Free Agent
Mark McLaughlin
By: Jayson Rodriguez
December 22, 2005
NAME: Mark McLaughlin
AGE: 26
HOMETOWN: Queens, N.Y.
GENRE: R&B
FAVORITE ALBUM: Off the Wall, Michael Jackson
DREAM COLLABO: Alicia Keys
For former DJ Mark McLaughlin, life behind the wheels of steel was pretty darn good. But because of McLaughlin’s prodigious dance steps, not to mention his stylish attire, his cousin urged him to join his group, Ready and Willing, as a backup singer five years ago. “My friends were getting into trouble at the time,” he says. “So I thought I should invest in something worthwhile.” McLaughlin, a mailroom manager during the day, thrived in the group despite having no prior singing experience. After three years, he went solo. And so far, it’s turned out to be a wise choice. On “Brooklyn,” from his self-produced album Mark My Words, McLaughlin pays homage to hip hop heroes and reminisces over summer park jams in his street-hardened baritone. “I went from being a Dalvin in Jodeci to becoming K-Ci,” he says. How the tables have turned.
SEND US YOUR DEMO.
If you're an unsigned artist, here's your chance to shine! Beginning with the September 2004 issue, VIBE will feature an unsigned act in our monthly Free Agent column. After reviewing submissions, a commit tee of editors will pick the artist/group to be featured as the "Vibe Free Agent" of the month. In addition to national exposure in the magazine, the Free Agent's music will be featured on our Web site, vibe.com, where VIBE readers will rate the music, on a scale of 1 to 5, and give their feedback. If you've got what it takes, and aren't afraid to hear what others have to say, send in your demo. Maybe you'll be VIBE's next Free Agent.
Rules:
To qualify, the artist/group must not be signed to a major label or its imprint, or have independent distribution. Selling your music locally or on a Web site is permissible. You must submit, by mail, a quality d emo CD with at least 3 songs, a photo, and contact information. Sending a video with performance footage is optional. Please do not send original copies of your material to VIBE; submissions will not be re turned. All submissions must be original work.
Mail submissions to:
Free Agent
c/o VIBE
215 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016
home