Marc's folk-influenced urban Americana music draws on the melodic style of James Taylor and Indigo Girls, the emotional richness of Jules Shear and David Wilcox, and the poetic complexity of Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell. His live performances with The Sorely Missed are marked by lyrical intensity, delicate acoustic guitar arrangements, rootsy violin and mandolin accompaniment, and intimate vocal harmonies.
"...a beautiful mixture of harmony and profoundly romantic and soulful lyrics. Marc Barnhill is a man no guy would want at a bonfire. His voice is smooth and his guitar playing is sweet and delicate. And instilled within that–not to mention his long hair that flows with the music as he sings–is the ability to make just about any girl swoon." (Starved Magazine)
"Where so many singer/songwriters strive for relevance or posture unconvincingly, Marc Barnhill's songs carry the weight of conviction and the confidence of seasoned craft." (Qtr Note)
"Something interesting happens when Marc Barnhill performs at a cafe: people actually listen. For sheer craft, Barnhill is simply one of the very best lyricists and songwriters around. You hear the carefully chosen language and images that fill his songs, and you realize that he means every word. But hold them at arm's length: they'll tear you apart if you let them. Then again, let them; you didn't know it, but that's why you came." (CD Baby)
"Levels above your average New York folkie fare: literate, perceptive, heartbreaking stuff." (TradeBit)
"The overall effect is one of serious, almost literary attention to emotional detail, of poetry without pretension....Everything here is pleasant and catchy, with the kinds of tunes that surely were waiting around for someone to dust them off and make use of them." (Whisperin & Hollerin)
"There's a lot of good indie music out there, but Marc Barnhill's mix of catchy tunes, strikingly disparate production elements, and probing self-examination make for a winning combination." (Alloy Radio)
"Most impressive are the moments when the sound and sense of the songs really work together....And amidst all the wordplay come these quiet, understated moments of real empathy....This is smart stuff, and no less evocative for being smart." (Sonic Garden)
"The songs are a tuneful blend of acoustic folk and bouncy pop with atmospheric arrangements; lyrically, they evoke images of childhood's legacy, trauma and depression, love lost and found, complex relationships and personal revelation. Psychological musings share space with literary references, while a playful humor runs through even the darker pieces. The result is a mix of energetic mood explorations and quiet intensity, harmonic and haunting." (Tower Records)
"Solid songs, beautiful harmonies, and thoughtful performances. Marc Barnhill is an outstanding artist." (CD Universe)
________________
All of Marc's commercially released songs (and some demos and unreleased tracks) can be purchased or streamed for free at www.TheSorelyMissed.com.
"More like a greatest hits album than a first CD, Blue Time offers memorable tunes and smart lyrics, thoughtfully assembled. A strong debut." (Audio Lunchbox)
MySpace PlayList Play List Music Player Skins Skin Code by Eileen
MySpace PlayList Play List Music Player Skins Skin Code
myspace playlist music player skins by Eileen
End Code To Apply Music Player Skin
Marc Barnhill is a New York-based singer-songwriter who performs both solo and with his band, The Sorely Missed. He approaches songwriting with literary care, crafting songs densely packed with evocative language, intelligent introspection, internal rhyme, and surprising imagery. His songs deal with longing, loneliness, and loss, but also with acceptance, courage, and renewal. A regular on the acoustic live music scene in New York City, he has developed a reputation for insightful lyrics and soulful performances, unveiling a steady stream of fragile ruminations on relationships and tough examinations of personal responsibility.
For detailed bios, updated news, free streaming mp3s, lyrics and song notes, photos, and videos, please visit www.TheSorelyMissed.com.
Join Marc's mailing list:
VIDEOS
"Already On My Way" (Live at the American Folk Art Museum) "Brother of Mine" (Live at the American Folk Art Museum) "Hearts Have Walls" (Live at the American Folk Art Museum) "Smoke and Rattles" (Live at the American Folk Art Museum) "Country Girl" (Live at the American Folk Art Museum) "Never to Know" (Live at the American Folk Art Museum) "All in My Own Good Time" (Live at the American Folk Art Museum) "Never to Know" (Live at Stain) "Country Girl" (Live at Vox Pop) "Smoke and Rattles" (Live at Vox Pop)
Your songs are an inspiration to me. Thanks for being so great & making me smile! Keep up the cool stuff and good luck with everything! Anyhow, this is my first comment for you, so I just wanted to say, thank you for the request!
Nice show Thursday night! I'm glad we finally got to catch up with you again. The new band sounds great and your songs, as always, are wonderful! And having the NYFD as your backup band! What an innovation! Hope to see you again soon. The Burrito rocks, si?
Marc, It's great to see you're back out and about. I'd love to have you out on a Tuesday, but the open mic just had its last night. I don't know when my next show is but I'll keep you posted...maybe we could set one up together again. Let me know. PA
Hi Marc,
Just came by to listen to your music today and wish you more inspiration and creativity. Today I listened to your Voids in the Wreckage, very beautiful song. Thanks for the groove.
Aquavenus