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In the underground settings of the O2 Academy 2 Marques Toliver showed Liverpool Sound City how to make the violin cool.
Playing and singing with ease the Florida-born musician showcased his powerful and soulful voice and dope violining skills.
His sound harks back to Marvin Gaye’s good period, with hints of gospel, he made his way through tracks off his EP Butterflies Are Not Free.
The former Brooklyn busker had a mellow and comfortable manner onstage and the sharp sound of the violin give his songs an edgy feel.
Marques may just be launching his musical career but by the end of his gig there was no doubt he had converted the Sound City crowd into followers.
Purple Revolver managed to fire a few quick questions to our new favourite violinist (sorry Vanessa Mae) outside the Academy.
How’s Liverpool treating you Marques?
“Sound City is slang! Everybody’s real friendly, it’s not like London where everyone avoids eye contact.
“And I like the docks here, all the seagulls remind me of home (Florida).”
What have you been upto?
“I’ve just released an EP, ‘Butterflies are Not Free’, they are not free! So I’m just promoting that right now.”
What’s your vision of the future?
“I thought the world was supposed to end today! I hope to be successful and meet Elton John and bring him along on tour.”
Do you think Phil Collins gets a bad rap for his music?
“Yeah I think he does! He’s just a musician trying to make a living and doing his thing.
“Who else gets a bad rap? Chris Brown and George Michael they both do.”
So what’s next for you?
“Well I’m booked up right until October, then I’m heading over to Australia, Brisbane for some more shows.
“Then I’ll be working on material for a debut album and new tour.”
Check back with Purple Revolver for future Marques news and dates.