Markowski

"Close your eyes and she is singing just for you. When it's cold outside, Markowski is not the electric heating, but the crackling fireplace that keeps you warm." (3voor12, review EP-release concert) Markowski's music sounds too rootsy to be just pop music, too young to be traditional folk, too soft to be rock'n'roll and too wicked to be country music. Actually, it's all of this, but still different.

Markowski's music sounds too rootsy to be just pop music, too young to be traditional folk, too soft to be rock'n'roll and too wicked to be country music. Actually, it's all of this, but still different.

Sonja Markowski is a singer/songwriter from the inspiring town Berlin (Germany) that moved to the Netherlands in the nineties. She lost her heart to Americana and started writing songs about wicked things in life that grown up people are supposed to understand, but actually don't. Most of her lyrics are in English, some are in German, which works great with this kind of music!

Sonja whispers softly, sings with the strong, expressive voice of a rock chick. She touches your heart, effortless. Her honest lyrics paint pictures you will definitely remember.

Ten years ago she met her musical soul mate Jan van Bijnen. He's got exactly what her songs need: the edgy singing of a Dobro, a crispy guitar, a dreamy pedal steel, a tender mandolin and the lonely sound of a banjo. He adds some country flavor to the songs, without going too much 'yeehaw'.

Both played together as professional musicians in different bands for years. But it's only three years ago that Sonja decided to really follow her heart. That's when Markowski started to perform on a regular base. Not only in Holland (clubs, festivals, live radio/tv performances) but also in Germany, USA and Belgium.

"With her clear, extraordinary expressive voice she lifts the songs up to a level some famous American artists can only dream of. Interesting enough to keep a close watch on this promising talent." (ctraltcountry.be)

"This is songwriting like it should be! Awesome. The singer is as good as her musicians, the whole performance is very strong. Markowski is a complete singer/songwriter. Everything is on a high level. The combination of the songs, the performance and her strong personality make it very special." (jury Grand Prize South Holland...Markowski won :-) )

Instrumentation
Sonja Markowski - vocals, guitar
Jan van Bijnen - guitar, dobro, lap-&pedal steel, mandoline, banjo, vocals

Rogier Hemmes - bass, vocals
Rudi Sanders - drums

Markowski usually plays with full band, sometimes as a duo.

Discography
Demo-cd (2005)
EP 'Family Cafe' (feb 2006)
EP 'Porcupine's Sister (sep 2006)
'Heartbreakers & Ass shakers' (Popunie compilation jan 2007)

First full album will be released second half of 2008!

Links
http://www.markowski-music.com