Marcus Eaton: A MusicPsych Interview

Marcus Eaton, a redefining force in acoustic rock, has gained international acclaim for his music. Hailed by David Crosby as one of the best singer-songwriters globally, Marcus captivates with impassioned lyrics, memorable melodies, and virtuosic guitar skills reminiscent of Pat Metheny and Michael Hedges.

Raised in Idaho with a musical lineage, Marcus started performing professionally at a young age. As a solo artist, he drew critical attention, blending flamenco, jazz-funk, reggae, and more into his evolving guitar style. His debut solo album, "Story of Now," showcased emotional complexity, while "As If You Had Wings" displayed dazzling guitar work and diverse styles.

Collaborating with David Crosby, Marcus contributed to Crosby's solo album 'Croz' and joined his band for a successful tour including performances on XM Radio and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. 

In 2023, Marcus will expand his ever-growing sound palette once again with 'What Is Real.' Marcus will be supporting the release of "What is Real" with tour dates throughout Europe, including Italy, Germany, and the UK.

Thank you for joining us today. Can you share your musical influences and how they have shaped your style?

Thank you. I have been influenced by various musical styles because I genuinely love different types of music and guitar playing. Growing up with a musician father exposed me to a wide array of musicians. I'm always searching for new ways to play and incorporating different techniques into my songs. The guitar and voice are the core elements in my music, so the more tools I have in my toolbox, the more interesting it becomes for both me and the listener.

That's fascinating. Could you tell us about your musical journey and how you developed your unique approach to songwriting and playing?

I started playing the piano at the age of five but became fascinated with the guitar when I was nine. Even with less than a year of experience, I used to sit in on my dad's gigs and play songs with him. Guitar just made sense to me, and I gained confidence as I honed my skills. Initially, I was shy about singing, so I focused on improving my guitar playing and started writing songs around the age of 14. Gradually, I began singing in public.

The interplay between vocals and guitar has always fascinated me. While many simplify their playing to accommodate the vocals, I tend to create more complex guitar parts to sing over. The vocal remains the most important aspect, but I approach it with the mindset of a piano player, where intricate parts are possible even during the vocal performance. This approach brings a unique and interesting quality to my music, avoiding the repetition of typical four-chord songs that have been done countless times. It's a balance between complexity and simplicity, and I strive to create interesting songs without oversimplifying them.

That's a great perspective. How do you find inspiration when writing songs, and what is your creative process like?

I find inspiration from various sources. Sometimes it happens naturally, and other times, I need to practise and experiment to tap into my creativity. Usually, I let the guitar part guide me and try to connect with the emotions it evokes. When I'm in a creative flow, lyrical and melodic ideas often come to me simultaneously as I get inspired by the guitar part.

I believe it's important to stay open during the songwriting process because each song can take you on a unique creative journey. I find inspiration in different aspects such as grooves, bass parts, guitar effects, and loops. By allowing these elements in, I keep developing new ways to get inspired.

What's the one piece of advice that sticks in your head when you're struggling with the creative process?

When I worked with David Crosby, he shared advice he received from Joni Mitchell: whenever you have more than three words come together, write it down. It's simple advice, but paying attention to those moments can generate hundreds of great ideas for songs.

I would apply the same principle to playing. We all have voice memo apps on our phones, so if you come up with ANYTHING, record it to avoid forgetting it. Writing songs is like catching a good wave; it requires split-second timing, and waves are fleeting. So, capture all you can with your phone or any other available tools. I have hundreds of voice memos and notes on my phone, and it helps me stay in the creative flow.

When can we expect new music from you, and can you give us a clue about the direction it may be taking?

I have a new album called 'What Is Real' coming out soon. I'm really excited for you to hear it because I incorporated a lot of electronic elements and string parts. The production on this album is some of the most interesting I have ever done, and there are many surprises. I love the juxtaposition of these elements.

I have already released two songs from the album titled 'Bystander' and 'Obvious'. These songs should give you a good idea of where the album is heading. So, check them out and stay tuned for the rest!

At what moment in your career did you have to take a step back and say to yourself, "Wow, I can't believe I get to do this"?

I think my "pinch me" moment was when I played with David Crosby on Jimmy Fallon. I was beside myself with excitement. But I can honestly say that I am grateful every time I pick up the guitar. It brings me a lot of joy, and music is like my therapy and religion. I get to travel all over and do what I love, so I consider myself extremely fortunate.

What's your go-to gear for live performances and in the studio?

Guitar-wise, I use nearly the same gear in the studio as I do for live performances. I have a stunning signature acoustic guitar called a Guarnieri G1-ME, which is a custom-built guitar handmade by an incredible luthier in Italy. I mic it with a stereo pair of Peluso condenser mics, which gives it a huge sound. I use an API preamp copy into an old Apogee Quartet interface. I also use Sensaphonics in-ear monitors to eliminate bleed.

I often use my Strymon delay in stereo with the wet-only mode, allowing me to record live delay effects from my acoustic. I have other beautiful guitars by McAlister, Veillette, Leschner (an amazing Strat handmade by my friend in Argentina), Rockbridge, and some guitars I have modified myself, like a Danelectro U2 that I turned into a sitar guitar.

For live performances, I travel with one guitar and a pedalboard with various effects. My signature guitar has a hidden electric pickup, so I can switch from straight acoustic to sustained electric and explore different textures. I've recently been using a new guitar bow made by Pickasobow, and it can create orchestral sounds live.

I could go into more depth on this topic, but let's leave it there for now! Haha.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians looking to make a name in the industry?

I would say, be true to yourself and take risks. It's exhausting to hear musicians making copies of copies. We need people who are truly unique and willing to do something innovative.

I would also say, strive to make the best music you possibly can and don't take shortcuts. Music is powerful, and it's one of the last remnants of magic in our lives. So, give it your all and aim to create the best music you can. It's easy to get caught up in trends and quick fixes, but great music is timeless, and that should be the goal for all of us.

What got you hooked on Strymon pedals?

Well, I first tried the Timeline Delay with my acoustic when it was released, and I was blown away! Delay is my favorite effect, and when I could hold the switch to get the delay to oscillate without an additional foot switch, I was beyond excited! The tape emulations and vinyl sounds are amazing, and I also use the looper for certain gigs. It has been a love affair with the Timeline, haha.

I recently added the Strymon Cloudburst to my pedalboard, and it's mind-boggling too. It can create sounds like an analog synth tucked underneath my acoustic, and I'm absolutely loving the new textures.

Strymon keeps designing pedals that inspire creativity, and that's why I'm hooked. I have written many songs around the textures produced by Strymon pedals, and they always evoke something new and interesting.

I think anyone who owns a Strymon pedal will tell you that they need all of them, and I'm no exception!