Posted February 19, 201510 yr Former Westlife member Markus Feehily premiered his debut single Love Is A Drug today. He describes his new sound as darker, more soulful/RnB, electronic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsHSn_UBfAA What do you think?
February 19, 201510 yr Surprised by this! Makes me think of something John Newman might do, perhaps. Mark has a far more pleasant voice though.
February 19, 201510 yr Author I definitely agree with that, I actually can't stand Newman's voice at all. From what I have seen, the reaction is all positive and everyone is surprised like you, even shocked :D And here is a very nice review of the single by The Version music site: At a time when Years & Years, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Hozier are ruling the charts, where does an ex-manband member fit in the current chart landscape? A couple of years on from Westlife’s split, Markus Feehily is about to find out. His long anticipated debut single, Love Is A Drug dropped this morning; So the question is, can it be a hit? The answer is simple. Yes. Incredible production, exceptional vocals and contemporary beats ensure Markus delivers. Full of soul, full of heart, Love Is a Drug very much deserves a place on the Radio 1 playlist, so we just hope for Feehily that the men in suits look beyond any preconceptions about an ex Westlifer. With Marcus’s vocal ability and tunes like this, there’s absolutely room for him in the charts right now. I do hope he gets a Radio 1 slot and that people won't pre-judge him before they hear the music. Edited February 19, 201510 yr by zeze88
February 28, 201510 yr This is a fantastic use of Rob Dougan's "Clubbed to Death", which originally featured on the Matrix soundtrack
March 7, 201510 yr Just listened to this and really pleasantly surprised. He always had the best voice in Westlife, but the song is great too. Big John Newman vibes and as someone said up thread better than Westlife's back catalogue. I don't know if it will do well, but as boyband members solo efforts go, this is strong
March 7, 201510 yr This is actually brilliant, will probably fly completely under the radar like Yeah was thinking the same - had a look at it is in the top 1500 on itunes though (as a preorder) at something like 1409...
March 7, 201510 yr Author I wouldn't worry too much about how the single is doing now as the release is still far away and he hasn't promoted it anywhere yet. However, I truly hope he gets success as he deserves it judging from what he is doing. But you truly don't know how will it go when it comes to ex-boyband member, especially considering he isn't in the same position like Robbie or Justin were who started solo at the band's peak. Mark is starting after 14 long year career... However, I haven't read one bad review about the single which is great - it will be amazing even if just critics praise him, he seems to be not too worried about the success, he just cares about what he is offering. And also, for what I understand, he is with an independent label. He offered his material to big labels but they all wanted him to carry on with a Westlife sound which he refused to do. So fair play to him for sticking with his vision, even if he doesn't become hugely successful. Here are a few new songs he presented during his 1st gig - the quality isn't the best but at least we get the feel of what to expect: Edited March 7, 201510 yr by zeze88
March 10, 201510 yr Mark could surprise us and actually have a career. Many assumed it would be Shane but his solo work has not performed too well so the opportunity for Mark to become the most successful solo member including Brian McFadden musically is a strong possibility.
March 14, 201510 yr Author Mark posted the remix of his 1st single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKKMfbnpLCo I'm usually not a huge fan of remixes because they are sometimes too long but I really like this one, its very good. Edited March 14, 201510 yr by zeze88
March 14, 201510 yr Author In case someone is interested, here are all the new songs he presented at the gigs, the quality of the audio and video is actually pretty decent: Wash The Pain Away and Cut You Out: Sirens: Butterfly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBzf-Bj-BKo Only You: Back To Yours Love Me or Leave Me Alone (It starts around 4:30) Fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ2dZ0B5U0c
March 21, 201510 yr Just did a search on the i-tunes top 1500 and the pre-order is at 717... which isn't too bad really!
April 19, 201510 yr Doing better than I expected - Currently #38 on iTunes, Will be seriously hurt by streaming though so looks like being a Top 100 hit unless he climbs significantly
April 24, 201510 yr Author He is officially #66 in Ireland... :blink: I was expecting a higher charting than this considering he was in the Top 20 and 30 this entire time on Irish iTunes. Besides the self-releasing it through his own label Harmoney Entertainment and no support from big radio and TV shows, I'm sure that the fact he is starting his career nearly 3 years after Westlife is also harming him - he was out of spotlight for too long. Look at Shane, he launched his career year after Westlife and he has done a lot better despite his average music. The good thing about going independently is that he has full control of his music and that no one will drop him no matter how low he charts. Edited April 24, 201510 yr by zeze88
April 24, 201510 yr I really like this but I don't think he's destined to do much as a solo act unforch. There was never much interest in the members of Westlife as individuals, unlike Take That or Boyzone for example.
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