Marcus Amaker takes daily naps. He’s a dad, husband, Charleston’s first Poet Laureate, an opera librettist, and an Academy of American Poets fellow. In 2024, he was inducted into the S.C. Literary Hall of Fame and included on a list of favorite poets in America by Literary Hub and WildSam. He’s published ten books, released 43 albums of electronic music and three albums with a two-time Grammy Award winner. He’s also the graphic designer of the national bluegrass music journal, No Depression. His poetry has been recognized by The Lexington Philharmonic,  The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Washington Post, PBS Newshour, NPR, Button Poetry, American Poets Magazine, The Kennedy Center, and more. His re-written version of My Country Tis of Thee was used by the Washington National Opera for President Biden’s inauguration in 2021. His work is on two GRAMMY®-nominated albums, and he is a member of BMI and the Recording Academy.

News & updates

Book number 11

we deserve a world without war is my 11th poetry book ~ a pocket-sized project wrapped in a zine-inspired design. 17 new poems. You won’t find it on amazon or big-box sites ~ just here, in my shop and in local stores. The cover was created by Charleston, SC artist Riivo Kruuk, and the digital version includes links to audio and video performances of the poems. Made with intention. MORE INFO

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Album number 44

dust, kick, and snare is my 44th album as tape loop. I used a polyend tracker mini to make the beats. It includes samples of New York subway sounds, my daughter on an airplane, and more. Inspired by hip-hop. The cover was created by Carrie Wooden // Collage Kitsch. CHECK IT OUT

Marcus Amaker - we deserve a world without war