PureVolume

Marcio Novelli is a Canadian singer/songwriter formerly known as Euphoria's Depression. Digging deep into the vast realm of the human psyche, Novelli draws from personal experience, approaching songwriting from a heart-on-sleeve declaration of a doomed existence but never void of hope. Novelli's emotionally charged and poignant voice is a refreshing lifesaver in a sea of musical dishonesty.

Having independently released the all acoustic self-produced EP, "The Overture" (2006), Novelli attracted the attention of award winning producer Julius 'Juice' Butty (Alexisonfire, City and Colour, Protest the Hero). The two teamed up to produce the “Break Me” EP (2009) which can be viewed as the flipside of the same coin that is Marcio Novelli, with song arrangements stretching beyond the acoustic guitar and every instrument performed by Novelli, save drums.

On social networking sites like Myspace.com, Novelli has managed to exceed well over one million song plays, 650,000 profile views and 30,000 friends via word of mouth and absolutely no industry support. Snagging the number one spot as Canada's top acoustic alternative rock artist and sustaining as one of Canada's top ten unsigned bands for well over two years, Novelli's ever-growing worldwide fan base has shown no signs of slowing down.

Co-headlining concerts with Faber Drive, ill Scarlett, Marianas Trench, The Ataris, The Salads, countless indie label greats, and a cross-Canada tour with Hello Operator, Novelli has never faltered in the wake of being placed directly next to major label artists. Known for performing solo, Novelli has recently assembled a live band to accompany him on tour to support his expanded sound heard on the upcoming "Break Me" EP.

March 2009 *NEW*

Having achieved more than one million song plays on myspace.com and attracted the attention of top industry professionals, singer/songwriter Marcio Novelli has certainly come a long way since his days growing up in The Creek.
“I write from a very real and personal place, so everything I release is very honest,” said the 24-year-old acoustic alternative rocker. “I hope anyone listening can relate and feel like they are not alone, but I also want to help people realize that it’s all what you make of it. My music is the epitome of turning a negative into a positive, so I want to encourage others to do the same thing in their own way.”

Raised by a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Marcio started writing songs after teaching himself to play guitar at age 10.

“I used songwriting as a way to deal with drama at home and bullying at school,” said the former St. Clare of Assisi Catholic elementary school student.
Marcio joined his first band, Article Nineteen, in Grade 11, while attending Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School.

“We built up a name for ourselves in the Stoney Creek and Hamilton area,” he said.
Marcio also starred in a lot of plays in high school and caused a lot of commotion by doing things that were alternative to the norm.

“I enjoyed challenging people to think outside the box and not judge people based on anything but their character,” he said.

After high school, Marcio attended McMaster University for two years, majoring in philosophy and psychology, with a minor in English, theatre and film.

“I didn’t study music because I’ve never felt like you can learn how to be an artist,” he said. “I decided not to return for a third year, in order to fully pursue a career in music. I came to the conclusion that you have to go for what you want and put everything you’ve got into it, so I did.”

Article Nineteen also broke up around the same time.

“I had already been garnering a fan base online via social networking sites like myspace.com and purevolume.com for my solo material before I even joined a band, so I decided to go at it alone,” said Marcio.

After independently releasing his debut solo acoustic EP, The Overture, in late 2006, Marcio attracted the attention of acclaimed Juno award winning producer Julius Butty, famous for his work with Alexisonfire, City and Colour and Protest the Hero.

The two co-produced Marcio’s new EP, Break Me, which is now available to buy on iTunes.

“Expanding on my acoustic sound, this time around, we added more instruments, all of which I performed myself – except drums – giving the new EP a ‘full band’ sound,” said Marcio. “I had my CD release party last month at (Club) Absinthe (in Hamilton) and played to a packed house. Over the next year, I plan on touring Canada, taking my first dip into the States, making my first music video and hopefully, begin working on my debut full-length album.”

Having performed alongside popular Canadian bands, including Faber Drive, Marianas Trench, Ill Scarlett and The Salads, Marcio says he owes a lot to his fans.

“I am lucky to have a very loyal and supportive fan base that spans North America, Europe and Australia. I don’t treat my fans like they owe me anything and I’ve always made it a point of responding to every message, email and comment, especially when I’m being told that my music has played such an important part in their lives. When someone thanks you for making music that has saved their life, it’s a very humbling and moving experience,” he said.

