Miko Marks is an American Americana singer based in Oakland, California. She was born in Flint, Michigan. She attended from 1990 to 1994 Grambling State University in Louisiana where she got her degree in Political Science.[1] She later moved to San Francisco. Marks was named Best New Country Artist at the 2006 New Music Weekly Awards.[2]
Miko Marks | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Miko Marks |
| Born | Flint, Michigan |
| Origin | Flint, Michigan |
| Genres | Country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, acoustic guitar |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Labels | Mirrome, Brown Bear, Aspirion |
| Website | [1] |
Career edit
Marks released her debut single, "Freeway Bound," in 2005. It was followed by her debut album, also titled Freeway Bound, which was released on September 13, 2005. Three further singles ("Kickin' Back," "Mama," and "Don't Come Cryin' to Me") were released from the album in 2006. "Mama" featured Marks' first music video, which included a guest appearance by Erykah Badu assuming the title role.[3] Her second studio album, It Feels Good, followed in 2007 after the release of lead-off single "Locked and Loaded." Both were produced by Ron Cornelius and released under the Mirrome Records imprint.[4]
In his review of It Feels Good, Stewart Mason of allmusic awarded the album 3 and 1/2 stars, drawing comparisons to the Dixie Chicks and Gretchen Wilson while commenting that the album "clicks on every level, making it a solidly enjoyable neo-traditionalist country listen."[5]
In 2021, Marks released “Our Country,” her first new album in over a decade.[6] The album's lead single and music video are "We Are Here".[7]
In October 2022, Marks performed on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. According to CMT, her performance received two standing ovations.[8]
In October of 2023, Marks collaborated with the Fisk Jubilee Singers for an updated version of her song "Jubilee" [9]
Family edit
She married young and had a son, Justin. Her husband works as local firefighter.[10]
Discography edit
Studio albums edit
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Freeway Bound
|
| 2007 | It Feels Good
|
| 2021 | Our Country
|
| 2022 | Feel Like Going Home[11]
|
Extended Plays edit
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Race Records
|
Singles edit
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Freeway Bound" | Freeway Bound |
| 2006 | "Kickin' Back" | |
| "Mama" | ||
| "Don't Come Cryin' to Me" | ||
| 2007 | "Locked & Loaded" | It Feels Good |
| 2019 | "Roll Out"[12] | |
| 2021 | "We Are Here" | Our Country |
| 2022 | "Feels Like Going Home" | |
| 2022 | "Trouble"[13] | |
| 2023 | "Still Here" (with Rissi Palmer)[14] | |
| 2023 | "Jubilee" (with Fisk Jubilee Singers)[15] |
Music videos edit
| Year | Video | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "Mama" | |
| 2007 | "Locked & Loaded" | Edward Rosenblum[16] |
| 2013 | "Help" |
Awards and nominations edit
| Year | Association | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | New Music Weekly | Best New Country Artist[17] | Won |
| The Independent Music Awards | Country Album of the Year – Freeway Bound | Won | |
| 2007 | Independent Music Awards | Country Song of the Year – "Freeway Bound" | Won |
| 2008 | Independent Music Awards | Country Album of the Year – "It Feels Good" | Nominated |
| 2008 | Independent Music Awards | Country Song of the Year- "It Feels Good" | Won |
References edit
- ^ https://www.mikomarks.com/about
- ^ Henderson, Shirley (June 2008). The Storyteller Miko Marks. p. 88. Retrieved June 5, 2010.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ "Official Miko Marks Website - 2007 Country Album of the Year". Archived from the original on June 13, 2010. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
- ^ "Home". mirrome.com.
- ^ https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1112542
- ^ Rodman, Sarah (February 17, 2021). "Black, Female and Carving Out Their Own Path in Country Music". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
- ^ "PREMIERE: Miko Marks Highlights the Struggles of Her Hometown in "We Are Here" Video".
- ^ "Dream Realized: Miko Marks Receives Two Standing Ovations at Grand Ole Opry Debut".
- ^ "Miko Marks releases 'Jubilee,' a rootsy collaboration with the Fisk Jubilee Singers". The Tennessean.
- ^ https://www.mikomarks.com/about
- ^ "Miko Marks' New Album 'Feel Like Going Home' Set for October 14". October 3, 2022.
- ^ "Oakland's Rollerskating Country Singer". November 2019.
- ^ "Bristol Rhythm & Roots: 6 Standout Sets from This Year's Festival". September 28, 2022.
- ^ "First Listen: A music pioneer, Rissi Palmer is 'Still Here'". Soul Tracks. March 25, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ "Miko Marks Calls on Fisk Jubilee Singers for 'Jubilee'". American Songwriter. October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
- ^ "Music Video-rama".
- ^ "New Music Weekly". Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
External links edit
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