(June 5, 2025) On the reality show America’s Got Talent, musicians and other non-music acts audition before the judges, many of them representing countries outside the U.S., to follow their lifelong career dreams. While Stanislav Markevich has yet to appear on the long running TV showcase, the singer/songwriter/producer, better known as Mark Evich, knew choosing classic soul and R&B lacked music marketing opportunities in his home country of Russia.
Yet, instead of hitting the A.G.T. giant stage, Evich set up his own shop by singing, songwriting and production, releasing several singles and an E.P., along with playing gigs at NYC’s legendary The Bitter End. And First Listen showcased two of those singles, including “Pressure,” documenting the woes of trying to get noticed for his R&B work of art.
Turning to our latest First Listen, “Miss Demeanor” cuts to the quick about a steamy romance addiction delivered with suave neo-soul. Evich recruits Blue Note Records artist Brandon Woody, to drop some “in the moment” jazz trumpet solos and honors D’Angelo with his smooth falsetto and vocal swagger. Very similar to the storyteller pattern of his previous single, “Rendez-Vous” about another romantic fascination, Evich aims to win his lady over for good:
“Look, I just know that you’ve been tryna
Get close to me girl
It’s alright, it’s alight, it’s alright
We can take our time
Tell your toxic boyfriend that he’s done
Tell them that you finally found the one.”
Evich also tosses in some delectable guitar bits in sustaining the sexy and the soul. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