“The growth of my fan base has always been a word of mouth thing, which is the greatest compliment any artist could ever have. It means people are listening and sharing your music because they authentically like it. That is probably the repeating highlight that I could never get tired of.”

Currently in talks with a few record labels and excited to take the next step in his career, Marcio says he would like to one day tour the world.

“I would also love to do some collaborations with some artists I really respect and admire. I think that would be a very surreal and enthralling experience,” he said, citing Jared Leto from the band, 30 Seconds to Mars, as one such artist.

“Two years ago in Toronto, he told a large crowd of people outside his tour bus that we would one day be sharing the stage together. He heard a demo I gave him earlier that year and I was also invited to be in their music video for, The Kill.”
No matter where he performs or who he performs with, Marcio says he’s happy as long as he’s got his music.

“It’s my passion. I really can’t put it any other way. I mean, I didn’t choose music; music chose me,” he said. “Life is just far too short to spend it doing something you hate. Writing and performing music is therapy to me and it helps other people. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

- Laura Lennie for Stoney Creek News

February 2009

It was late 2006 that we documented a new artist on the scene. In the two years since, the man behind Euphoria’s Depression is offering a brand new CD, but this one’s under his own name. “At the time, I felt safer hiding behind a moniker because my lyrics have always been so personal,” reasons singer songwriter Marcio Novelli. “I felt like it was time to shed my skin and approach everything in a fresh new light. I don’t care what you call me, as long as you’re listening. I still write almost every song on my acoustic guitar, the only difference now is that I have a live band to bring the ideas I come up with in the studio to life on stage.”

The new Break Me CDEP is light years away from his debut, showing marketable growth, no doubt attributable to the team working on the new project, including Juno award winning producer Julius Butty. “The title of the EP is sort of a tongue–in–cheek poke at the industry,” says Novelli. “I’ve been doing this for a long time now and I’ve had to fight for people to listen. I’ve never felt stronger or more optimistic than I do now.”

With a CD release party scheduled for Valentine’s weekend, one might think Novelli has lost some of his emo trappings and writing songs where he gets the girl instead of just pines over her contemplating his own death but that’s not the case. “I enjoy being ironic,” deadpans Novelli. “I have never written a love song, I write anti love songs about being broken and feeling hopeless. There are a lot of single people out there that could use some love on Valentine’s Day.

“To miss this show would be like missing that crucial point in a movie because you had to go to the bathroom and when you get back you have no idea what’s going on for the rest of the film. It’s something new and refreshing that can keep you entertained and get you an easy way out of making those dreaded Valentine’s Day plans or, better yet, not having to spend the night alone.”
Marcio Novelli plays this Saturday February 14 at Club Absinthe with Kristin Nicholls and Theset. The early show doors are at 6pm and $10 gets you in.

- Ric Taylor for View Magazine

January 2008

QUESTION: In the past - and in recent months - you have performed with a variety of bands from a variety of genres. Who was your favorite band to perform with? And why?

ANSWER: Out of all of the amazing yet varying bands I have shared the stage with, including Faber Drive, ill Scarlett and even The Salads, I would have to say that Marianas Trench is one of my favourite bands to perform with. Not only are they great guys to hang out with but the response from the audience has always been both warm and exciting. At first glance, you wouldn’t think that our styles of music would mix well but somehow it works. I’ve never been interested in performing with other acoustic acts anyway but always opted for a band line-up. I don’t really feel that I jive with folk artists because I tend to come from a different background musically and my fire is often much brighter than theirs.

QUESTION: Since you've performed with bands from so many genres, do you feel any pressure since their fans are in the audience and may not listen to your type of music?

ANSWER: I have found it interesting that over the last couple of years, I have gathered myself a strong army of fans that often differ greatly from one another in terms of musical tastes and even age. I haven’t been able to put my finger on it exactly but I’d like to think that no matter what, you just can’t beat a good song. Speaking to people with true feelings and ideas that stem from a place deep within is very important to me. It’s a form of honesty we don’t see a lot of anymore. I hope to impact and move people in order to allow them to take a break from their busy lives, slow down for a moment and just experience something real. So, to answer your question, no, I don’t feel pressure because my intention is not to impress anyone, it’s to move them, and if people in an audience choose to close their heart and mind to a style of music that may not be the flavor of the month then it’s really their loss. Besides, my music isn’t for those people anyway.

