Naming it after his home of twenty two years, Marcus created the East Denistone project to funnel ideas drawn from a long and intimate relationship with music. From early childhood, his parents enrolled him into piano lessons as part of a noble ambition to provide a well rounded upbringing, galvanizing the development of what he'd deem an integral part to his character. The two decades that followed saw music become a coping mechanism, a creative outlet, a search for validation to feed an overzealous ego, a learning tool, and even at times a reluctant obligation - pursuing it only because so much time and energy had already been invested.
His music now reflects a life spent collecting influences from all aspects of the human experience, not just that of the storied history of art and sound. Marcus consciously chooses to dedicate time to writing about issues in which he feels affect not only himself, but the world around him, laced with a deeply rooted fascination with people's motivations, their cultures, and the legacy they leave once their time is over. This is counterbalanced by songs which focus on introspection, probing into the self doubt and discontentment that underpins his loftier dreams of grandeur and inner peace. The future is commonly explored with both a sense of excitement and a pervasive fear of the unknown, handled with an inquisitiveness that attempts to, not always successfully, reconcile two emotions that define the outlook of so many people. Being from a minority group but raised in predominantly Western communities, there's a feeling that East Denistone can offer a less common perspective on a handful of issues confronted by modern society.
A lot of his earlier influences find their origins in songs his dad would put on the radio or play through the speakers at home, usually something geared towards classic icons such as The Eagles, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Crowded House or Pink Floyd, sprinkled with a healthy dose of classical music. On that front, Marcus was drawn heavily towards the Romantics, as many pianists are in their formative years - with Rachmaninov leaving an indelible mark on his approach to composition.
Nowadays, he'll listen to most things. He adores the current landscape of Australian music; obsessing over Stella Donnelly, Julia Jacklin, Gang of Youths, Moreton, Camp Cope, The Smith Street Band, and a deluge of Sydney artists that he's played with or seen over the last few years. More universally, his headphones will regularly be graced with Ben Howard, First Aid Kit, Of Monsters and Men, The National, Radiohead, Julien Baker, The Dear Hunter, PHOX and The Antlers.
Recorded as part of the 'While You Still Draw Breath' debut EP from East Denistone, 'All My Crooked Bones' encapsulates the dogged determination and hard headed stubbornness that people wish for during times of great tribulation. There is an underlying theme of overcoming one's inner defeatism that gradually lifts the song throughout its progression.
The track was written and performed by East Denistone, and guest features Stuart Macpherson on drums, Jason Campbell on bass, and Joel Woolf on Saxophone. Drums were recorded at Church Street Studios in Chippendale by Ellie Summers, with the rest produced by Joel in his private studio in Sydney during 2018. The EP was mastered by Nick Franklin.
East Denistone is hitting the road to support the release and will perform at:
October 26: Record Crate - Glebe (launch show)
November 2: Glenorie RSL, Glenorie
November 8: Coast Hotel, Buedgewoi (solo show)
November 11: Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
November 16th: Time and Tide, Dee Why