The Marquee

If you've ever submitted to a gig, licensing opportunity, or songwriting contest, then you know the importance of a strong EPK that accurately represents your accomplishments and fanbase. The promoters and judges on the other end want to see your social media presence, Spotify play count, YouTube views, press quotes, performance history, and more. NYC-based rock band The Marquee knows just how far you're able to go when you consistently update your EPK, hone in on what makes you unique, and you're as professional as can be. Through this independent band's hard work, they've found themselves playing major festivals like CMJ and CBGB, and are now gearing up for a Northeast tour.

However, it didn't happen right away – they were submitting to performance opportunities for a while with a press kit they created on their own, but they weren't getting responses. Once they created a professional EPK on Sonicbids, they told us, they noticed that promoters started taking them more seriously, and they started getting booked for more and more shows. So what is it about the content of The Marquee's new EPK that's been getting them selected for more opportunities? Here's what we found out.

Through Sonicbids, your music has made its way to big stages like CBGB and CMJ. Congratulations on such huge accomplishments! What was the application process like for those festivals, and what do you think it was about your submissions that stood out enough to get selected?
When we applied, the process was pretty simple. Both CBGB and CMJ were looking for bands from all over to play, but who had a good work ethic – artists and bands that would work with them to make the festival big! And seeing that both festivals were in our hometown, I think they took that into consideration. I think that our application was well updated. Also, our EP had just been released and was being well-received, so it helped us stand out enough to be asked to play.

What's your EPK like now? How often do you tweak and update it?

Our EPK is as updated as can be. When we do play shows and tour, we try and update it with the latest performance videos from shows we play along the way. When we're not touring, we usually tend to just keep our social media presence strong, seeing that all our accounts are linked to the EPK.

In your experience, what are the key elements of a great EPK? How do you keep it organized and professional?

A good EPK is always updated with the latest music, pictures, and videos you have, along with all of your social media accounts and websites you have out there, connected all in one place. If you're missing your Facebook link or Spotify link, or your most current music or videos, it can be a make or break an opportunity.

Is there anything you wish you knew about booking when you were first starting out?

You can have the best EPK in the world, but at the end of the day it's still the promoter's decision. You just have to hope that they like you enough to call back.

If you could give one piece of advice to an independent band looking to get their music on bigger stages, what would it be?

Be consistent. Even if you're not playing shows, be proactive in all other parts of the band. Promoting, talking to fans, making videos, writing and recording music. There is always something to get out there. You don't have to flood your Facebook with pictures every day, but make sure to check in every other day with something worth sharing. - Sam Friedman Sonicbids Blog

Today, I’m going to do a review on a Queens based alternative rock band called The Marquee. The review is on three songs, one of which has been be re-worked. The track “Lights out” appeared first on the “Passing By” EP released in 2011. The redone “Lights out” has more a punch and aggression to it that it lacked in the EP. The vocals of Maurice Alban has seem to mature which helps the song tremendously. “Lights out” is noticeably faster and in your face. It was a great improvement.
“Last Words” seems like an ode to Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters. The Song might not be one of the most dynamic songs and borders the risk of being a little repetitive for a four minute song, however it’s catchy enough that you don’t really mind too much. It sounds like a great opening track for an EP, or LP. The crowning jewel of the set is “Shades of White”. It is my favorite Marquee song to date. With elements of dream rock, and indie pop, it is a great contrast to the other songs. If you’re familiar with Silversun Pickups, you’ll see a bit of a connection. Whether this is intended is unknown but I felt the song was reminiscent of that band’s “Carnavas” album. For me this song is culmination of sound the band has been trying to hone since their humble beginnings as Going Solar. Based on the three tracks I can say that I’m looking forward to their future releases. - Eugene Green

The Marquee

Products used: Duraplex .73mm picks, Tenacious D, HES, and NSXH’s.

“I’ve used all different brands of picks over the years and Steve Clayton’s have to be my top choice. Whether we’re on tour, recording, or just jamming in the studio, I always have a pack of Duraplex picks in my guitar bag.” – Maurice Alban

“The Tenacious D pick from Steve Clayton has to be the coolest pick out there, I mean its the pick of destiny!” – Carlos Jaramillo

The Marquee came to life in 2011, when long time friends Maurice Alban and Carlos Jaramillo recorded an EP in a small Brooklyn studio. Soon after, they crossed paths with William Pearson, a multi-instrumentalist from upstate who would helm the bass, and Louis Cozza, a Philadelphia based drummer also going to school in the city.

Once united, their love for music and strong chemistry lead the way to performing live, debuting at Webster Hall’s Marlin Room. The summer of 2012 was a whirlwind circuit at countless clubs and venues across New York. That very same winter, they got the amazing opportunity to visit Converse Rubber Tracks Studio in Brooklyn, where they recorded their EP “The Day We Never Met”. With a recent East coast tour just wrapped up promoting their EP, The Marquee prepare to record their first full length album. - Steve Clayton

Billy, Carlos, Louis and Maurice were my guests for show #9 and they scored 100% on the evening's pop quiz.

Q: Why go out and see live music?

A: "Because it's better."

Catch their next show in Brooklyn at the Knitting Factory on August 7th

Surrounded by music their whole lives, these four musicians found each other while studying music in New York City. By sharing a similar passion, these four guys founded The Marquee.

The Marquee came to life in 2011, when long time friends Maurice Alban and Carlos Jaramillo recorded an EP in a small Brooklyn studio. Soon after, they crossed paths with William Pearson, a multi-instrumentalist from upstate who would helm the bass, and Louis Cozza, a Philadelphia based drummer also going to school in the city.

Once united, their love for music and strong chemistry lead the way to performing live, debuting at Webster Hall's Marlin Room. The summer of 2012 was a whirlwind circuit at countless clubs and venues across New York. That very same winter, they got the amazing opportunity to visit Converse Rubber Tracks Studio in Brooklyn, where they recorded their EP "The Day We Never Met". 2013 brought bigger shows and support. Highlights include: performing at the CBGB's Music Festival, The Fire in Philadelphia and Brooklyn's Knitting Factory. With this fresh in their minds; the band has been gearing up for a new record, a tour, and a busy 2014. - BBOX Radio

...The Marquee are a NYC based rock band. They’ve had 2 releases in the last few years, the most recent being The Day We Never Met. This 3-song EP is available on their Bandcamp at a name your price basis, and all 3 songs are very catchy and well written. The band had a great debut last week, so we’re excited to hear a little more. Tune in today at 6pm ET, and check them out live September 21st at Spike Hill in Brooklyn. - Gashouse Radio: Dustin Dellinger

"Chariots", by The Marquee, brings a more personal take on the band's recent years of maturing into their own sound. With a different approach in songwriting, they create a grungier side than ever before, while still maintaining their signature sound. To hear more from the band please visit their web site:

www.themarqueemusic.com/ - The Rodent Hour