Met while studying
Sonata and Mantas Markushenko met in 2013 while studying music pedagogy at Šiauliai University. Sonata was already studying, and a year later, Mantas started his studies.
“As soon as they saw each other, there was a huge sympathy. And only later did we hear each other,” Sonata reveals.
This is how the duo of two were born in life and on stage. Now it is really difficult to say what was the first: whether love or music. Perhaps the factors have traveled together, so Sonata boldly says that music has connected them. Mantas wrote songs since his teenage years, and Sonata dreamed of singing, so the duo “Marsa” was very natural.
Marsa. What is it?
The most loyal followers of the Marsa band know what’s “encoded” in the band’s name: it turns out the word has nothing to do with Mars planet, or with the saying that men come from Mars and women from Venus. The real origin of the Marsa group name: the first letters of the names of Sonata and Manto duo: Markushenko and Sakalauskaitė. According to Sonata, there was no need for a long name, and the thought -born thoughts are still fascinated and have a mystery, so they often get questions about the origin of the group’s name.
Marsa group
He is creating, and she does … does not interfere with
The author of the band’s music and song lyrics is Sonata’s spouse Mantas.
„Often I find out about the written work when Mantas has already started to create it. During the creative process, I did not disturb him, I am not distracted by his thoughts: I just stumble upon what the song is about and what it was about. When Mantas finishes to make a song, we immediately take parties and sing without waiting. Since we have been singing a duet for 12 years, no need for words, sometimes we have a gaze or head nod and we already know what to do: we feel so strongly, ”says Sonata.
Marsa – I can (2025) a song here:
The new song will surprise more than one
The duo presents the latest song “I can” to their loyal fans and future listeners, which turns out to be one of the first songs that Mantas has written and which it is only time to be heard.
“The new song is quite different: both stylistics, energy and lyrics. Although the song was written by Mantas in his teens, it is perfect for today’s freedom, requiring individuality and understanding.
Video Filming Moment/Video “I Can”
The lyrics of the song: “You don’t stop me because I can” summarize the whole idea of the piece. In this song, we are different from usual – not romantic and in love as other songs so far, but powerful, strong and demanding to hear us, “says Sonata. Not only spouses, but also multiple European and world karate champion, Šiauliai karate club Katana coach Lukas Urbonas and popular churches.
Sonata Markušenkienė
The video was directed by Dangiras Augulis, special effects Davidas Tamulis and Sainor Sakalauskas took care of Grimantė U.Sidarienė, and one of the best music producers in Lithuania – Paulius Jasiūnas. “I am very pleased that the whole team of professionals has contributed to the implementation of the idea and helped convey the main idea of our work that if you wish, nothing will stop you,” Sonata believes.