Shaun Groves
Marc Martel, lead singer of Downhere, looks and sounds a heckuva lot like Freddie Mercury, late lead singer for Brit band Queen. Before last week that made for nothing more than some good ice breaker conversation around Downhere’s merchandise table after concerts. But now the likeness and Marc’s vocal talents could help chronically underappreciated Downhere attract the crowds and opportunities we fans and friends have hoped for for years.
Queen is celebrating 40 years of music by launching a North American tour and hosting a Youtube contest to pick musicians for it. Marc Martel of Downhere uploaded his rendition of “Somebody To Love” late last week, garnering more than 2 million views in its first three days on-line. Take a look.
Youtube viewers who’ve never heard of Downhere have been encouraging, to say the least.
Queen will rise from the ashes on the wings of Marc Martel. Just amazing.. I can’t wait until next year.. QUEEN LIVES AGAIN!!!!!!
HE made it look effortless — wow, impressive!
just AWESOME! I’ve never heard such a great voice! YOU ARE THE REAL GOD, MAN!
And my favorite…
You sing like this and you haven’t been discovered??? You should be HUGE!!
Yes. And soon maybe?
The Wallstreet Journal, The Huffington Post, Crushable, Entertainment Weekly and many more are buzzing about Marc’s audition video, exposing hundreds of thousands of potential fans to Downhere‘s frontman. And just in time.
Downhere has just released the new stellar album On The Altar Of Love, pushing the single Let me Rediscover You to Christian radio stations. I don’t know how well either have been received for sure – but neither the album nor the song are currently in the top 100 on the iTunes Gospel charts.* But 2 million views and counting may change that.
The Christian music industry and fans have a history of jumping on the bandwagon of veteran Christian artists only after the general market confirms their talents first. Mercy Me couldn’t get played on Christian radio until a mainstream station spun I Can Only Imagine and the song was added at general market stations nationwide. POD? Played side stages at Christian music festivals until they broke through to the mainstream via MTV. Switchfoot was never a staple on Christian radio until, again, the mainstream vaulted them up the charts first. Sixpence None The Richer sang about kissing at twilight on every movie and television soundtrack out there and, well, only then did the Christian music gatekeepers pull out their keys.
Is Downhere next? I hope so. I really really do. The men of Downhere love God and people well – and do it with incredible musicality and great humility. And, shoot, if prancing around a few stages belting out Queen tunes for a few months allows Marc and company to make Jesus music a little longer and for a few more people? Well worth the tangent.
*As of Sunday 9/24/2011 On The Alter Of Love was spotted as high as #37 on the iTunes Gospel album chart.
Gina Martin says:
Wow. What a fabulous voice! Thanks for turning us on to Downhere. I just downloaded their new album, and I can’t wait to put it into circulation with Third World Symphony!
Abby says:
Yes!! We watched this video this morning on You Tube and then carried it around all day, telling friends to watch. Simply unbelievable…and not even winded at the end! I loved his response at the very end of The Wall Street Journal article as well.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/09/23/marc-martel-channels-freddie-mercury/?mod=google_news_blog
Way to go, Marc and the gang!
JJKerr says:
I agree… with Marc already showing great poise and intelligence answering questions about what it means for a Christian musician to be singing Queen songs, not only is he providing great PR for his deserving band but also introducing many new fans to thoughtfully written, creatively presented faith-based music. I’m hoping this opportunity leads to many more great things for Marc, Jason, Jeremy, and Glenn, because we all know “they can’t live on bologna”. 😀
Dawn says:
The only thing missing was the Heinkien strewn grand piano!
Dana Haueter says:
Been a fan since the first time I heard How Many Kings. I never could understand how they weren’t HUGE either. So much talent and I love the lyrics to their songs because they come from His Word.
Lindsay says:
I don’t remember exactly how Mike and I were introduced to Downhere, but during our freshman year of college, we became addicted to “Great are You” and “Calmer of the Storm.” We’ve bought all of their albums since, and I still find myself singing, “Because I’ll never hold a picture of the whole horizon in my hands…” when I see a particularly beautiful sunrise or sunset. Mark’s audition was incredible, and I hope people far and wide, in Christian circles and out, hear of Downhere through this opportunity! 🙂
JR says:
Ditto the love for “Great are You”…that’s my favorite line, along with “Because I’ll never rip the night in two.” I’m thinking I must have first heard them at a high school winter retreat (did they play winter retreats? Maybe it was live?? I have seen them live since…hmm…) Anyway, they’re cool guys, and they both have really good (although vastly different) voices.
