Where can we find you right now, and what are you up to?
I currently live in Las Vegas with my wonderful wife and amazing son. We moved to this city six years ago because it was the change we needed. It's great to be more active in the music scene and meet many superb musicians. Finishing the second Sodacon album in under a year was a joy. Last summer produced the electro-synth Laneakia Unlocked, and this year completed the space rock Reamp Revamp. I'm now part of two collaborations and producing tracks for the upcoming holidays. I've also started writing and recording my other side project, the 2nd Marc Antarez album.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2wddOiONPIoyQI5ybeEnZO
Tell us a bit about your influences. How did you start?
I learned piano as a kid and would make pretend tape recording albums in my bedroom with a small Casio keyboard. I played in a concert band and used music to distract myself from things going on at home. In high school, I picked up the guitar, joined the jazz band, and started learning riffs during the crossover of metal and grunge. I was a short chunky teenager who carried his guitar to school. I went to my first concert, Rush, Presto tour. Geddy Lee swapping to his keyboard, Neil Peart Drum solo, Alex riffing it, and the Tom Sawyer finale. I also enjoyed listening to and learning acoustic songs by Michael Hedges. Those and many other iconic artists inspired my passion for music.
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
The internet was supposed to be a utopia for artists, with streaming being the future. However, we have witnessed the opposite and must compensate artists fairly. We are not just content creators. Many artists do not appreciate spending their days feeding a social media algorithm instead of playing for people. Many experience the fun side of performing and creating art, but paying attention to the sheer cost and competitiveness is critical. Everyone goes through their young days as an artist struggling to develop. Many artists want to create music without worrying about rent and internet scams. Adding climate change to the mix and other geopolitical issues will make it difficult.
What worked for you marketing-wise? What advice or tips would you give to new artists?
I don't know much about marketing, yet I've observed that magic happens during artist collaborations. My fan base grows one person at a time, each as important as the next none expendable. Marketing can do a lot for the artist or make the music a gimmick. I don't do this just for money's sake. Melodies and lyrics can change lives, even if it's just an individual who gets it at that moment. It's the most remarkable achievement to give euphoric feelings and vibes in these songs and to help people get through their days. For new artists, if you make mistakes own up to them and do your best to improve. Everyone makes their fair share of errors, yet it's essential to learn from the experience and bring the best in the future. Always try something every day to improve your music, even if it's just writing down an idea.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
My small record label suffered a setback. I produced thousands of vinyl records and CDs from 2002 to 2011. They ended up stolen from my old residence. To add to that misery, my extended family disowned us, and we became estranged. Unfortunately, their bad attitudes contributed to many of our struggles then. Despite all the ostracism, we took the high road and moved on to a better situation. My goal is never to let that happen again. So, in the next five years, I will support artists to prevent them from experiencing what I went through. It took time to overcome depression, personal injury, and the pandemic. I stopped making music for a while, and I've missed a lot of friends. I don't pretend to be at the top of anything, yet it's been cathartic to return to songwriting. I will cherish every opportunity I get, and making more albums like Laniakea Unlocked and Reamp Revamp would be thrilling. It would be great to perform more often, continue to connect with audiences, and collaborate with artists, like when I first started.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
The Reamp Revamp album explores the history of Sodacon Music, uncovering unfinished gems and enhancing them with added layered guitars. It was an awakening going through old folders containing lost tracks from albums produced during that era, bringing new life to these songs. Experimenting with analog tape and harmonic distortion has been interesting. Every artist on the planet wants their music to be heard and appreciated. Although many people no longer listen to CDs, producing a beautiful limited edition pressing helped me heal from losing what came before. I could get sounds out of my production that weren't possible. It clarified Sodacon was here to stay, even when I tried to quit—the persistence to rise above it all for the love of making quality audio.
Instagram: @marcantarez
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2wddOiONPIoyQI5ybeEnZO