Leigh Marks - Tightrope
Folk, Singer-songwriter, Soul
Sydney, Australia
Overall Impression: Leigh Marks gives us an earthy hybrid of Blues, Country, Folk and Soul in his ballad Tightrope, where we find hope and salvation through unconditional love and the promise of a new day. Marks' gorgeous and effortless emotional vocal performance is the hope that guides us through the darkness. Tightrope is a song about hitting rock bottom, asking for help, and receiving it. It's a song about being human, and being there for one another. For anyone who loves Folk-Blues, great instrumental sessions, or anyone who needs healing, Tightrope is the answer.
Strongest Point(s): Leigh Marks has a soulful voice with a wonderful wide vocal range, hitting the high and low notes with total fluidity and ease which I assume is not only talent, but from years of experience. There's a mature quality to his voice and interpretation that fits the mood and divine found in this song. I love the poetry found in the lyrics, and the subject he's bringing forward -- this is not yet another simple love ballad, this is a song about real life and real deep love through thick and thin. The instrumental performances here are also a driving force, with the semi-isolated guitar delay pedal/echo effect towards the end is really beautiful.
Target Audience Appeal: This song will speak to Adult Contemporary, Folk, Blue-Eyed Soul, Blues Rock, Blues-Folk and Christian music audiences. I could see this song being truly celebrated in the Adult Contemporary charts. Tightrope's audience loves to watch live music, and luckily, we are beginning to see a revival of live music with the vaccine and slow re-opening of the world. I also think the artist should consider submitting this song for a television drama along the lines of This Is Us or Grey's Anatomy (same tone). The beauty of Marks' sound is that it will appeal to both younger audiences (millenials) who grew up in the 00's with artists like Ryan Adams, but also touch older audiences who are fans of artists like Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams.
Artist target suggestions: M. Ward, Josh Ritter, Ryan Adams, Joe Pug, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin, K.D. Lang, Gregg Allman, Nick Drake, Neil Young, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Rod Stewart, Aimee Mann. I believe the Leigh achieved all of his artist targets (Amos Lee, Ben Harper, Bob Dylan, Bon Iver, Devendra Banhart, Iron & Wine, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, Ray LaMontagne, Simon & Garfunkel, Woody Guthrie).
Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!
About the Reviewer:
Ama Cruz is an instrumentalist, arts management professional and writer. She began working in the music industry in FM radio and music PR, and has contributed as a music journalist and editor for online platforms. Her passion is discovering new talent and new sounds.