Gina says:
Shaun,
Thank you for being so supportive of these guys! I’ve been a downhere fan since I accepted Christ (their music helped me figure out ‘grace’.)
I (and other downhomies) are covering Martel and the band in prayer through this season. We are so proud of Marc and excited to see what God has planned for all of this! I love that the video is opening doors to discussion with ‘the world’ about the stereotypes and judgments that are typically held against Christians . I pray that this opportunity will bring those outside of the kingdom towards it… and those within the kingdom towards downhere’s amazing tunes. Their music speaks truth… they don’t shy away from the difficult subjects. I hope this is their chance to really be ‘heard’ – they really deserve some formal recognition here in the states.
Ken says:
I too think this is awesome! As has been stated I find the groups lyrics to be some of the most creative and challenging in the industry. Couple that with the music they pair them with and I can listen to it all day! God will use many things to get the Word to whomever needs it. this may be what He has planned for these guys since the beginning.
Rick Cochrane says:
I went to school with most of the band and I can account for their love of God and for people. This “Somebody to Love” audition has the potential to take a Christian artist to a place NO other Christian artist has EVER been — totally global!
Mark says:
Will I be able to say I was a fan of downhere and Marc back when? I sure hope so.
(And I’ve got to say their career and yours have always been linked in my mind. I got your debuts around the same time, and you’ve now had two songs that talked about life “downhere.” My brain just works funny that way some times.
boethius says:
I had the good fortune of seeing Downhere when they opened for Shawn McDonald a few years back now. Honestly I had never heard of them but once I saw them live bought all of their CDs in the lobby and have listened to and enjoyed their music ever since. Their first record has the most natural appeal to me personally. There are some great songs on their newer records (“Little is Much,” “The Real Jesus”), but frankly it seems a tad overproduced now. There was a closer, more natural, more acoustic feel to their first album. “Calmer of the Storm,” “Great are You,” “All the reasons why,” “So blue” – there’s just a metric ton of great music on their first. Jars of Clay has gone through the same thing with most of their music in the last 6-7 years having a distinctly “pop” feel vs. the more intimate music of their first few records. I still think “World’s Apart” is one of the best Christian songs, period. It’s a personal thing and I’m sure there is huge appeal, either way, but it just doesn’t ring my bell.
In any case, it’s great that people will sit up now and take notice of a truly a great band and a great group of musicians that are some of the best working in the industry today.
HeatherEV says:
I love Downhere! And I don’t know about where you are, but several of their songs have been played on the radio in my area. I already considered them “discovered”, but maybe not?
Shaun Groves says:
Discovered? Yes. As well-known as you’d think a group of guys this talented would be? Not yet.
Angie says:
Yes, I am always shocked when people say they’ve never heard of them.
Jason says:
I am always looking for new sounds, thanks for sharing this band with us.
Robert says:
Unfortunately there have been a few naysayers as Joanne Brokaw points out on beliefnet.com http://tinyurl.com/3o2p56q.
Personally, I think this is a great thing. Marc Martel has the vocal talent and the spiritual depth to carry this off if he wins. My prayer is that God will grant Martel wisdom and grace if he wins.
Tom says:
For a long time, Downhere has been one of those groups that I love to introduce people to. I’ll loan them a couple of CDs and invariably they come back “wide-eyed and mystified” at the group’s talent and the fact that they haven’t heard of them.
I remember when I first heard “From Protest to Praise,” I thought “This guy sounds just like Freddie Mercury…” I guess that sentiment has now been corroborated. It’s exciting that Marc is getting a great opportunity to increase the visibility of Downhere, but exponentially more exciting is the increased opportunity to share the truth of Christ with people who would otherwise be closed to it.
Rock on Marc and Downhere! “In Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the Earth.”
Kristy K says:
I love Downhere, and when I saw this guy’s audition this week, I didn’t put two and two together because I had only heard the group on the radio. What a great opportunity!
Angie says:
We’ve been fans of theirs for a long time and often call them the most underrated Christian band.
Hoping more see the incredible talent and better yet -Heart!
