Hey Marc B fans! Big ups to the band for making their way into the 2010 OC Music Awards Showcase Series Finals! There are five other finalists in the live acoustic category, and Marc, Maxx, and Yoni will be competing for the title on 2/26 at the Yost Theatre in Santa Ana, CA. The Winner of the Showcase Series will perform at the Grove in Anaheim for the Awards on March 6th, receive a $2,500 voucher from Fender, and a four-day recording session at Red Bull Studios.

This is a great opportunity for the band, so if you’re in the OC area come out to show your support! The Showcase finals are all free. Here’s the performance schedule, Marc B is performing at 10 p.m.

2/26, 7:30pm - Yost Theater, Santa Ana - (Live Acoustic Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Join the Facebook Event

I Hate You Just Kidding (8pm)
Billy Kernkamp (8:40pm)
Stacy Clark (9:20pm)
Marc B (10pm)
Mike Vitale (10:40pm)

We want to see you all there!

Your friends,
Oniric Records

Marc B. has joined the ranks of artists and athletes like Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, and Jack Johnson among others to become an official SurfAid Ambassador.  SurfAid does great work- they are a nonprofit that helps to improve the health, well-being and the self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing. 

Check out their programs and help the cause!

With a look straight out of Endless Summer and his mellow feel-good vibe, Marc B may just be the next big thing to come from the southern California music scene.  The Orange County native combines a love of the nature, surfing and music to create songs with an environmental message.

Check out the whole feature by clicking here or on the image below.

The Daily Titan of Cal State Fullerton, reviews each song on The Yellow Jelly EP as well as provides a bit of background information in regards to Marc’s musical influences and increasing popularity. To get the full article please visit the Daily Titan’s website at DailyTitan.com.

The Yellow Jelly EP is now available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon, follow the links to pick up your copy today. For more info about Marc B. and his upcoming shows please visit the new MarcBmusic.com.

“It was a lazy springtime Friday afternoon in Santa Barbara when we recorded Marc B. The sun was low in the perfect sky as friends gathered in the living room of my home nestled between the southern California ocean and the chaparral mountains. Marc and I chatted casually while I arranged the microphones and set input levels. Similar easy conversations were had amongst the visitors while beer and wine sips bid the ending week goodbye and welcomed the ensuing weekend’s respite. One would be hard pressed to find a care in the room - not even Marc seemed to have a nerve in his soul as he sat poised at the center of the room surrounded by audio and video recording equipment. The entire setting was idyllically Santa Barbara and created a fitting venue to capture Marc B’s mellow acoustic surf rock sounds.

We perhaps took a little longer than usual that evening to get the session started - there was no rush. Eventually, though, after double and triple checking the mic placements and the levels, I settled down behind my computer and gave Marc the cue. The room quieted as bodies shuffled onto chairs and couches and Marc commenced his performance. He began with a song called “The River” - the opening track to The Yellow Jelly EP and a tune featured in pro surfer Kelly Slater’s 9th World Title video on Wetsand.com. It describes the experience of moving into a new home situated near a river. The third song of the set, called “Comin’ Up,” describes his observations of buildings and houses incessantly sprouting up around the land of Southern California. Marc rounded out his set with a tune called “The Right Way” which tells about ending the day the right way - with a solid surf session.

Marc B grew up around waves and music. He was surfing the ocean at Newport Beach as a youngster and began writing songs at age 12, pulling inspiration from his father and grandfather who passed the genealogical music bug onto his young mind. Currently living in Huntington Beach, Marc B pulls influence from such names as Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Matt Costa, Brett Dennen, Ben Harper, and Mason Jennings - pioneers who have defined a generation of easy listening, California music. Marc B is carving his own niche in this scene: he was recently named as a nominee for the Best Surf Artist at the Orange Country Music Awards and, in June 2010, his first full-length album and music video will be released.” -Ryan Anderson of One Night Music

See the rest of the videos and download the tracks for free here.

The OC Music Awards briefly interviewed Marc and four other artists about the music scene in Orange County. To read the full interview click here.

Don’t miss a FREE Marc B. concert at the OCMA’s Best Live Acoustic Showcase on January 26th in Santa Ana, California! For show and ticket info visit Marc’s Facebook Page.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR FIVE MUSICIANS/BANDS IN JANUARY’S BEST ACOUSTIC BAND SHOWCASE

1) What is so unique about Orange County’s music scene?

Marc B. (singer-songwriter):
“It’s just a great place to make all kinds of music, since our area is not defined by any one genre as say, Nashville is with country music. Orange County is everything; a thriving hip-hop, rock, electronic, acoustic, country, and everything-in-between scene. We’ve seen resurgence in Orange County from all different ends of the musical spectrum. The people of OC are close enough to LA to be affected by what’s going on there, but we’re not encapsulated in any bubble. There are so many avenues to take your music in OC.”

