Marc von Em

Marc Von Em is a soulful singer/songwriter who started his solo career in 1999. With three independent releases, Marc has worked his way up through coffee houses and bars to prestigious bills shared with such artists as Lucy Kaplansky, Martin Sexton, Richie Havens, Glenn Tillbrook and others. In 2005, Marc joined Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) as a vocalist/guitarist, and for a year and a half, toured the globe. Since ending the tour in 2006, Marc continues his solo career playing venues from New York to Seattle.

Marc von Em is a soulfully energized singer/songwriter who’s sound is rooted in blues, folk, rock and reggae. Driven by his fluid acoustic guitar playing and rich powerful voice, Marc’s talents excite audiences of all sizes.

“I’ve played to 20 people at a house concert, I’ve played to 10,000 people opening for Rob Thomas. It’s crazy when I say it out loud like that” —Marc Von Em.

His lyrics weave tales of intimate, real-life events and do so with a rhythm and rhyme unique to Marc’s style. Memorable stories twist into syncopated melodies and chords creating a depth beyond most singer/songwriters.

In 1999, Marc produced and released his first solo recording entitled Von Em. The album was well received by critics & fans alike, and created quite a buzz on the New York music scene. One of his CD’s ended up in the hands of New York City jingle house McHale Barone, and Marc was soon singing and co-producing “This Bud’s for you” on Budweiser’s 2000-2002 TV and radio ad campaign.

Living in New York’s Hudson Valley, Marc was in perfect proximity to many great venues. He began to deliver his brand of music from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, appearing at well known venues such as The Living Room, Rockwood Music Hall, The Iron Horse Music Hall, Club Passim, Cafe Lena, The Tin Angel and others. He shared the stage with well known national acts such as Martin Sexton, Lucy Kaplansky, Charlie Musselwhite, Debbie Davies, Glenn Tilbrook … the list goes on.

Marc Von Em released his second studio recording entitled Free in 2002. Mixed by Crit Harmon (Martin Sexton, Catie Curtis, Mary Gauthier), this album captures Marc’s strong, sincere voice which complements his lyrically rich song writing. His unique finger picking & guitar style round out this album beautifully. “Marc is one of a new breed of urban folk musicians who, with detailed, thoughtful songwriting and gritty delivery, are redefining the singer-songwrter genre of the 21st century” —Crit Harmon.

In early 2005, Marc’s career took an unexpected turn when he was asked to be part of the Rob Thomas band (Matchbox Twenty). Circling the globe with Rob as a backing vocalist and guitarist, Marc appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, The View, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, & The Today Show. Marc also performed at the “Fashion Rocks” at Radio City Music Hall, and was honored to perform for over a million people at Live 8 in Philadelphia. His live energy and song writing won him opening slots for several Rob Thomas shows, playing to packed houses.

“I asked Marc to open up for me at a 10,000 seat gig. Just him and his guitar. He killed it!” remarked Rob.

When the Rob Thomas tour ended in 2006, Marc came off the road to eagerly awaiting fans. With a collection of new songs, and some time tested classics, Marc Von Em immediately resumed playing theaters and clubs from New York to Seattle. The Rockwood Music Hall in NYC became a regular stop for Marc’s solo show, and is where he recorded his first live CD “Live from Rockwood Music Hall”. Released in 2007, this recording, without question, captures the essence of Marcs live show. Soulful, funky, sometimes bluesy sometimes haunting, always sincere. As one reviewer writes “… I can genuinely say if you haven’t heard or seen him live, you’re only cheating yourself.”

In 2009, Marc was asked to join Rob Thomas for a second tour. In addition to contributing even more of his vocal and guitar talents to the show, Marc was happy to oblige when asked to open for Rob once again. While touring with Rob, Marc began work on his next solo CD, expected to be released Fall 2010.