QUESTION: Your work is deeply emotional and is like an insight into your innermost thoughts. How do you feel knowing that these thoughts and feelings are being shared with the world?

ANSWER: My music definitely comes from a very difficult place and, at times, it can be a little unnerving to share such personal, heart wrenching experiences with the world, not because I am embarrassed or private in my life but because, once I have released something out to the world, it’s there to stay. I write to get through certain hardships and yet, ironically, the very same method is what keeps the memory with me forever. However, I do feel that once I’ve released something out into the world, it’s no longer mine – it belongs to those who grab onto it and apply to their own lives. When my music can be used in helping someone get through a hard time in their life, which in itself is the ultimate example of turning a negative into a positive, it makes it all worthwhile for me.

QUESTION: Working as an independent performer seems very important to you. You do not have a band and you mainly represent yourself. Why is this? And do you find it a lot harder?

ANSWER: I’ve been writing songs well before my high school years and I’ve done the whole band thing only to learn that my best work seems to come out when I’m flying solo. I have a pretty clear vision of what I want out of a song but at the same time, I’m always open to try anything. That sort of clarity and freedom is almost never seen in a band setting. I do enjoy collaborating with others but I always seem to enjoy my time alone. There’s no question about whether or not it’s harder this way, because it clearly is, but I think that the gratification is greater knowing what I have achieved going at it alone.

QUESTION: I hear that you are soon to be coming out with a new EP that is said to be "the flipside of the same coin that is Euphoria's Depression", can you elaborate on this?

ANSWER: I recently teamed up with producer Julius Butty (Alexisonfire, Protest the Hero, City and Colour) with the intention to outdo my last record, take a huge step forward and, most importantly, take risks. Since, in the past, I had been playing in bands that took up most of my time and attention, I always held the inane perception that a solo project should remain acoustic and less focused on. When my “side project” started garnering more attention than any other band I’ve ever played in, I realized that was a clear indication of what I should be doing. So, I decided not to limit myself or my music anymore. What that means exactly, you’ll have to wait to find out. What I can say though is that you can expect to see some people accompany me on stage in the not-so-distant future but don’t let that cause you the least bit of confusion, I am still the only person behind Euphoria’s Depression.

QUESTION: Lastly, do you have anything to add or any shout-outs you would like to make?

ANSWER: I’ll be on tour with Hello Operator throughout Ontario and parts of Quebec for my first tour of 2008 and I am really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting some new people. After that, I should be heading out east and west and there’s a special march break tour that I haven’t announced yet. There are even plans to dip into the states for a little while, all before the summer hits. I basically plan to be on tour for most of the year or at least a large chunk of it. Your support is and always will be crucial in the success of Euphoria’s Depression and, even more importantly, will never ever go unappreciated or forgotten.

- Amy-Lynn Vautour for Through the Eyes of a Gemineye

November 2006

While a young life fraught with insomnia, death, and a lack of direction might not seem like the recipe for a pop music career, the resolve one Marcio Novelli experienced this past summer may have been the beginning of just that.

For most of his life Novelli has taken solace in music, but his relationship with his band, Article 19, had become too tenuous and his goals in general too obscured. Novelli had a revelation and decided to drop out of Mac, focus on his music and the result is the beginning of his concerted effort. Euphoria's Depression is the name he offers for his musical entity and The Overture, his new self–produced CD/EP.

"I sadly saw the end of my band near," recalls Novelli on some of the traumatic events that led up to a crisis point for the 21–year–old. "Just as I set out to start cracking down on my solo album, a death in the family slowed progress down for quite some time. This caused my anxiety and depression to increase and the sleeping problems I have had since childhood worsened to the point of insomnia. I practically stopped attending my school lectures and began to completely ignore my studies. I spent night after night obsessively focusing on the recordings, never satisfied with the outcome.

"I began to doubt my own ability and then out of nowhere, one day I had this feeling wash over me that this was what I was supposed to be doing," adds Novelli. "I felt that this was what I had to do. After my second year at McMaster ended, I decided I would not return in September. I realized that I needed to do what I know would make me happy, not what other people told me I should do." Connecting with area producer Julius Butty (Alexisonfire, Protest The Hero), Novelli was bolstered to follow through on his decision even if working with Butty wouldn't happen until 2007. So to continue his concept, a new preface to the bigger Euphoria's Depression catalogue is offered this week.