2) What are some current OC bands/musicians that you see live quite often?

Marc B. (singer-songwriter):
“When I’m in town I can always count on a killer local show from The Simpkin Project, Matt Costa and Trevor Hall.”

3) What can we expect from you or the band next year?

Marc B. (singer-songwriter):
“New music coming out (February) on the Wailer’s compilation album. We’re launching the debut full-length (June) with Oniric Records and probably a national tour (summer) to go with it. A music video (July) will come with that. We’re also going to Costa Rica, Hawaii and all over California through Spring. We’re keeping busy and loving what we do.”

4) One random fact about you or the band:

Marc B. (singer-songwriter):
“My favorite animals are elephants and sea turtles, both for very important reasons.”

5) Why is the OC Music Awards important to our music community?

Marc B. (singer-songwriter):
“This event brings together everyone who loves music and has anything to do with our scene. I mean we’re all out there doing our thing, whether it’s making music, web design, photography, management, venue ownership, whatever…it brings us all together under one roof for a night, which is the best thing and the only thing that will push us forward as a unit. The OC Music Awards is a huge reason why an ‘OC Music Scene’ even exists. Without awards shows like this, there’d be no unity.”

excuse me, mr.  but we’ve got some live performances going on.  now, true, we’ll be spending most of our time in the studio this winter, but we are still playing a few shows around California, and here they are:

Jan 22nd, 2010 10:00P
***ENVT MOVT***
Isla Vista Santa Barbara, California
note: this is a private party.  location will be announced one week prior to the event.

Jan 26th, 2010 8:30P
OC Music Awards “Best Live Acoustic”
@ Gypsy Den
Santa Ana, California
note: if you’re coming to one show this winter, cruise to this one!  it’s a competition for best live acoustic band in Orange County.  come support the first round!

Mar 6th, 2010 8:00P
OC Music Awards
@ The Grove
Anaheim, California
note:

For booking inquiries, please contact——> .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

today’s photo:
Incredible sunset a few days ago in Huntington Beach, California. shot from my phone.

thanks you guys, for reading this bulletin,

-marc

Become a fan, and invite others: http://www.facebook.com/marcbmusic

Marc B and Atwater did a little in store promo for Wahoos about a month or so ago with signed Marc pictures spread out among the southern California Wahoo’s wherever there is a blank spot on the wall and for those of you that have never had the pleasure of visiting a Wahoo’s you should know that space on those walls is hard to come by. The shots below are from the Wahoo’s on 2nd St. in Long Beach. Atwater will keep posting on their website shots from new locations as they get them in.

The finished product ready to go spread joy throughout Southern California

Marc doing his first autograph signing

These little jewels are everywhere

Some pics of Marc in Hawaii this past December. This trip seemed to have involved a lot of eating

I recently got to catch up with the new addition to Marc B Music, bassist Yoni Berk, and ask him a couple of questions in order to introduce him.  We met Yoni while he was playing with another band that Marc had played with a couple times in Santa Barbara, and we are thrilled to say that we were able to acquire Yoni after his former band took a permanent hiatus.

His addition to Marc’s music thus far has been great, as his first time playing with Marc and Maxx (percussion) was in the studio for Marc’s upcoming track Mr. American, which was recorded for Solutions for Dreamers : Season 3 (coming Spring 2010!).  We pretty much knew from the collaboration at the studio that Marc, Maxx, and Yoni were born to play together, and Yoni bass playing at the live shows has really added a new element to Marc’s live sound, which we are all stoked on.

We have some video coming soon of the new band playing together, but for now..

Oniric Records: Who the eff are you?
Yoni Berk: I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area to two Rabbis, and I moved to Santa Barbara to play music, philosophize on life, and teach.

What do you always have with you in your pocket? 
David Alper’s dredlock.

How long have you and Marc been playing together?
We started playing together in November, but it feels like forever.

Most Life-Changing Music Moment? 
Listening to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco for the first time. I lied down in my bathtub fully clothed, no water, and put on headphones. Try this remedy. What Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett were able to accomplish with this work will forever stay with me. I also recommend doing this with any Gomez or Animal Collective album.

What are you listening to these days? 
Well the list goes on and on. I’ve been trying to collect a lot of Israeli, African, and South American 1960’s pop/surf rock. Its been a blast so far being inspired by these genres.

