For A Bad Think Making Music is a Family Affair

Musician Michael Marquart worked with some of the ’80s biggest bands. Now he works with people who really matter: his daughter, and himself.

Michael Marquart is not a name that rolls of the tongue of the typical music fan, but that does not mean that his name isn’t deserving of recognition. Marquart is a veteran in the world of rock and popular music. His latest endeavor is the release of the new album, Sleep under the moniker, A Bad Think.

As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and studio owner Michael has successfully made his mark in almost all aspects of making and marketing quality music. Originally from Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin, he knew at an early age that his path in life would include music. The first step of his storied journey would be evident in his natural proclivity for the drums, a skill that would take him around the world and in front of thousands of souls. He has spent time in the bands A Flock of Seagulls and Tokio Rose. Marquart taught himself to play guitar and sang in his school’s choir. This culmination of skills eventually laid the groundwork for this intensely personal project.

A Bad Think is essentially a one man band. There are instances when his daughter, Samantha, will lend her formidable voice as a backup singer and sometimes as the lead. According to Michael, the band name originated “when my kids were young they would come into our bedroom in the middle of the night saying they couldn’t sleep. I asked why? And they would say they had ‘a bad think.’”

Marquart, as the studio owner can take his time and tweak his sound until it is perfect. In 2006 he delivered his first album as A Bad Think (A Bad Think). Delicate, yet edgy and unpredictable, the band consistently delivers with impeccable instrumentation and palpable sincerity. He explains:

“All of my albums are life experiences of mine. My wife was battling breast cancer at the time I recorded Simple Rhymes. When I listen to that record, it sends me back to where I was back then. It was a very emotional time for me, and I love that record for that.”

A Bad Think begs to take you on both a sonic and cerebral journey. Sleep, A Bad Think’s latest offering, is colored with the brushstrokes of pristine production, vocals and musicianship. The listener will quickly realize that the lyrics also weave a tapestry all their own. States Michael, “the lyrics are just as important as the music, if not more to me. I try to think of different ways to say the simplest things.” Sleep follows a natural evolution of style and sound which is sure to please fans familiar with his music. More importantly, this refined collection has the chops to ensnare a whole new set of listeners.

The album kicks off with “Don’t Leave Me Out,” a song that begins with a gritty blues riff and distorted vocals, eventually giving away to a graceful, imploring chorus. Next is the excellent down tempo “Photographs.” Dreamlike and melodic, you can hear the authenticity in lines like, “Don’t be lonely after all your friends have lost their faith.”

The album then picks up the pace with “We All Fall,” a tune that could easily be a hit on Modern Rock radio. The following two tracks A Bad Think returns to a slower flow with “Happy Little Pills” and “Antique Doll.” “On And On.” the lead single, is a beautifully intriguing track that showcases Marquart’s ability as a song craftsman. Highlighting the track is the instrumental diversity. Michael’s nuanced rock guitar chops are also on full display here as well.

“Loyalty” and “One Against Another” are both very strong, ear pleasing contributions, led by a commanding guitar and hypnotic vocals. “Where Do I Go From Here” has an acoustically delicate beginning, then grows ever so gradually into an intensely, lush track. “Sleep,” the title track, is a piano and string driven lullaby, clearly written for someone very special. The song is marked by unpretentious, clear vocals and a gauzy string arrangement which could symbolize drifting off to sleep.

Sleep is a multi-layered, prolific accomplishment by a man who is a musician in every sense of the word. . Every song resonates with the sheen of careful production, which takes the listener to unexpected places, however somber they may be. A Bad Think never lingers in the dark places, though it is clear he is unafraid of them. The music and lyrics touch, pick up and examine the subjects of pain, loneliness, confusion, and discontent as if they are stones in a clear creek bed. Upon holding them, they are evaluated, given their due and returned to the creek and the water moves on, like the music of A Bad Think.

I asked Michael what motivates him to make music. He replied:

“I don’t really know what is driving me, but I am in the studio working seven days a week working on new material, and I can’t seem to stop. My music is heavily thought out and I seek to change the world with it.”

I say he is already well on his way.

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