Rising Stars: Meet Marsalis Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsalis Davis.

Marsalis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My music journey started back when I was a freshman going to sophomore year of high school. That’s where I met my best friend Kevin in math tutoring. We never went to math tutoring for help at all, but mostly to look at the girls who did. In the back of the class, Kevin and I would be freestyling and make up all kinds of rhymes. That’s when Kevin had told me he actually had a recording set up at his house. From there on that’s where it started. Through the years of my adolescence, I never thought about taking music seriously until it was when I started going through a depression. Me and my mother didn’t get along so well growing up. It got to the point where I wouldn’t even speak to her. Feeling ashamed to talk to anyone about my emotions towards anything, I started taking my craft and morphing it into a passion. Songwriting started to become a major part of my life for me at this point. Knowing it was my only outlet to release and feel free, I began to become more engulfed.

Turning my only way to release my emotions into a now passion, of course I didn’t receive the same love back. When I became serious with releasing music, my family didn’t really agree with me. There was just negativity behind every complaint. “What if you don’t make it”, “How are you going to live”, “This isn’t even a real job”. It was infuriating. They didn’t even give me a chance except my grandmother. She was there for me from the beginning. She’s the one who bought me my first microphone and laptop to record on. If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be where I’m at now.

In high school, I was made fun of for the music I was putting out. I wasn’t the coolest you know, but I didn’t let that stop me at all. I was recording and mixing my sounds everyday. Releasing a new song everyday because this is the one thing I finally saw myself doing forever. Through the years, it became a bit tedious because I started to learn the business side of the music industry. That alone would have a certain artist just want to quit music entirely but I couldn’t do that at all. Surrounding myself with like-minded creatives gave me the power and strength to exceed my limits, pushing through that next threshold.

Skipping forward, I recently just finished a tour in Atlanta, GA and have been given a distribution deal by Authentic Empire (one of the major labels in the music industry). Since then, I’ve opened up for many artists such as Tory Lanez for example.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Receiving the support from your family. Trying to convince them about how serious you are about your passion even though it’s not what they agree on. Money plays a huge part on this music journey because everything is an investment towards my craft. Whether it’s photoshoots, promotions, tours, etc. Another struggle is having time for your craft and time for your personal life. Most times, I get so caught up in what I love doing, I tend to forget I have friends, loved ones who want to see me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a music artist, songwriter, producer, and audio engineer. I’m mostly known for being the odd one. That’s what makes me stand out from the rest of the bunch. I have my own style that can’t be imitated no matter how hard you try. That’s what I’m mostly proud of. I’m proud of becoming the soul that I am now. Turning my dreams into reality each day no matter the hardships.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During Covid-19, I’ve learned that fear is a powerful weapon. Always remain you and calm at all times no matter the chaos going around. Breathe in and out process your surroundings.

Pricing:

• $100 for feature
• $200 for mixing
• $0 to be your friend

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: MarsalisDavis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyitsmartty/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyItsMartty/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyItsMartty
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/MarsalisDavisMusic
• SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/marsalisdavis

Image Credits:
Villavisuals Morbookings