Bands I’m stoked on right now: 
Dr. Dog, Menomena (and their sideprojects), Serge Gainsbourg, Erykah Badu, The Books, John Vanderslice, Girls, Dirty Projectors...
So you don’t exactly look like a surfer, more like a yogi.  Explain? 
Well that’s because I haven’t surfed… yet! I’ll be hitting the waters of Santa Barbara in 2010 so I can start hitting up the waves we pass along our tour this upcoming year! I currently teach yoga in Santa Barbara and have been doing so for almost 3 years now. Yoga and music have become my calling over the last few years and I have never looked back. I enjoy finding ways to incorporate the two together. I get really into creating music playlists on my ipod for my yoga classes and I always play guitar, ukulele, or the harmonium while my students are in savasana (corpse pose). 
 

Ok, back to music.  What gear do you play on stage? 
SDGR by Ibanez. A beautiful pearl white bass that sends me soaring.
 
I use a big ol’ Trace Elliott amplifier.
 
Soon I’m sure I’ll start bringing my Kamoa uke and Bina harmonium onstage as well.
 
What’s your favorite song to play at a gig?
“Summertime Flows”—That song is funky! It’s a kick to play and we rock out hard.  You’ll hear it on the new album [Coming Summer 2010!].
 
Favorite show you’ve played?
By far, the show where we opened for Trevor Hall at the Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica. I have never experienced such an awesome crowd. The show was sold out, people were grooving, dancing, and chatting us up after the show.  The Trevor’s band are great guys. Can’t wait to play more shows with them!
 
There’s a rumor going around that in addition to bass, you play ukulele.  Is this true?
Yeah I play ukulele.  I only took 6 months of bass guitar lessons then just learned the rest from playing in bands. I then taught myself guitar which made it easy for me to learn ukulele. My next goal was to teach myself harmonium which will I’m sure segway into piano. I also have hopes of learning trumpet and violin in the near future.
 
Any plans in the near future for you and Marc B? 
Oh yeah.  New Marc B Music is released in February on the Wailers’ compilation album, Oniric Records throws us in the studio for our debut full-length album recording session starting in February. (I cannot wait to get into the studio.) We then hit up Costa Rica in March and back to Hawaii and through California in Spring.  Album is out in June, and hopefully a national tour this summer to go along with it, but I can’t say much about that.
 
Follow Yoni on Twitter or shoot him an email to get in touch.

So tomorrow I leave for Oahu.  I found out this morning, so all morning I’ve been frothing preparing and tying loose ends before I leave.  The band will be right behind me, they’ll all be out in a week, and we have a couple secret shows and a bunch of backyard jams planned.  I’m looking forward to seeing some friends I haven’t seen in years.  I’m looking forward to seeing 40 foot waves.  Apparently, (according to surfline) this is the “40 year swell” that the world has been waiting for.

That being said, I get to watch the sunrise on the North Shore on my birthday.  Could not be happier.

I’ll be sending photos and videos to my manager and he’ll be updating the blog on myspace, along with the facebook (.com/marcbmusic) .  I’ll also be updating the twitter (.com/marcbmusic) daily with photos and such.  Keep updated from wherever you are in the world.

And, by all means, if you’re on Oahu and you want some music, keep your ears open, and we’ll give it to you.  Hit us up with a message and we’ll make sure you are where we play.

with love, from hawaii,

-marc

Oniric Records recently caught up with Marc B’s percussionist, Maxx Farris, during a surf trip in Mexico.  Here’s what he had to say.

1.  Who the eff are you?

Hi world, I’m Maxx Farris. Born and raised in Clovis, California (Map). I now reside in Oxnard, California (Map). I play percussion with Marc B.  I’ve been playing drums my entire life, educated in the art of Jazz, Latin and Funk.

2.  What do you always have with you in your pocket?

A lighter.
3.  How long have you and Marc been playing together?

Marc and I have been playing together for some months, hopefully many more to come.

4.  Most Life-Changing Music Moment?
Hmmm… I would have to say it was when I was about 7 years old. My dad took me to see Tower of Power. Ever since that show I have always known that my purpose on earth was to play music. Damn I wish I could groove like those guys.

5.  What are you listening to these days?

My influences come from every era and every corner of the Earth. I listen to a lot of Jazz and Latin music. Old school rock lies deep within my heart and you can never have too much Funk in ya.  Lately I’ve been listening to MGMT, SOJA, the Doors, Third World and Bob Dylan. I also frequent a lot of renaissance and classical composers.

6.  Let’s talk water.  How would you describe your surf style?

Surf any wave, have fun, who cares what you look like. I just enjoy the ocean, but I guess I have an old school approach to surfing. Barrels and speed. Just ride the damn waves!

