A bit more on me

Jennifer Marks Singer/Songwriter

“In need of a new female singer/songwriter?” asked Billboard in a review of the songwriting on Jennifer Marks’ self-titled CD (Bardic Records, 2004). “How about one that creates catchy, well-crafted pop songs? Do yourself a favor and snag yourself a copy of this hook-laden delight,” concluded the report.

Praise for Marks’ ability to transform everyday situations into contagious, clever, sing-alongs has also been mirrored by top-circulating teen magazine YM: “Jennifer writes what many girls think, but are afraid to say,” said YM.  “Her fun, irreverent, anthems are the perfect soundtrack to any girl’s life.”

The versatile Long Island, NY native has done more than collect headlines with her sounds, however.  Marks has created a songwriting career for herself out of her own resources and on her own terms.  She signed her first publishing deal with Windswept Pacific in 1999 and after being asked enough times, “Who is that singing on your demos?” was convinced she should make her own albums.  She went at it alone releasing three CDs, Pizza, My Name’s Not Red, and It Turned Me On, before testing the waters as a national touring artist supporting her last CD, Jennifer Marks on the roster of indie startup label Bardic Records (a Sony subsidiary). The album’s single “Live” hit R&R Hot AC radio charts and Marks crossed the United States performing at schools, radio stations, and coffee shops, generating a sizable cult audience along the way.  When her good-natured melodies caught the ears of pop icon Cyndi Lauper she was offered the opening slot on Lauper’s At Last tour.  Lauper quickly took an increased interest in Marks’ ability and the two began collaborating together.  

Revived by that experience, Marks recalled how much she enjoyed focusing only on songwriting.  She recently decided to rest her sky miles and return to that first love.  However, the artistic insight gained over that year and a half of touring opened her eyes and added refreshed perspective to her craft.  Watching audiences respond to her material reinforced her instinct that music has to come from a genuine place to reach people and Marks finds it according to Time Out NY magazine: “Not only does Marks have great songs but she knows just how to throw them at ya.”   

Marks’ empowering approach has similarly seduced marketers and it’s served her well in licensing her songs.  While Starbucks licensed the song “Really Something” to play in their stores nationally, Mattel featured “Live” in their Barbie doll DVD titled “Masquerade Madness.”  “Live” was also selected by Music Supervisors at DreamWorks who were looking for something “positive,” “upbeat” and “fresh” for inclusion in the trailer for the movie The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks. Additionally, Maybelline included Mark’s music in their “Chicks with Attitude” campaign and her songs have turned up on the soundtracks of films and network TV.  

Recently in this decade, Marks has expanded into both the Musical format with the very exclusive BMI Musical Theater Workshop as well as writing a comedy pilot.

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