Bio
The "REAL DEAL, DETERMINED, a FRESH NEW FACE" are just some of the words being used to describe this great new talent on the Australian Music Scene.
Raised in the Australian Outback at Halls Creek in the Kimberleys of Western Australia, Markus began his musical journey at the age of five teaching himself chords on the guitar from an old book given to him by his prospector father.
By the age of 12 with his brother Paul they had formed a band called ‘The Territory Boys'. During the late 90's the brothers regularly took home winners trophies from many amateur talent quests. In 2004 ‘The Territory Boys' ventured to Melbourne, but it wasn't long before Markus heeded the call of the Territory and returned home. Paul opted to stay in Victoria, and for the first time Markus embarked on a solo career.
During this time Markus played in many Darwin bands as he honed his skills on guitar, harmonica, banjo, mandolin and slide guitar. His first big break came in June 2005 when he took out 3 sections of the Adelaide River N.T. Country Music Talent Quest. This marked a turning point in his career as he decided to compete in many other talent quests, eventually catching the attention of one of Australia's most successfull producers in Garth Porter (Lee Kernaghan, Sara Storer, James Blundell, Troy Cassar-Daley, etc).
The 2 of them collaborated on his debut album ‘Raindance', released in 2007 it gave him the initial recognition that such a talented musician deserves, achieving 4 chart singles in ‘Matilda Rd', ‘Walk in the Rain', ‘Beating Heart' and ‘In My Boots' which reached No 1 in Queensland, No. 3 on the CMR National charts & No. 6 on the European charts. Finally this talented singer & musician was gaining an appreciative audience.
With more than 500 gigs in his short career to date Markus decided to take time off in 2008. It was in that same year that he met up with another Musical identity in booking agent Phil ‘paynie' Payne (clients past and present include Adam Brand, Kevin Bloody Wilson (comedian), Russell Morris, Troy Cassar - Daley, Billy Thorpe, Adam Harvey, Catherine Britt, etc) who has since become his manager and together they've formed a great working relationship.
Says Phil, "Markus not only has that ‘X factor' but unlike so many singers today he actually has genuine talent as a musician as well. He's the REAL DEAL so Country (music) may never be the same again!"
Markus’ highly anticipated 2nd album ‘A Different Land’, again co-written and produced by Garth Porter, has just officially been released. This album is aimed to bring a dynamic new energy to Australian music. The songs resonate with a fresh perspective and a youthful honesty. The land, the hope, the despair, energy and love are the passions that drive ‘A Different Land’. The album follows the release of the title track, which shot to #1 on the Australian Country Music Chart, being his most successful song to date.
Markus has been chosen by no less than Lee Kernaghan to be his special guest on the Planet Country Tour and to be a permanent member of the Lee Kernaghan band. The Tour will take Markus the width and breadth of this big land. With every show Markus is winning over new fans.
There's no question that this ‘Territory Boy' has well and truly grown up and is now ready to show audiences the raw talent he possesses and his unique style of Country Blues that he writes and sings about so passionately.
"A new TALENT in every sense of the word"