"Euphoria's Depression is the sadness behind the surface," reasons Novelli on the inspiration of the musical project. "Euphoria is personified as every person that wakes up every morning and tries their best to get through the day with a smile on their face, but goes home at night and cries themselves to sleep. Much like what is said about most who commit suicide, Euphoria is usually the person you don't expect to be chronically depressed. These songs are Euphoria's Depression. "The theme of this CD/EP is ambiguity," he adds. "I have made a conscious effort to make everything from the front cover design to the select lyrics I included in the booklet to serve as an obscurity to be later revealed. I consider the EP as a whole to be an introduction to Euphoria's Depression, to give people a taste of the ideas and concepts I have hidden up my sleeve. The first track on the EP, the front cover and album layout, the selected lyrics and the songs themselves are all an overture to what will follow."

Novelli doesn't come off as a tortured soul in person, but perhaps that's because all his angst and aguish are channelled into his music. Lyrics about longing, loss, regret and remorse, self-doubt and at times self–loathing are unending, yielding a heartfelt if not overwrought listening experience. The musical presentation in converse is logistically simple, or at least the minimalist approach offers a simple splendor.

"I wanted to deliver something that was very true to what people have been experiencing at my live shows," offers Novelli. "This minimalist approach is how I wanted to introduce Euphoria's Depression. "The lyrics are written from a very heart–on–my–sleeve and in–the–moment approach," he continues. "I don't tend to overanalyze anything because I want it to be as pure, honest and natural as possible in order to convey what I was feeling at the time I wrote it. The music is the most honest music I can possibly produce untainted by thought, criticism or influence of any kind."

Understated and raw, The Overture, released on his own Veracious Records, is meant to be a prologue for fans on an upcoming tour with Dear Jane, I... and The End Of August in November. By next year, Novelli will move to the next stage of songwriting and recording with Butty for his debut full–length. While the music seems sad, the night celebrating the music should at least be cathartic, if not happy.

"Just like the name Euphoria's Depression, the show will be a collection of opposites," predicts Novelli on the CD release party. "A friend of mine will open up the show with an acoustic set followed by three rocking bands tearing up the stage. I'll then deliver an intimate, passionate yet energetic raw acoustic performance that Euphoria's Depression has become known for."

- Ric Taylor for View Magazine

November 04, 2007

Marcio told me that he was extremely sick. He sure didn't sound like he was sick. He sounds like ten times better sick, than some singers do when they are perfectly healthy. What trooper eh:)? My favourite song in his set was called Better. Really mature lyrics that actually tell a story. This song also takes a very wide vocal range, which Marcio obviously has. He had a full crowd of kids watching him and singing along and cheering. One time he held a really high note then stopped playing. It was just him singing with no guitar. It was amazing! Me and my friends were standing there with our mouths open. After the song I went "Oh my god hes soooo good!" He brought it all that night. He didn't hold back at all. He's got skill and one day the whole world is going to see it!

October 28, 2007

Euphorias Depression is one guy named Marcio Novelli. All of his songs start off with enchanting guitar. As soon as you press play to listen to his cd, you will want to sit there and not move until the whole thing is done. His music and lyrics pulls you in and makes you relate to what he's saying. He connected with every person in there. After each song there would be like two minutes of screaming and applause. For one of his songs, I don't remember which one, he sung most of it without his guitar. He just pushed it over his shoulder and belted out the words. When he was singing, I had goosebumps on my arms. His music is beautiful to listen to. I finally got to hear Cerabration after months of wanting to hear it. I wasn't disapointed! He had a flawless set.

January 14, 2007

Starting out the night was Euphorias Depression, Marcio Novelli. Euphorias Depression is one guy with an aucostic or electric guitar. One thing I found weird is that everybody stood socializing while he was playing, then gave him loud cheers when he's done. Either listen, and cheer, or if you don't want to hear it go outside and talk with your friends. About the set, this guy has skills on the guitar that are above anybody I have seen. He is just one guy, but his music is so powerful and strong. Even though this is the first time I've seen him, I've listened to his songs before. He is just as amazing live as on the computer. So, I wasn't surprised when he opened his mouth and that amazing voice came out. I really liked his set. I can't wait to hear him play again.

- Heather Curtis