7.  Ok, back to music.  What gear do you play on stage?

I play:
-Meinl Limited edition Cajon
-LP Shaker
-LP tamborine on a foot
-pedal
-Sabian AAX hi-hats
-Pearl Chad Smith signature Snare drum
-Remo Leon
-Mobely signature Djembe

8.  What’s your favorite song to play at a gig?

My favorite song of Marc’s to play is “Mr. American.” It’s a new song that Marc wrote about the selfishness of our culture. The rhythm is solid and you can’t help but to be affected by the lyrics. I feel like my soul really comes out through my instruments on that one.

9.  Favorite show you’ve played?

Marc and I have played quite a bit of shows in the little time we have been playing together. Every show is a new experience and every show the music feels and sounds better. My favorite show so far was when we opened up for Hawaii’s Sashamon for the West Beach Festival after party. It was such an honor to play with those guys, and they brought the house down.

10. We understand a lot of your equipment was recently stolen.  Explain.

Ya, I recently had my car broken in to. I woke up and went outside to leave my friends house and saw that my window had been smashed in. My heart sank. They took everything that was in a case. They did leave my snares, bass drum and djembe. They got away with my Cajon, my Bass Pedal and my Cymbal bag including 3 sets of hi-hats and about 10 other cymbals that I use on stage. I just hope that the instruments get sold to someone who will take care of them and play them. I made a report with the police and they said they’ll “look for suspects”. I have serial #‘s on some stuff so I’m going to send that in and try to track the guy down. Ya I’m bummed but at least they left the car.

11.  Any plans in the near future for you and Marc B?

Marc and I are touring around California in November, Hawaii in December, Costa Rica in January, and soon the World.  Look for a new full-length album coming your way next summer. It’s going to blow your face off.

Look for Farris this winter playing music with Marc B. in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles,  Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Berkeley, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Haleiwa.

Follow Maxx on Twitter: @maxxfarris

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Nov 12 KUCI Radio 88.9fm On-Air Performance - Irvine, California
Nov 15 The Clubhouse w/ Chase McBride - San Luis Obispo, CA
Nov 16 Photoshoot with j.shipley photography - Santa Barbara, CA
Nov 21 IASL Benefit @ The Aquarium of the Bay - San Francisco, CA
Nov 24 Sandbar w/ Coy Bastards (of Iration) - Santa Barbara, CA
Dec 5 Dakota Lounge w/ Trevor Hall - Santa Monica, CA

Well,  it’s that time of year again…

Summer is over.  The days are getting shorter.  But that means the nights
are getting longer, which is good!  Music is usually played at night…

Speaking of music, there’s a few updates we’d like to tell you about.  Of
course you can find more information about anything on our various websites.
Portal is HERE.

First off, The US Open of Surfing was an absolute blast!  11 performances in 13 days...it was a hot mess.  We had daytime shows on the sand with Life Rolls On, and night-time gigs on Main Street for Atwater Clothing.  Our friends Westfire and The Naybrhood even came out and played a few tunes.

Next up on the agenda is ASR Surf Industry Trade Show.  Thousands of people fly in to the San Diego Convention Center Sept. 10-12 to show their new product to the surf world.  There’s fashion shows, demos, giveaways,
celebrity signings, half-pipes, live bands, and every company imaginable
showing their new line.  Again, hot mess.  I’ll be there representing
Atwater clothing once again.

Speaking of Atwater, our sponsor just launched their NEW SITE!  Take a look.  Complete with photo, video, and full profiles on all their surf, skate, and music team (we call ourselves the White Tigers), the Atwater boys have done it again.

Performances.  I want you to come.  That’s why I wrote you this email.  So
here’s a list.

Sept. 10-12 @ ASR
San Diego, CA - Directions

Sept. 13   @ “Surf Into Yoga” for FUEL TV (huge crowd needed. Be on TV!)
Encinitas, CA - Directions

Sept. 14   KUCI nights @ Blue Laguna w/ Parker Macy Blues
Laguna Beach, CA - Directions

Sept. 19   @ Velvet Jones w/ Shades of Day for the Official West Beach Music Festival Late Night Party!
Santa Barbara, CA - Directions

Sept. 23   @ SoHo w/ Grover Anderson, High Vibrations Santa Barbara, CA - Directions

Oct. 10   @ The Boathouse for Connect Africa
Costa Mesa, CA - Directions

So yea, we’re keepin busy…and busy is good.  I’ve been playin acoustic
shows lately with this awesome percussionist Maxx Farris from Ventura.  He’s
super talented and its a great mix.  The music comes out real solid.  He
jams.  We have a lot of fun at our shows, too…so make sure and come out.
And by all means, if you DO come out…say hello!

