5 Songs I Love w/ Marcus Anthony Mack

Following the release of his latest single 'Unconquerable Soul', Flex caught up with Composer, pianist, and singer/songwriter Marcus Anthony Mack to find out what influences his eclectic sound. If you enjoy Marcus's picks, be sure to check out 'Unconquerable Soul' at the end of the article.

Marcus states: These five songs are a constant source of inspiration and peace for me. They pull me into sonic spaces crafted by brilliant musical minds whose influence on my own work is undeniable. Each piece represents something profound in my journey as a creator, and I return to them often, whether for inspiration or reflection. These songs capture the spirit I try to maintain in my own work, and I hope they resonate with you as they do with me.

1. Sigur Rós - Ekki Múkk

This song is a sonic kaleidoscope, full of texture and color. It's one of the most emotionally resonant pieces I’ve ever heard. Anthemic yet quietly intimate, Ekki Múkk feels like a modern hymn, a song that demands reflection and space after listening. It changed the way I wanted my own music to feel and sound. To this day, it serves as a litmus test, gauging whether my work has the emotional weight and depth of this masterpiece.

2. James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream

A minimalist gem, The Wilhelm Scream evolves constantly, starting small and growing in complexity, both musically and lyrically. It dives into existential questions about our doubts, our realities, and the spaces in between. This song taught me how to embrace minimalism in my own work without losing the novelty or evolution of sound. It’s a piece I return to for inspiration, to learn from its hypnotic production and heartfelt lyricism.

3. Fred again.. - Me (Heavy)

Stumbled across this song last year after losing a loved one and my partner getting diagnosed with and beating breast cancer. Me lyrically hits the nail on the head of the emotions and confusions of that time while simultaneously being well produced. Deeply resonant and timely for me, it’s one of those songs I could listen to on repeat for a couple of hours at a time just to soak everything in. It’s intentionally subdued and subtle in its articulation and execution. Fred continues to surprise me with just how versatile he is as a producer/songwriter.

4. Nils Frahm - Mi

I never imagined that melodies could stand alone without lyrics and still evoke such deep emotion. Nils playing on this track is so raw and vulnerable, yet it carries an overwhelming sense of peace with every note. This song, from his album Screws, has deeply inspired my own approach to piano playing. If melodies had a voice, Mi would be it: introspective, honest, and beautifully human.

5. Jónsi - Boy 1904

Choral, ambient, and post-classical all in one, Boy 1904 is a transcendent piece by Jónsi and Alex Somers. It’s a meditative masterpiece that feels like a modern hymn, its elegance intertwined with a sonic landscape built from both beauty and noise. The entire Riceboy Sleeps album is a lesson in using unconventional sounds to express the ineffable. This track, in particular, remains one of my favorites for its stunning balance of serenity and intensity.

Listen to Marcus Anthony Mack 'Unconquerable Soul'