By Allison Lozada—

NJCU’s alumnus Marquis Anthony, aka NIGHTLIGHT, from Jersey City will be performing and opening for dance pop artists Dev and Outasight at Crocodile Rock in Allentown, PA on Wednesday May 2nd.

NIGHTLIGHT gave credit to his NJCU academic career for his musical talent. “Whenever [I] sing a note or pick up an instrument I’m reminded of just how much studying music at NJCU helped me become the musician I am today.” He also admitted that because of NJCU, he became more fluent in the language of music.

When it comes to his inspirations for his songwriting he is very affected by emotions. “I find myself most inspired by feelings and moods,” said NIGHTLIGHT, “I’ll hear a song or watch a movie and feel something very strong and vivid and [decide] to create music that evokes that same feeling.” Although emotions are the main influence, they are not his only muse. NIGHTLIGHT added, “a look a girl gives me on the street, a phrase from a book I’m reading, the way the grass smells after that rain,” are other inspirations.

Although Dev and Outasight can be considered mainstream pop, NIGHTLIGHT’s influences are in a different genre. NIGHTLIGHT seeks out Prince when looking to invigorate himself. “He has a timeless sound, he’s one of my heroes.” Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins also helps motivate him because, “Seeing Billy Corgan as this do-it-all, write-it-all front man, who still seemed vulnerable and human, really made me feel that a career as a performer in music was possible.”

The performance is specifically important to NIGHTLIGHT because “it’s the very first live Nightlight show ever.” He continued to explain, “I feel very thankful that I get to share these songs and this performance with Dev’s and Outasight’s fans.”

While talented artists such as Prince and the Smashing Pumpkins lead his big dreams, he also acknowledged his mentor and high school music teacher Rod Shepard. “[He] taught me volumes worth of information on the music industry, songwriting, arranging, [and] performing… he was an integral part of my development as an artist,” said NIGHTLIGHT. He also looked to his manager, Nick Schlatmann, for guidance. “Nick really helped me kickstart my career… He’s a networking genius and really amazing at what he does.”

With all the musical experience NIGHTLIGHT has had, he is fully confident he will succeed in the music industry. “One year from now I see myself performing at the MTV’s VMAs (Video Music Awards) [and] hopefully nominated for Best New Artist,” said NIGHTLIGHT and also adding, “Five years from now I see myself headlining a world tour.”

NIGHTLIGHT shares advice to NJCU campus encouraging them to follow their dreams, especially if they are pursuing music. “From your first day as a freshman you should be forming bands outside of school, going to New York to see musicals, operas, and plays. [Have] your face seen and your voice heard by as many professionals as possible.” He also added, “This business and this world are all about meeting people. Combine your knowledge with a world class work ethic and the people will seem to find you.”

NIGHTLIGHT’s latest collaboration is with a surprising artist, “When Nick first told me that King DMC called himself a ‘huge fan of NIGHTLIGHT,’ I knew I was on the right path… my jaw hit the floor and I couldn’t stop smiling for weeks,” admitted NIGHTLIGHT.

To listen to NIGHTLIGHT music just visit the iTunes store or follow him on youtube.com/nightlightofficial. facebook.com/nightlightofficial, and twitter.com/nightlightitup

He leaves us with his mantra, “Set goals that are big enough to inspire you to face each and every day with passion and ambition.”