Armand Margjeka was born in the town of Tropoja, Albania. He describes his town as “one of the most isolated villages in an isolated country” and makes reference to the oppression and separation that was encountered under the Communist regime. Somehow, Armand got his hands on a mix tape of American rock ‘n’ roll and this sent him on a voyage of musical discovery that culminated with him moving to the United States as an exchange student at the age of 17.
Once he finished his education, Armand moved to Long Island where he worked at a ranch and began to put all of his time and money into writing and recording his songs. His recordings were noticed and Armand was initially signed on to an indie music label.
The deal, however, was incredibly one-sided and did not favor Armand at all. He needed to make a move and change direction and landed up in Birmingham, Alabama in 2008. “I thought I’d stay for a week or two,” explains Armand, “but I got a job, fell in love and started writing and recording new music.”
Through the open mic scene in Birmingham, Armand joined the alt country outfit Buffalo Black and recorded two digital EPs and an eponymous album with them. Although the music was mostly his own, the band was concentrating on American roots rock and Armand wanted to expand beyond the confines of the Americana sound.
Having spent the past couple of months recording his album, Armand is ready to step out with Margo Margo, his debut album of 10 original tracks due for release on August 9, 2011.
To mark the completion of his album and just in time for Mother’s Day, Armand is giving away a track from his upcoming album. “Momma” is a bittersweet ballad that explores Armand’s separation from his own mother for the past 10 years. It is a conversation between a mother and son, with the son explaining that “I got this thing I got to do/But I swear I’ll make it up to you/For now just look at the moon.”
To download the song, right click on the following link: “Momma” (mp3)
You can keep in touch with Armand Margjeka at his website, ArmandMargjeka.com and also via Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and Reverbnation.
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