Chris Marz (aka The Shadow Chameleon) describes his music as “classical rock”, and it’s as good a description as any. The Los Angeles singer-songwriter uses powerful lyrics and a mix of classical and modern influences to weave “a tapestry of dark musical textures”. The instrumentation is driving but subdued at the same time, while the vocals have a relaxed alt-rock feel. There’s more than a hint of early 311 in his first full length album Follow Me. The songs are easily singalong-able (yep, that’s a word) but have significant depth. Definitely give it a listen.

We’ve got a quick interview and some music for you to listen to and rate. Stay tuned, we’ll be giving away a couple copies of his album. If you just can’t wait, go grab it on iTunes.

Members/Instruments:
Chris Marz – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Violin, Clarinet

1.Past: What is your musical background? What has led you to this point?
I grew up listening to rock and began playing guitar at 12. A couple of years later, I began teaching myself drums and bass. In college, I began formally studying music, including theory and composition while learning violin, piano, and clarinet.
I then began writing and recording original songs as a one man band.
A deep-seeded desire to express myself, in conjunction with a tremendous passion for music in all forms have led me to this point.

2.Present: Where are you at now in your career? What are you currently working on?
I am currently receiving regular college radio play and have signed licensing deals with MTV, E!, and Oxygen.
I am about to begin recording my next album which features some fantastic new material.

3.Future: What’s coming up for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I plan to go on tour along the California coast when the recording is complete.
In five years, I see myself doing international tours and being recognized worldwide as a major recording artist.

4.Where can people find more of your music?
My music can be found on all major retailer sites, including iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody, and eMusic under the name Chris Marz (with a Z!).
It can also be found @: myspace.com/chrismarZ, reverbnation.com/theshadowchameleon, and chrismarZ.com

5. Anything you’d like to plug?
I would just like to emphasize that my last name is spelled with a “z.” There has been a significant amount of confusion regarding my musical identity because, when people HEAR “Chris Marz,” they naturally assume it is spelled with an “s.” Unfortunately for me, there is a Chris Mars out there making music as well (who has been on a major label), which is why I am currently transitioning to the stage name “The Shadow Chameleon.”