STRIKING A CHORD

North Las Vegas resident Tony Marques sets sights on country music stardom

Advertisement

Singer Tony Marques has gone country and did so years ago before the movement became all the rage.

The North Las Vegas resident has performed with his band all over the world, and even with a hectic touring schedule, he is preparing to record a third album.

"The albums are on an independent label," he said. "We are doing great stuff."

Marques said he was a latecomer to the music scene but has been making up for it ever since.

"I didn't actually start in the business until I was 22," he said.

A songwriter and musician who focuses on the dynamics of a performance along with vocal stability, Marques said he writes all his own music.

"There's a lot in life that can inspire a song," he said. "Life itself."

Marques said he has been influenced by a variety of artists, including country star Keith Urban and modern crooner Michael Buble.

"I love that rich sound both those guys have," he said.

Neviala Gardner said she has seen The Tony Marques Band play around Las Vegas more than once and always enjoys the show.

"They come across as very genuine, like they're having a good time," she said. "That makes the audience react, and the party goes on and on."

Marques said he has dreamed of being a musician but noted that building a successful music career in the valley can be tough.

"There are a lot of really great musicians here," he said. "So competition is fierce. That being said, it's not even what makes things so tough. It's more that finding a place to showcase your act as a local artist is very limited. This is a town that showcases the big acts. The local music scene is challenging."

Still, Marques said he feels fortunate to be able to play at the venues that do support local acts.

"I've had a chance to create a new fan base from all over the world without even leaving this city," he said. "That's the beauty of this town. People come to us."

While he's currently working on his new album, Marques said he's hopeful the self-produced piece will assist in landing a major record deal.

"That is the end game," he said.

But even if that never happens, according to Marques, he will still be playing music for a living in five, 10 and even 20 years.

"This is the kind of thing that gets in your blood," he said. "Being a performer is a hard thing to explain to other people. All I know is that I feel more alive on stage than I can explain. And that keeps you coming back."

The band will wrap up an engagement at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar inside Harrah's, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South, at 9 p.m. today.

For more information, visit www.tonymarques.com.

Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.