Marz Jukebox

Lamar Lacañgan, better known by his stage name Marz JukeBox, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. Raised in the streets of San Diego, California, he was a child filled with so much SOUL. Embracing his heritage as both African American & Filipino, his family & friends knew him simply as ‘Mar’ and because he loved and often listened to the records ‘Big Daddy’ (his grandfather) would play around the house he could recall & sing songs from great music legends such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and many others. He grew up becoming the family Jukebox, hence the name ‘Marz JukeBox’.

Marz JukeBox had brief success signing to Hollywood Records, then a short stint with Sony and gained a bit more momentum when he and his group Kindred 3 signed to Red Hill Records where he toured along side co-record and label mate Katy Hudson (Katy Perry). Marz recalls, “I remember her just being this teenaged blondie that played a guitar amazingly well, she loved to hear how I created harmonies and wanted me to teach her to sing soul music. Now she’s larger than life! It’s pretty amazing to see!” In addition, Marz has also hit the road with Toby Mac, Kirk Franklin, P.O.D. & many others.

When the record label folded, Lamar released his first solo record independently as ‘Marz JukeBox’. The record released in 2007, was self-titled “Marz JukeBox” and earned him 2 Music Award Nominations for both ‘Best Jazz Artist’ & “Best R&B Artist’. In addition to his touring, Marz even had time to expand to film and acting. You can catch a sneak peek of Marz (Lamar) on the movie screen in a cameo appearance along side Carrie Underwood, in the blockbuster smash ‘Soul Surfer’, the life story of Bethany Hamilton.

When asked about the influences for the new record, ‘Time Traveler’, Marz replied, “Time. Over time I’ve seen and experienced a lot of hurt & pain in this world. I know what it’s like to take the bumps & bruises as we travel throughout life, but also I know where to find true Joy & Peace, it’s that perfect balance… I’m hoping to point people in that direction of Joy & Peace that surpasses all understanding. No matter where people are right now, I hope to remind them that their tears have been accounted for by God & everything that has happened or is happening will work for the greater purpose of good. This music is just the vehicle I’m blessed to use, it’s my platform to speak into the hearts of those who will listen and why not make some great music along the way?”

Source: marzjukebox.com