Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Marlow.
Hi Nick, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was in nursing school and working part-time as a phlebotomist then, although my first taste of adult independence encouraged me to pursue music in my free time. In 2020, mere weeks before COVID ramped up and the lockdowns commenced, I moved to a small retro apartment in Oak Ridge, right outside Knoxville. Throughout that year, I spent most of my time writing and arranging original musical pieces to start a band as soon as the pandemic was over. In 2021, I met a drummer interested in collaborating, and we began preparing for studio sessions. By the end of 2021, we had realized our goal and recorded our first 3 singles under an independent Knoxville-based label- Anchor Sound Studios. Since then, I have focused on playing live around the Knoxville greater area to establish a more well-known reputation. My current claim to fame is a free piano-themed artist showcase I host monthly, every first Friday at Knox Brew Hub, right around the corner from historic Market Square.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
The road has been anything but smooth. It took quite a while for artists to reenter the collaborative scene while local venues were still opening up following the lockdowns. During this time, it was most often found milling about at various open mics around town. Many people I still work with met me at those open mic events. Work-life balance is also a huge obstacle that played into my progress as I started to come more and more out of my shell. However, in May 2022, I started a new job as a K-town connect ambassador for the downtown Business Improvement District. The agreeable schedule and better working conditions have facilitated my ability to hustle in the music scene more effectively. I have seen unprecedented growth in my following in the past 6 months.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a pianist and singer/songwriter. I play a variety of genres. However, I generally describe my music as pop, rock, or alternative. I specialize in blues and jazz-oriented playing styles, but I apply those techniques across the board as it pertains to different genres of music. I’m known locally for my ability to play high-energy, Jerry Lee Lewis-Esque Boogie Woogie; however, more recently, my lyricism has been the main subject of my work. I generally write about social or political topics. The thing I’m most proud of as it pertains to me and my work is that people generally find me relatable. I’ve been told I have the propensity to bring various perspectives to the same table to find solutions to the issues I speak about in my songs and that I wear my passion on my sleeves. There is no one specific thing that sets me apart from others. I think I just am who I am.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Knoxville is that it takes a lot of work to place specifically. It’s quaint, it’s scenic, and it’s not Nashville. There are plenty of things to do here and plenty of sites to see, but the simple fact is that I was born here, raised here, and my soul is tethered to this place. The biggest current issue is sustained community cohesion as the city develops rapidly. Many locals, even myself, are finding it increasingly challenging to keep up with the growth financially as more and more capital floods into the area. The development is positive overall, but I wish there were more of an incentive to protect the people who have been here this entire time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Marlow_Music_Productions
