The pandemic shook the world to its roots, and every part of the world felt its impact, especially the entertainment industry. Artists and musicians were unable to perform for their fans because of the lockdown, and it has taken more than a year of adjustment to arrive at the current post-pandemic world. However, Malaysia-based American musician Q Sound, also known as Marques Young, is now ready to take full advantage of another opportunity to be before the fans and entertain them.
The former principal trombone has lived in Kuala Lumpur since 2009 and embraced the artistic nature of the city and how much music does to bring the people together. He has a rich experience in composing and performing music across multiple genres like R&B, jazz, hip-hop, classical music, electro, soul and funk music. He has within him raw talent and a music style that has evolved over the years.
On his music journey, he has found ways to make an impact on the growing jazz culture in Southeast Asia. He has performed with bands like Q Sound Band and the Bassment Syndicate and led numerous performances at jazz venues throughout the region. Some of his notable sold-out performances include the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, which was a part of DFP’s Happy Hour Series.
Q Sound spent seven years with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and has used his influence to mentor outstanding young jazz musicians. He was deeply involved with the Jazz Camp at DFP and many other upcoming young Jjzz stars from New York City. This propped him up in the jazz music scene and led to his appointment as artistic director of the Encounter Jazz Program.
As someone who started his music journey at the age of twelve under the direction and tutelage of Gordon Manley, Q Sound has grown and evolved immensely in music art. He was already playing the trombone at the age of sixteen and got into Arkansas Tech University School of Music in 2001, where he studied under Dr. Will Kimball. As a student, he received numerous awards and honors, including an invitation to the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Solo Competition, where he was awarded first runner-up.
His other accomplishments include the Frank Smith International Trombone Solo Competition, the Eastern Trombone Solo Competition and The International Trombone Association’s Van Haney Orchestral Solo Competition. In addition, he has performed with the American Brass Quintet, New York Philharmonic, and Buffalo Philharmonic in New York. Having received private instruction from jazz greats like Wycliffe Gordon, Steve Turre, Carl Allen, and Ron Blake, Q Sound’s journey has been remarkable over the last few decades.
Armed with all this music experience, Q Sound is committed to delivering wholesome performances that move the crowd and give them a good time outside their homes. It took a pandemic to realize that music is powerful to unite people, and Q Sound plans to commit himself to doing more of that.
Over the next few years, his goal is to fill arenas all over Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. He also plans to go to the United States to connect with fans and everyone who enjoys his type of music while making a revolution in the entertainment industry to foster unity in the world.