I first discovered the music of Markus Nylund on a website with new demos by bands from Finland. This was in the year 2002. There was a song called Somebody Please. Something about what I heard resonated with me deeply. I loved the energy and spirit of this recording. Although I was more of a metal guy, I just knew that there was something special here, something that was rare. I wanted to hear more. And I found more songs on his website and even wrote to Markus to tell him I really love his music.
Since then I have been following his music and evolution as an artist and man. It’s been a rocky road because sometimes Markus would appear online and share his provocative ideas and new music with the world. But then he would disapppear. Sometimes for years. I wasn’t always sure if he was dead or alive. Or maybe he is working under a different name? It’s as if he disappeared from the face of earth only to emerge again, with songs and skills that are always on a whole new level.
Sometimes I wondered if I should find a better hero to follow and worship. But Markus was more of an anti-hero. He challenged me with his thoughts and lyrics. There were times when they made me really angry and kind of hurt. He has an ability to really cut deep with his words and music. But I suppose this mysteriousness is what has kept the intrigue alive. You can’t go to the book store to read about him and you won’t find him on any kind of commercial music channel. This boggles my mind how an artist of this caliber is not famous. Perhaps he is a threat to the establishment and has been silenced.
Throughout the years I have collected every recording I could get my hands on by Markus and his various projects. I knew that there was a limited window of opportunity to save what he or the people who he hired would upload online because I knew it would soon be gone. So I downloaded what I could. I’m not sure why he wouldn’t just leave it all online and let the world decide what to do with it. This is one of those things I have found immensely frustrating with Markus. It always seemed like he was an enemy to his own success and happiness. That said, he is the mastermind behind the music so perhaps we should just sit back and enjoy the show.
I honestly don’t really know if I am allowed to do this but I thought I would upload some of these songs and lyrics and blog posts and photos online. I have also met a few other people online who share my love for his music and are fascinated with his life. It’s a small club thus far and I honestly have reservations about sharing Markus with the world. Although a part me wants him to really succeed and get the recognition he deserves, there is another part that is scared that fame would ruin him.
Markus if you find this somehow, I hope you are alive and well. I would love to hear new stuff and know what is going on with you. Thank you for your work. I think it’s important that it’s available and hope it’s okay that I am sharing it as a fan of your art.
How to listen to this?
I suggest starting from the beginning. One thing that makes Markus unique is how much he evolves. Most artists you listen to it’s pretty much the same style and sound. Not with Markus. Just listen. You will be blown away.
