Marques Houston chats with GrooveOn on the eve of the release of ‘Mr Houston’

Marques Houston is no stranger to the entertainment industry, starting his career as the lead singer of Immature/IMX and branching out into television as a star of the hit series “Sister Sister”. Marques, who began his solo career in 2003, now releases his fourth solo studio album titled ‘Mr Houston’, and this may just be his best work yet.

Marques is clearly passionate about his new offering, describing it as his most personal album. He says each track describes a situation that he has personally experienced in his life. “its like, if someone were interviewing me and asking me about my life, this is what i would tell them, I’m just answering in songs.” Marques takes pride in sharing that he has penned and produced/co-produced every track on the album, which is really a storybook of his journey through love, lust and heartbreak.

When I questioned Marques about why he chose to share some of his most personal experiences with this album, he explains that he is still a private person, but that ‘Mr Houston’ is his way of talking about his experiences, the way he wants to. He says “I don’t have camera’s and paparazzi following me around everywhere, so this way I reveal enough in my music for people to understand what I am going through”.

Having listened to some of his tracks, particularly ‘I Love Her’, ‘Sexy Young Girl’ and his self proclaimed favourite track in the album ‘Beautiful Woman’, written about his girlfriend, it is obvious Marques is a true romantic. Ladies, you might like to know that Marques describes himself as the old school romantic, who likes to wine and dine his lady, surprise her and of course buy her flowers.  “I am like a romantic movie” he adds.  Interestingly, he also reveals, “I am an old school romantic, but I’m not that into chocolate!  You have to be careful about the type of candy you give a girl. Not everyone loves chocolate!”.

What stands out about this album is the prominent use of live instruments, which adds a whole new dimension to Marques’ signature style of music. The guitar strings and piano keys adds to the sensuality of the album. Marques describes that the venture into the use of live instruments was a natural progression for him, having a dad who was a jazz musician, and being surrounded by live music his whole life. “The live instrumental sound also allowed me to explore myself as an artist” he says. One cannot disagree that ‘Mr Houston’ is a more mature sound, whilst still delivering that fond familiar feeling of old school rnb. 

What is noteworthy is that whilst Marques Houston has already celebrated 20 years in the entertainment industry, he is yet to turn blow out 30 candles on his birthday cake! Stepping into the limelight at the age of 11, Marques has grown up a celebrity. I couldn’t help but ask him for his impression on child prodigies who are taking the world by storm. “All i have to say is, never allow the industry to dictate to you how to live your life. Enjoy being a kid, take you time, enjoy your teenage years. Do your chores and take out the garbage. There is no book on how to deal with success and it is not to be measured by anybody. It is hard to keep your innocence in this industry. I was working hard, yet enjoyed my childhood. I had my heart broken, my first kiss, and i had great people around me to keep me grounded.”

So where to from here, you ask? Marques reveals that his heart is now set on getting into the production side of the business. “I want to take a step back into movies and tv. To do more production and writing and work behind the scenes.” Fear not though, for this talented entertainer will continue to thrill his fans with the sensual sounds for years to come!

Marques promises that visiting us in Aus is on the top of his list of priorities. But in the mean time, I highly recommend that you get more up close and personal with Marques Houston by checking out ‘Mr Houston’, released nationally through EMI on 16 July 2010.