Heidi Mittelberg says:
Well written — I agree wholeheartedly!!! They are amazing people and extremely talented. SO happy for Marc and all the families of Downhere! YAY!!! 😉
Mela Kamin says:
So excited more people will be introduced to Downhere through this unique opportunity. I agree they are SO underappreciated. They are, without a doubt, one of our absolute faves in the Kamin house … amazing live show, insane vocals & artistry. I even had my parents listening & they became instant fans, traveling to Lifelight Festival in SD 2yrs ago to see them live. We’ve seen them now 3 times live, met the guys backstage & am always blown away with not only their talent on stage, but their graciousness & humility off. Rooting big time for Marc & Downhere!
Braxton Lyric Shaw says:
Fantastic article Shaun.From a christian who loves QUEEN,you are obviously a “get it” person.
Ruth Anne Thornton says:
Downhere has been our favourite band since being introduced to them 4 years ago. Their lyrics inspire us to deeper relationship with Jesus – their sound is just quirky enough for a chuckle and light heart – these men of God are being used greatly to further His kingdom. We met them in person (more than once) and found them all to be so “down-to-earth” and relatable – showing the love and encouragement of Christ. Marc’s “new” following just proves God will do more than we could ever imagine when we’re obedient to the gifts he gives us.
Mark Sturge says:
“I don’t know how well either have been received for sure – but neither the album nor the song are currently in the top 100 on the iTunes Gospel charts. But 2 million views and counting may change that.”
Update:
‘On The Altar Of Love’ album currently at #43.
‘Let Me Rediscover You’ single isn’t in the top 200.
These guys truly deserve some serious recognition. It’s mind bogging to think that downhere, 11 years after performing at the Doves with you, Joy Williams, Sara Groves, and ZOEgirl (winners), as ‘New Artists of the Year’ … and people have never heard of them? I want to beat my head against a wall.
Mark Sturge says:
Mistake, it was almost 10 years ago. 2002 Dove Awards, I was thinking 2001.
Steve says:
Have listened to this song 30 to 40 times in the last 24hrs. I am blown away everytime. So amazing! May God bless you Mark, and use you and your band in only ways that HE can!
Karen Dunham says:
yeah, we’ve been laughing at how much Downhere sounds like Queen for a while here(vocally and even musically). Crazy. How fun that he would tour “as” Freddy Mercury!!
Emmeli Klumpenhower says:
I agree with above comments, DOWNHERE ROCKSSSS and they have been around for sooo much longer than one-hit-wonders that take all the glory. every time i see them in concert, i wonder why they arent more famous! lol cant even express how RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME their albums are.
Sarah says:
LOVE downhere, and have for years! even bought them a trailer once 😉 (I’ll take random facts for $200, Alec!)
GMS says:
That is amazing! He’s got it! Can you remind all of us readers when it is time to vote?
Sephia says:
I’m not a fan of god but I am a fan of Marc’s now!
Bethany says:
I just listened to Let me rediscover you…..
My heart melted into a puddle….
WOW!!
Jenny Smith says:
What a way to get out of the box! Great voice and it is weird how far behind Christian radio is.
Rick Orrell says:
Queen? Freddie Mercury? Never heard of them…….but Downhere – FABULOUS!! :-)) (tongue firmly in cheek) I wish him and the group much success because of this diving board!
Kevin Davis says:
Mark said: “downhere, 10 years after performing at the Doves with you, Joy Williams, Sara Groves, and ZOEgirl (winners), as ‘New Artists of the Year’…and people have never heard of them?”
Mark, Thanks for bringing that up. I write Christian music album reviews and here’s redemption for you, ZOEgirl has retired as a band and listed in my Top 15 albums of 2011: Sara Groves, downhere, Shaun Groves, and The Civil Wars (Joy Williams).
Another great post Shaun about one of my favorite bands. Marc and downhere deserve way more attention than they’ve received. As others have said, let the Gospel go forth…Amen to that!
Carolyn says:
Couldn’t agree more, Shaun!! I got to meet the guys from Downhere when they did a benefit concert for our crisis pregnancy center last year, and they were incredibly great to work with. Yes, I was one of those who told Marc he sounded like Freddie (and I wondered why he looked at me funny). I personally also think Jason looks like a young Michael Palin – anyone? And Jeremy = Jeremy Piven. But that’s just me.
And while we’re on random Downhere factoids, I teased the guys about not having enough funny info on their website, and Jason piped up and said, “You know what Marc eats for breakfast every day? Corn flakes with maple syrup and cheddar cheese.” There you have it. I’m not making this up folks!