Jazztronica Alchemy: Nick Marks Transcends Boundaries in 'Asymptomatrix'
- Kortnee M.
- Nov 4, 2023
- 6 min read
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCreator
'Asymptomatrix,' Nick Marks' latest single featuring the breathtaking talents of Sam Dillon, is a captivating journey through a fusion of musical worlds. As a prelude to his forthcoming EP, "Cinematic Chromatics Vol. II," Marks illustrates his distinct blend of genres, seamlessly marrying jazz, electronica, drum'n'bass, and hip-hop in what can aptly be described as 'new era jazz.'
Marks, who is originally from Melbourne but is now firmly rooted in New York's vibrant artistic scene, draws from a rich tapestry of influences that pervade his work. "Asymptomatrix" opens with a synthesizer that draws the listener into the music and propels them through an otherworldly soundscape. The lush jazz harmonies, thunderous basslines, soaring strings, and enveloping tenor saxophone create a sonic environment that feels like a journey into the future while remaining deeply rooted in jazz's illustrious past.
The dynamic nature of the track takes an unexpected turn, shifting from a heavy drum'n'bass feel to a break-beat hip-hop groove as if entering a new dimension. This transformation sets the stage for Sam Dillon's blistering tenor sax solo, which is inspired by post-bop and the late 1960s. The saxophone stands out as a key character, commanding attention without overpowering the rest of the ensemble.
Doron Lev's superb drumming adds to the track's energy and depth, laying down a rhythmic foundation that propels the listener through this musical journey. All of these elements combine to create a strong sense of nostalgia for the 1990s, reminiscent of bustling city streets and the essence of urban life.
Marks' ability to seamlessly blend his love for various musical styles is truly impressive. The result is an 'energetic and happy' track that feels like it belongs in a video game or a Spike Lee film. The 8-bit instrument and sound choices add a layer of nostalgia, creating a unique energy that resonates throughout the song.
'Asymptomatrix' is a genre-bending masterpiece that effortlessly connects different musical realms, showcasing Marks' musical prowess. It's a testament to the power of fusion and collaboration, solidifying Nick Marks as an artist to watch in the realm of 'new era jazz.'
The Interview
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single? What motivated you to create this track?
The inspiration for this track came at an unexpected time. I was scoring a feature film (Dashcam, directed by Christian Nilsson) and came across this synth-tron meets organ sound. It immediately resonated. I jammed with it for a while, completely forgetting about the original cue I had to score. There was something about the darker tones of this poly synth that reminded me of the electronica / drum'n'bass /hip-hop influences I used to listen to when I was younger. I decided to go all in, listen to whatever ideas came, and follow my intuition.
Q: What unique elements or themes do you think make your single stand out in the crowded hip-hop music scene today?
In anything I'm creating, I think it's important to be clear about what you have to say and write as if you are the listener. My main goal for any track is to authentically connect with listeners. It can be anyone, from any walk of life. I think bringing in the layering of synth instruments with other live elements helps to give this track a special energy. I'm grateful for the incredible talents of Sam Dillon, who brings an encyclopeadic knowledge of the jazz lineage (especially saxophone players), yet has his own distinct sound in moving the tradition forward with a futuristic approach. It's like you can hear echoes of Coltrane or Joe Henderson but in a totally new context. The drummer, Doron Lev, is exceptional. There are very few talents like him on this planet, who can seamlessly move from one style to another effortlessly, and have it all make sense. I still recall being in the studio and taking him through my average (to put it mildly) placeholder drums. He immediately understood the vibe and then took it to a whole other level.
Q: How did you approach the production and creative process for this single? Were there any specific challenges you faced along the way?
This particular track started around Oct/Nov 2021, so we were not quite in the post-COVID / no restrictions times we are in now. I began by sketching the structure and form of the track at home in my DAW (ProTools). I experimented with synths, sounds, layering, orchestrating, and just really building everything from the ground up. I had just finished recording sessions with the Budapest Art Orchestra for the EP "Cinematic Chromatics Vol. I". In this instance, I wanted to keep things more minimal, yet still create the gravitas of an orchestra or cinematic sound. I often only write about 60-80% of my demos. I like to leave space for the artists to express themselves, and bring what they have to say to the track. Keeping things more minimal on this one helped to avoid some of the challenges that I faced when recording a larger ensemble on "Vol. I".
Q: Can you share some details about the collaborators you worked with on this project? How did their contributions enhance the overall sound and message of the single?
Sam Dillon is one of New York's foremost tenor saxophonists. He has an incredible, all-encompassing sound, deep vocabulary, and stylistic flexibility to adapt to all kinds of scenarios. You can see him performing live on any given night with his own groups, or the Mingus Big Band or Vanguard Orchestra. His commitment to the music is unparalleled, always looking to go deeper. His playing brought the entire jazz tenor saxophone lineage to a setting that you would not usually expect to hear it. He's done the work. He knows the history, respects it, and then also, shows the way forward.
Doron Lev is an extraordinary drummer, MC, composer, and musical director. He's someone whose DNA is all over these tracks with his incredible and unique approach to drumming. His knowledge of music (not just drumming) blows everyone out of the water; doesn't matter the style, the artist, or the era. He's all heart, soul, energy, and drive. He elevates every band he's ever played in or written for. I'm lucky to have him on this record. This track wouldn't have been the same without him.
Q: Promoting music in the digital age can be a complex task. What strategies and platforms have you been using to get your single in front of your target audience?
I just focus on promoting my music on my platforms, connecting with people who listen, comment, or buy my music, and just generally share my work, its meaning, and how I got to where I did. I hope to inspire others with my music: whether it's to write their own music, or script, begin their start-up, or follow their dream. I just want my music to resonate and connect with people in their lives.
Q: How do you believe your personal experiences and background have influenced the lyrics and tone of this single? Is there a particular message you hope listeners take away from it?
I grew up in a house that had music coming off the walls. Literally. There was always a stereo playing. Between all my family members, we had eclectic tastes: classical (my dad was a former French Horn player in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra), jazz (my uncles used to travel to the US and bring back stacks of CDs, which they let me borrow), funk, soul, blues, heavy metal (courtesy of my brother), folk, pop (courtesy of my sister) and much more. I think in that kind of environment, you naturally grow up to just love all things music, and the notion or concept of genre boundaries doesn't really apply. I just hear my ideas and follow them. If the elements can be traced across different styles, I'm happy with that.
Q: What's next for you after this single release? Do you have any upcoming projects or events that fans should be on the lookout for in the near future?
On Dec 6, I'll be dropping a remix by Horatio Luna of my track "Ride The Dragon". Then next year, we kick on with a slate of releases scheduled in the lead-up to "Cinematic Chromatics Vol. II". Also, there are plans for bringing this to the live setting, so stay tuned.
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