# DIY Artist of the Week – Chad Murphy, aka Markakians

- Link: https://indierockcafe.com/2012/11/diy-artist-of-the-week-chad-murphy-aka-markakians/
- Published: 2012-11-05T14:53:31-05:00
- Author: Max Hammer

Some of the artists that we have been featuring in the [Artist of the Week](https://indierockcafe.com/category/artist-of-the-week/)
series during the past couple of months have been a big hit with IRC listeners, 
including indie rocker [**Thad Kopec**](https://indierockcafe.com/2012/05/diy-artist-of-the-week-thad-kopec/)(
who we’ll have new music from shortly), singer/songwriter [**Bryce Jardin**](https://indierockcafe.com/2012/10/diy-artist-of-the-week-toronto-folk-singersongwriter-bryce-jardine/),
or **Chicago** DIY musician **[Esta Vivo](https://indierockcafe.com/2012/06/diy-artist-of-the-week-chicago-musician-esta-vivo/)**.

With sad, beautiful vocals similar to **Eels** and **Beck**, Pennsylvania musician**
Chad Murphy**, who goes by the alias **Markarians**, is one we’ve been listening
to lately. We think this 32-year-old has something to say worth hearing. After repeatedly
spinning the two songs he sent to us, we are fascinated that a musician with no 
formal training writes and records such wonderfully memorable and heartfelt songs
that no one except a few other people have ever heard. While this is nothing entirely
knew for the artists and bands we routinely feature on IRC, Murphy stands out as
particularly gifted, crafting songs with folk-inspired acoustic guitar playing, 
and soaring, pop-fused synthesizer riffs.

He listed his major musical influences as Echo & the Bunnymen, Robyn, Sonic Youth,
Ivy, Ariel Pink, Arab Strap, Kurt Vile, The Clientele, The Church, among others.
He is also formerly a member of the following bands: Remington Standard, Electoral
College, and Tolchock Trio.

“Alligators” – **Markarians** from _Move, Lord_ – Sept. 7th

“Domino” – **Markarians** from _Move, Lord_ – Sept. 7th

In describing his interest in writing, playing and recording music, Murphy told 
IRC that he aims “to construct songs that reflect both the joy and the absurdity
of life (sounds a bit pretentious to write that out, but…there it is).” Murphy also
self-released an album in July of 2011 from which we have two singles, “Strangers
II” and “Rip Through Sunsets.” We’d love to hear what you think via the Comments
box below, Facebook or Twitter.

Related Post:  DIY Artist of the Week - Chicago Musician Matt Script

“Strangers II” –** Markarians** from _Ten Means Heaven_

“Rip Through Sunsets” –** Markarians** from _Ten Means Heaven_