With the emotional intensity of songwriters such as Annie Lennox and Phil Collins, Marc Lawson delivers a strong debut performance with "These Empty Streets". Self-described as vocal-oriented, melodic piano rock, these intensely personal songs are the musical byproduct of a perfect storm of life experiences - a broken marriage, a broken family, and a broken heart. "When everything fell to pieces, I survived by turning to music. Listening to it, playing it, and, eventually, writing it", Lawson says.

Although a newcomer to songwriting, Lawson is hardly a newcomer to music…

Known to friends as a drummer in Atlanta's "open jam" music scene, he surprised many in 2006 by making the dramatic switch to front man as a singer accompanied by his piano. "Over time, the desire to express melody and harmony led me to the piano. It gives me the freedom to interpret the entire song, not just the rhythm.”

The next couple of years found him cutting his teeth learning to play and sing his favorite songs. But, he never felt confident enough to write his own music.

In 2008, that changed.

One night, he found himself at a local venue where he witnessed an open mic competition for songwriters. Inspired by the creativity of the performers, he made a deal with himself. “Just one song”, he said.

One song turned into three. Two weeks later, those three songs landed him a spot in the finals of that same competition. Now, a year and dozens of songs later, Lawson is proud to release his debut CD – “These Empty Streets”. "To me, songwriting is the ultimate coping mechanism… It allows me to transform the painful experiences of my own life into something that can be shared with others.”

“There is nothing more rewarding to me than connecting with people through music."