To say that 2006 has been a banner year for this Country newcomer would be a tremendous understatement. Since signing her recording contract with indie label Mirrome Records during CMA MusicFest, singer/songwriter Miko Marks has toured the states from California to Washington D.C. with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, America's only touring black rodeo, now in its 22nd year.
Miko's schedule has included a dizzying slate of club dates and radio interviews to promote her first album, Freeway Bound, and the single of the same name. One of her songs was chosen for use in Episode ..102 of CMT's "Home Blitz with Habitat for Humanity", and another highlight was attending the CMA awards in New York. She has also released her first video for a song she wrote entitled "Mama" which also features Grammy Award Winner Erykah Badu. Indeed a continued successful year of Miko making her mark!
Raised in Flint, Michigan, the industrial heartland of the country, Miko discovered a natural vocal talent, and her writing skills blossomed under the care of a loving family and a life touched by enriching experiences. Her lyrics are optimistic and personal, delivered by crisp and powerful vocals that shine on the soulful, "I Believe In You" and lift the spirit on the jubilant, "Excited".
While attending Louisiana's Grambling State University on a music scholarship, Miko was enthralled with the story-telling nature of country music and felt that she had her own to share. As fate would have it, she became friends and collaborated with another talented GSU student, Grammy award winner, Erykah Badu.
After graduation, a move from the rural tranquility of Louisiana to the "hustle and bustle" of city life in the San Francisco Bay area incited ample inspiration for Miko's life and career. "Find My Way Home", both touching and faithful, was penned during this pivotal period and showcases just one of the many textures of Miko's vocal range.
"Freeway Bound", has enjoyed airplay in 14 countries including the US. International radio promotions, Comstock, reports that never has a first release by an independent made such an impact and been so well received by radio so quickly. The album was recorded in Nashville with legendary producer, Ron Cornelius, and has been released by Mirrome Records Inc. of California. Marks wrote 7 of the 10 album cuts. It is available online and in stores now.