Oh, almost forgot…for your FREE MP3, click HERE:
http://marcbmusic.com/freemp3/

We hope you all enjoy your September.  This is the month of reflection.
Don’t forget how amazing that summertime was.  Now get back to work/school.

Much love, be well, use sunscreen,

Marc B.

So the US Open of Surfing is over.  I haven’t been this exhausted in a long time.  But this was well worth it.  We had so much fun playing music for the contest!  This is my account of the hectic weekend in Huntington Beach.  But first things first…

Congratulations to Huntington Beach local and new Hurley US Open CHAMP Brett Simpson!!!  The hometown hero defended his home break in double (sometimes triple) overhead surf against the best surfers in the world.  Simpson faced current World Title defender Mick Fanning, from Australia.  Brett’s local knowledge of the pier, combined with home cooked meals and his own bed at night, proved to add to his advantage, as he took the final, early on.

Over 500,000 people came out to Huntington Beach over the weekend.  Eleven of them surf regularly.  The US Open is mayhem, every year.  This year proved no different.  Hundreds of booths were set up from every company imaginable, many having nothing to do with surfing (Honey Bunches of Oats, etc…).  There were BMX half pipes, Live music, Fashion shows, even Red Bull sky divers dropping out of an airplane…

Oh, and there was also a surf contest.  The largest in the world.  Oh, and it was the 50th year anniversary of the contest.  Oh, and the 100th year anniversary of the City of Huntington Beach.  Oh, and Brett Simpson is the first local to take it in years.  This was a memorable contest.

So where do I fit it?  As a musician I’m always looking to share my music with as many people as possible, so a half-million people coming to this town is a great opportunity.  I make the best of it by scheduling beach shows, bar shows, interviews, photo shoots, and just all out jam sessions.

Every year, Jesse Billauer’s “Life Rolls On” organization asks me to play live music and help promote the cause.  Life Rolls On is a non-profit organization dedicated to spinal chord research. (visit http://www.liferollson.org)  This year LRO was the official charity sponsor of the contest.  I was honored to have the opportunity once again to jam out for the crazy crowd.  It was a kickin’ good time.

Friday night I had an acoustic performance at HB Beer Co. on main street.  There was a line wrapped outside the door.  It ended up being so crowded I couldn’t even get Spides in (the owner of Atwater, who co-sponsored the show!).  Mike Dena played (epic) then I went on with my percussionist, Maxx.  We celebrated my friend Adam’s birthday party as they stumbled in with ten other friends.  The bar was absolutely maxed out by the time Allensworth went on.  They are on another level of musicality.  Look them up.

The night raged on until 2a.m. (and for some of us, longer).  It was an amazing night of live music, all in all. 

I had to be up the next morning for another performance on the sand.  The whole week was like this.  Non-stop music playing for ten days.  9 shows to be exact.  Now that it’s over, I am so exhausted.  Beat.  Mal-nutritioned.  But one thing is for sure, I wouldn’t change it for the world.  I wish every week was like this, and hopefully someday, it will be…

What’s next?  Well, for now, a few days of rehearsals and rest, and just played show last Thursday night in downtown San Diego at The Stage.  More shows coming soon. See you around. 

aloha,
-marc

This is my favorite time to do what I do.  This event is kinda the reason I even got into music in the first place.  This is my third or fourth (?) year playing LIVE for the biggest surf contest in the world (that just so happens to set up every July in Huntington Beach!)  It’s always been my busiest time of year, and the most fun.

This year’s schedule of music is better than EVER:

July 17   @ The Shore (LB) Life Rolls On benefit (w/ Atwater and Etnies)!

July 23   @ The US Open Life Rolls On booth

July 24   @ The US Open Life Rolls On booth

July 24   @ HB Beer Co. US Open after party (w/ Atwater and Etnies)!

July 25   @ The US Open Life Rolls On booth

July is busy.  For the FULL LIST of performances, visit http://www.marcbmusic.com .

this is for the Friday 17th at the Shore Ultra Lounge…

...and this is for Friday the 24th at HB Beer Co!!!

we would LOVE for you to be there.

Marc B is Free Culture Arts’ Featured Artist for the entire month of June! Go check him out on the site and see some other cool artists in the Santa Barbara area.

About Free Culture Arts:
Free Culture Arts Foundation; created by artists for artists; creates and administers events and programs that foster empowered community and the exposure and growth of Santa Barbara County artists; making possible the creation and production of new artistic works by emerging artists, and contributes to the professional advancement of those artists; while inspiring and engaging an empowered community in active solutions towards the betterment of our shared county by partnering with local organizations working towards positive change.