Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
I am Markus Illko, a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist born in Austria and living in Los Angeles. My musical journey began with studies in classical, jazz, and
flamenco guitar both in Austria and Spain. One significant highlight in my career includes a collaborative effort with my band The String Revolution and the incredible guitarist Tommy Emmanuel on a poignant rendition of Johnny Cash’s « Folsom Prison Blues, » earning me a 2024 Grammy® Nomination. Beyond this, my musical ventures have extended into various facets of the industry, including working with guitarist Steve Stevens (from Billy Idol) on the tribute album « Crazy Train (A Tribute to Randy Rhoads). » Beyond this, I’ve had the privilege of working within various facets of the music industry, contributing to film projects like « Deliver Us From Evil » and « Monkey King, » as well as creating music for TV shows, documentaries, and commercials.I had the pleasure of working on the soundscape of the Olympic Games in Tokyo as well as creating music for numerous movies and brands such as Lamborghini and the Emmy Awards.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
I’ve drawn inspiration from a variety of fantastic musicians who’ve left their mark on me and my idea of sound. From the music of Paco de Lucía, Tuck Andress,
Vicente Amico, Tomatito to the genius of Pat Metheny, Quincy Jones, Alexandre Desplates, Keith Jarret and John McLaughling. These influences, from flamenco
to film scores, naturally coalesce in a journey guided by road signs of inspiration. The only musical roadsigns I don’t accept is STOP. Always try to always move
forward. Might sound cheesy…but I do my best to constantly try new things.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
My creative process varies based on the project. When composing, I start by sketching out the entire song with my guitar, recording melody, baseline, harmony, form, and rhythm. After letting it sit for a few days, I revisit the idea. If I still like it, I proceed with recording and adding other instruments. When collaborating with my band, we collectively listen to ideas and move forward if there’s a shared appreciation.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
Choosing a favorite is challenging, but I enjoyed creating a song for the Olympic Games in Tokyo for the Austrian team. Crafting beats from scratch using sampled
sounds of different sports equipment was a lot of fun. I unveiled this track under my alter ego, MILKOWAY AND THE DOLPHINS OF STYLE, which represents a virtual band. Another favorite is our arrangement of Johnny Cash’s « Folsom Prison Blues, » featuring the one and only Tommy Emmanuel. Recording with him was a genuine
honor, and we had the great opportunity to collaborate with the incredible John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny Cash, who served as the producer. His enthusiasm for our unique instrumental arrangement and its transformative
power was both humbling and inspiring. To infuse maximum authenticity into the recording, I seized the extraordinary opportunity to play one of Johnny Cash’s
personal guitars, a 1930s Martin. The recording process also showcased the use of Luther Perkins’ 1955 Fender Esquire, the same guitar utilized in the original
recording of « Folsom Prison Blues. » I am immensely proud to announce that I have recently received a Grammy® Nomination for « Best Arrangement, Instrumental, or A Cappella, » sharing this honor with Tommy Emmanuel, John Carter Cash, and my The String Revolution bandmates Janet Robin & Robert Luis.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
For « Folsom Prison Blues, » we flew to Nashville and recorded at CASH cabin, Johnny Cash’s personal recording studio. It’s noteworthy that he recorded his
final records in this studio. Initially a hunting cabin behind his house, Johnny Cash converted it into a recording studio. Stepping into CASH cabin is akin to
entering a museum – Johnny Cash’s personal items and photos adorn the space, and you can distinctly feel his spirit within those four walls. Recording one of his
songs alongside his son, utilizing his personal guitars, made the entire recording process exceptionally special.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
Oh, the memories are countless. I’ve had the privilege of performing in dozens of different countries, and each live performance marks a unique chapter. Whether it’s playing in venues across the USA, Canada, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Czechia, and Cyprus, or taking part in TV appearances and live radio broadcasts, the diverse styles—from classical and jazz to tango and flamenco—have provided opportunities to collaborate with amazing musicians…Collaborating with talented musicians and connecting with audiences
worldwide through diverse styles has been a humbling and enriching experience.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
Beyond music, I’m pretty hooked on water activities – surfing, sailing, and diving are my kind of downtime. It’s more than just a way to unwind; it’s a connection
with nature that seeps into my music, making me reflect on the importance of respecting wildlife. These activities aren’t just pastimes; they shape my perspective and influence my music. It’s about finding inspiration in the simplicity of the natural world and carrying that mindfulness into my creative process.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
Dream collaborations include working with Jacob Collier, Pat Metheny, or Vicente Amigo, among many others. The music industry is rich with amazing talents, and the list of dream collaborators is extensive.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
My advice to aspiring musicians is to stay true to themselves, live a little, and make music they love. Embracing individuality and allowing personal experiences to permeate the creative process leads to genuine, passionate music that resonates with audiences.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
Exciting projects are in the works, including a new album with The String Revolution and producing an album for a Jamaican Reggae artist. For those who have been following my musical journey, these upcoming projects represent a continued commitment to exploring new sounds and arrangements. Stay tuned for updates, as there’s a lot of musical magic in the making!