USC Student Working on Album Debut

Marcus Meston loves music. Instead of playing Call of Duty or other video games during his free time, he produces music in his father's recording studio in the basement.

"I guess you could say I'm a studio nerd," Marcus joked.

Marcus Meston is a sophomore at Upper St. Clair High School and will soon be debuting his first short-length album, also known as an EP, entitled "Everything is Fine."

The album will feature six singles of his original work. He wrote the songs, with the help of his father, Tom Meston, who is a jazz musician.

"We've had some guy weekends. My wife and daughter were away on dance trips and we wrote some songs together. It worked out really well," Tom said. "He brings his youthful energy with my older, more experienced perspective and it turns out to be a really good blend."

Marcus said his dad has been a big, musical influence on him. 

"Ever since he was a baby he was down in my music room," Tom said.

"I remember when my dad was recording a CD when I was really young," Marcus said with a smile. "I could hear the music through my bedroom vents."

Marcus started really focusing on music about three years ago, at age 13.

"He picked up my bass and got into that. And then he wanted to play the guitar, and then the drums and the keyboard," Tom said.

Marcus is now spending a lot of his time in the studio, helping record songs for his friends; his band, 13AM; and coming up with his new, solo music.

"I usually start at the piano and get and idea and then write around that," Marcus explained. "The choruses are catchy; something you can sing along to."

Marcus' first single will be released in about two weeks. 

"It's called 'Separate Ways,'" Marcus said. "It's pop and very easy to connect to and it's a good representation of what's to come."

The song will be available on iTunes for less than a dollar. His EP is due in late June or early July for three bucks on iTunes.

"It's not about the money," Marcus said. "I just want to get my music out there."

"I'm super proud of him," Tom said. "I sure wasn't writing music like him when I was that age."

Marcus' can be heard on www.reverbnation.com/marcusmeston. His official website is marcusmeston.webs.com.