born in redlands, california in 1980, marquis howell grew up in a lovely way. raised to appreciate hand-me-downs, secondhand goods & older influences, he started imitating chuck berry riffs on air guitar in elementary school to impress the girls. having little to no luck with the invisible instrument & with many promises & persuasions, his parents bought him his first guitar. marquis took lessons at the local guitar shop and as often as possible he would practice 4 or more hours a day.