NEW YORK, NY (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - Atlantic Records welcomes a new addition to its storied roster, acclaimed singer/songwriter Marc Broussard. The Louisiana-based bayou soul troubadour will make his label debut with "MUST BE THE WATER," his first collection of all-new songs since 2004's breakthrough "CARENCRO." The five-track EP - which heralds a full-length collection due later this year - will be available via iTunes on February 19th.
"MUST BE THE WATER" is highlighted by the fuel-injected title track, which is currently serving as the theme for TNT's on-air promotions of the 2008 NBA All-Star festivities, set to air live from New Orleans, LA. On Saturday, February 16th, Broussard will perform his hit song "Home" during the NBA player introductions prior to All-Star Saturday Night before a nationwide audience live on TNT at 8pm EST. Marc and his band are also featured in the network's promo spots, which are now airing regularly on Turner Broadcasting System networks (including TNT, TBS, and CNN), as well as in Regal Cinemas across the country. The single version of "Must Be The Water" went on sale at iTunes on February 5th, with ringtones also available that day via all major carriers.
The "MUST BE THE WATER" EP was recorded during Broussard's recent appearance on the Rock Boat VIII, the annual five-day music festival at sea. Eager to release new material in advance of recording his next album, Broussard and his band opted to capture their live energy via the simplest possible means. As the cruise traveled the Caribbean - making stops in Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Marc utilized a bare-bones studio set-up to record the EP's five tracks, all while leading a multi-artist concert line up which also included Toad The Wet Sprocket, Sons of William, and many others. "We knew it would be a tough task, but we got more than we bargained for," says Broussard. "With electrical surges, hard drive crashes, high seas, vocal ailments and other Rock Boat shenanigans, we all had doubts about whether or not we'd be able to pull it off. Thankfully we didn't give up and the band played on!"
Marc Broussard first drew coast-to-coast acclaim in 2004 with his major-label debut, "CARENCRO," a full-blooded take on the blues, soul, Cajun music, rock, and swamp-pop of his native Louisiana, distilled through the talented young tunesmith's flair for smart contemporary songwriting. Blessed with an emotive, dynamic voice and undeniable presence, Broussard quickly won over a legion of devoted fans via nearly non-stop roadwork, including countless headline shows and tours alongside such like-minded musicians as Dave Matthews Band, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Gavin DeGraw, O.A.R., and Maroon 5.
The son of Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard (of the legendary blue-eyed soul combo, the Boogie Kings), Marc followed up "CARENCRO" with 2007's critically acclaimed "S.O.S.: SAVE OUR SOUL." The album saw Broussard and his crack band plumbing the vaults of historic labels like Motown and Stax to create 11 incendiary performances of soul classics originally recorded by Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Bobby Womack, and other members of R&B royalty. Among the album's many highlights was a sweltering take on Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's "If I Can Build My Whole World Around You," performed as a duet with his new Atlantic labelmate, Toby Lightman.
In September 2007, Broussard and his band headed to Asia and the Middle East for a four-week tour, performing for US troops in association with the military's MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) command. The Christmas season saw one of Marc's songs featured on NBC's hit reality series, "Clash Of The Choirs," with country superstar Blake Shelton leading his choir in a rousing rendition of "Home," the lead single from "CARENCRO." In addition, Broussard recently co-wrote and sang with LeAnn Rimes on the rollicking duet, "Nothing Wrong," found on her top 5-charting 2007 album, "FAMILY." He also recorded "Rising Sun" with special guest Sam Bush for a Fats Domino tribute album that was released in the Fall. The album also featured tracks by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Lenny Kravitz to name a few.
Along with his busy musical career, Broussard has also been active in helping to raise funds to both help residents of his beloved New Orleans and to restore the city to its pre-Katrina glory. In 2005, he released the live "BOOTLEG TO BENEFIT THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA," with all proceeds going to his "Momentary Setback Fund," established to assist victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Broussard also created wristbands with the insignia "Straight From The Water" (from a lyric in his song, "Home") and has taken time out from touring and recording to help build homes with Habitat For Humanity. As a result of his humanitarian efforts, Broussard was invited to serve as spokesperson for Louisiana's United Way of Acadiana and was recently bestowed with Hard Rock International's "Love All, Serve All" Award in recognition of his on-going commitment to philanthropy.
For more information please visit www.marcbroussard.com and https://www.myspace.com/marcbroussard.
