Life & Work with Marlhy Murphy of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlhy Murphy.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved to LA from Dallas, Texas with a goal to build a career for myself in music. As a drummer, I started gigging when I was 7 years old, went on my first tour at 10, and signed my first development deal with a label at 12. I started learning to produce in high school and really started to dig into my artist project at 15 which has been growing and changing ever since, as well as get more into session work as a songwriter, breaking over 400 sessions. Always working to learn as much as I can, I pursued my Bachelor’s and Master’s in music to build my knowledge in drumming, music business, and film scoring.

From the beginning, I knew how much I loved music and wanted to create a diversified career for myself that would challenge me in different ways. Today, I have my artist project (Marlhy), I get to drum for a wide range of bands (Midnight Cowgirls, Phthalo, etc.), and I’m a college professor at Musicians’ Institute. I’m so grateful for the life I have and the incredible creatives I get to work with every day, and I’m always looking for new challenges that will help me grow more and sleep less.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This is said a LOT but working in music in LA, or any entertainment career path, means being told “no” often. This industry is so competitive, and there are so many incredibly talented people everywhere that you can’t take it personally, it’s just that you aren’t the right person for that job or moment. Also, I was talking about this recently with a student, but negative comments and trolls are inevitable, but are also a sign that you’re doing something right. Whenever you start to see success, there will always be negativity that comes from a place of jealousy or hoping that it will bring them attention. The other big challenge I had to overcome was recognizing when one career path wasn’t completely working for me, and sometimes just because it was right at the time doesn’t mean you will never have to adjust or pivot.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been drumming since I was five years old, so that has always been influential in my music and something I prioritize in my sound. For my own music I lean towards alternative rock but I’m influenced by classic rock, yacht rock, indie pop, jazz, metal, a little bit of everything really.
I’ve released over 60 songs for my artist project but my last two albums: “meteor” and “the thoughts that keep me up at night” have some of my favorite songs I’ve done so far. I’ve gotten to collaborate with other alt artists who really inspire me including VOILA and Kellin Quinn as well as some incredible EDM artists I’ve had the opportunity to work with like NGHTMRE, Knock2, Duke & Jones, Juelz, and Odd Kid Out.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been so fortunate over the years to work with so many amazing people who have helped me as I’ve built my career. Louis Tomlinson and Simon Cowell who signed me on that first development deal, giving me the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and talented people and helped me gain invaluable experience and insight to the music industry. I’ve had the opportunity to release my own music with crazy, talented people like Jordyn Kane, April Bender, Michael Kamerman, Aaron Blackmar, Christian Fiore, and Ben Etter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marlhy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammarlhy/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/iammarlhy

Image Credits
For black and white photo ONLY: Alex Stone