpop bed, with soaring guitar. Great for romantic drama or any piece that needs an uplifting guitar coda. Male Vocal, Indie Rock, Alternative Rock
Fun pop song with a retro 60's feel (like the La's or the Kooks) about two people fitting in a twin bed; perfect for indie film or romantic comedy. Rock Music, Pop Rock
Acoustic & voice song about acceptance of the past and redemption for the future, in the vein of Counting Crows or Oasis, perfect for indie film or romantic drama. Male Vocal, Rock Music, Pop Rock
Gentle acoustic guitar and voice song about missing someone, perfect for a mood like The Replacements' "Skyway," Coldplay's "See You Soon," or Nick Drake's "Pink Moon." Mixed Vocals, Folk Music, Folk Singer-Songwriter
U2-style guitar-driven groove conveying determination and hope, great for film or commercials that want to lift a scene without making it too busy or fast. Male Vocal, Indie Rock, Alternative Rock
Pretty, slow-pulsing epic synthpop track in the vein of Peter Gabriel, the Blue Nile, and Ultravox, perfect for romantic drama, a contemplative scene, or a commercial with a big cinematic feel. Male Vocal, Pop Music, Dreampop
Groovy Marvin-Gaye style song about coming together to make a change in the world, perfect for dramas, and also for any piece that needs a mellow groove. Mixed Vocals, RnB Music, Soul
Suspenseful, driving piece with strummed electric guitar and building, intense tribal drums, great for a dramatic or action sequence, or a commercial that needs a darker undertone. Male Vocal, Pop Music, Dreampop
