Bio

Returning in full force with his second single of the year, Sydney-based indie-rocker Sam Marks delivers enticing vocals, emotional turbulence and unrestrained instrumental dynamism in newest release ‘Vagabond’ out on August 13.

With his many musical aptitudes, Sam Marks isn’t afraid to deftly weave varying influences into his sound, from the sunlight-infused melodies in debut single ‘Ellie Mae’ to the flavoursome reggae twist embraced in latest release ‘Tend To Yourself’.

Now, just like the song’s namesake, Marks explores frenzied rock elements in ‘Vagabond’, delivering wandering melodies, choppy rhythms and feverish vocal techniques.

Immediately soaked in coatings of reverb-drenched guitars boasting addictive riffs, Marks’ vocal tone is as warm as ever, his slight rasp accentuating the burgeoning turmoil of the lyrics. A big, powerful chorus unveils an echo-worthy lyrical hook before the song steadies again for a shortened second verse. The calm before the storm, an instrumental breakdown is built from the ground up creating a vortex of swirling guitars, roaring percussion and layered vocal textures.

Bringing youthful exuberance and honest reflection to his songwriting, Marks wrote ‘Vagabond’ about a previous partner and the overwhelming feelings of being in an unsustainably chaotic relationship, stating:

"’Vagabond’ is a story influenced by someone I had a relationship with a few years ago. They were in Australia for a period of time, escaping their life in their home country. She'd had a troubled past and a difficult time dealing with it. At times, I was overwhelmed with what I'd learnt about her past. I was swept up in a fiery and tempestuous relationship with them, slipping into an expanding maelstrom of emotions. And all of the sudden, they were gone."

Sam Marks studied classical composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has played in multiple rock bands during the past decade. Since starting his own venture in 2020, Marks’ solo releases have seen support from Triple J, Triple J Unearthed, MTV, Aus Music Scene, The AU Review, AAA Backstage and more.

‘Vagabond’ is out on Friday, August 13.

Previous Support for Sam Marks

'Tend To Yourself' Premiered via Triple J (March 22)

"This track makes me wanna go ahhhhh. It fills with great sound - those guitars are great and I love that slight rasp in your voice Sam." 4 / 5 Stars (Claire Mooney, Triple J)

"Sam has me suddenly transported from my home to the open road in the middle of nowhere, just flying down the highway on my way to nowhere. bring it on!" 4 / 5 Stars (Declan Byrne, Triple J)

"Eventide has this anthemic sound that takes to my mind to a place that has a sea of faces crowded together in a mosh yelling the chorus up into the air." 4 / 5 Stars (Nkechi Anele, Triple J)
 
"Eventide is awash with reverb guitars, with his warm upbeat vocals and sweet harmonies chiming in to keep this tune ripping along."  (AU Review)

"The upbeat indie-rock track will have you feeling like you're out in the open road heading to the beach" (Aus Music Scene)