Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Marciano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Christopher, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
This year marks my 5 year anniversary of being an artist and needless to say it has been quite a journey. As people know, I started as a songwriter over 10 years ago writing for both local and international artists. I always knew that facing this path of being an artist was not going to be easy, but I decided to take it regardless. In the beginning, I felt like I was doing everything right. I booked over 18 shows during my first two years, travelled to perform and was part of something that I knew I would never forget. To say I was experiencing happiness, was an understatement.
As the years proceeded, I struggled with understanding whether I was good enough for this industry. I found myself booking gigs that I knew would probably be a bad idea and some ended up being such a beautiful experience, but others left me wondering if this is for me.
I balance careers with also being an assistant principal and it can present itself to be challenging to be an artist because of the late hours. So naturally, at times I had thoughts of just leaving music altogether when I am faced with these negative experiences.
There was a time where I was booked to perform at a show and everyone knows I am a very organized and planned driven person. So, when I did not receive information about the show for weeks (time of performance, how long my set is, promotional flyers), I told myself I should just withdraw my acceptance to perform. Since I committed, I saw it through. On the night of the performance, I arrived early as I usually do, offered my assistance with setting up their event and greeted everyone politely. The organizer of the event was not the friendliest. I was the first artist to arrive and the last to do a sound check. My sound check was also cut short due to the show starting. I did not say anything because I can understand the pressure an organizer must go through during the day of a show, but that night was proving to be quite draining.
I did not know when I was supposed to perform until I finally found someone that had a list that was not previously shared. Some organizers do this to prevent artists and guests to arrive at a certain time, however I just needed something to eat since I have been there for a while. When it was finally time for me to get on stage, the organizer introduced me and the introduction that was said left an impression on me that ultimately made me decide to not work with this organization again. Their statement sounded like I was added on last minute and overall it was a little condescending. Needless to say it was unprofessional.
Hearing this right before heading on stage truly affected my performance. I thought I did a terrible job and was a little emotional afterwards. People who know me and have worked with me, know that I am the easiest and most considerate person. There just needs to be a level of understanding where people see how much work us independent artist put into everything we do.
Here I am, a little after midnight on a weekday feeling this way, knowing that I have work in a few hours and I thought to myself…I don’t want to do this anymore. I thought, why am I doing this?
If this wasn’t something that I truly loved and if I didn’t have the support system that I do, I knew that night was going to be it.
Christopher, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have always had a passion for music, but started professionally around 2008. A developing A&R enlisted me to work with one of his artists that was based in Holland. I travelled with them and found myself in the studio for the first time developing lyrics for her songs. During this process, I took every opportunity to soak it all in. I learned as much as I could about contracts, collaborations and the business side of the industry.
Years later, I began writing for several artists who lived in Florida. I worked closely with another independent artist named Paul Adey. Together, we started creating several masterpieces and even entered a songwriting contest in 2014. After several weeks, we ended up winning the contest which allowed us to collaborate with Dawn Richard from Danity Kane on the song we created. She ended featuring on the song (Hush – Paul Adey featuring Dawn Richard) and I was also given the opportunity to meet her.
I continued on being a songwriter, but chose to go into artistry in order to become a stronger songwriter. I wanted to understand what an artist went through on a daily basis and wanted to understand algorithms and promotion a lot more.
In 2017, FIVE YEARS AGO, I released my first single, “Runaway”. I continued to release several singles and was also given the opportunity to perform one of my songs (Stubborn featuring Jozea from Big Brother) on Rupaul’s Dragcon Show in New York City. Last year, I was blessed to release my first album called, Transparency. This album featured songs such as, “All of Me” with the amazing Candice Boyd and fan favorite “Discussion”.
Everything I do and have released is focused on mental health. Either an experience that I have gone through and have overcome or a music video displaying the light at the end of the tunnel.
I also released a merchandise line that is more than just merchandise. I wanted to create something that someone could wear and feel good about themselves. This is when I developed, “Reason By Christopher Marciano”. When I was going to give up on music, my family and friends served as my Reason. So, I created this line so that when I wear that shirt or hat, I am constantly reminded of that reason and I continue to push through. This line is also encouraging others to go out there and be the reason why others overcome their battles. Whether you purchase one for yourself or gift it to someone else, this serves as a reminder that there is a Reason why you are here, there are people who believe in you that serve as a reason why you will get through whatever battle you are going through.
I am so proud of what I have developed so far as a gay, black and independent artist. I recognize that I have a long way to go, but to say that I have travelled to multiple states, worked with amazing artists and had my music played in different countries such as Dubai, Brazil, and Denmark!? I am so proud that I was able to do this without a label.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Being very honest, I was fronting the funds for all of my projects. We are talking…thousands and thousands of dollars towards studio time, producers, music videos and performances.
Having another career like I do allows you to put money into your craft while not having many concerns of how much you are spending and where it is going. This year, I realized that I need to change that. This is something I am still working on, but encourage others to do so – track every penny. Even if you create a little excel spreadsheet that contains where your money is going. Also, having a monthly or annual budget would be wise. I know, I know…having a budget is not ideal, but especially as an independent artist, you will drive yourself crazy putting all of your money into everything.
Being completely transparent, I faced an unexpected health concern this year that resulted in multiple surgeries and procedures. This forced me to delay some of the plans I had in order to recover and to pay off these medical bills.
As a virgo, I am naturally a planner – so you already know that this drove me crazy, but it needed to be done. I do not feel the pressure of having to release the next single or project (that’s a lie…the pressure is still lingering in the back of my mind haha)…but I have accepted that some plans will not always come into fruition and that is okay (especially when you are independent).
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I have a checklist of things I want to do in life and it is crazy to know that a lot of them have been completed. I want to say that I have tried everything that I have been interested in and if it does not work out then it does not work out. As an artist, of course I see a grammy, performing at award shows and collaborating with the greats.
I also have goals of appearing on film, writing books, creating performance shows, fashion shows and so much more. I did not imagine that my life would be where it is today and that made me realize that I should not limit myself to the idea that I can only do one or two things. I am going to try it all and hope you guys stick around to see how it works out. :)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/MarcianoMusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcianomusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcianoMusicOfficial
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcianomusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpeBRfqkFZi3eZv_DFN_uXQ/featured
- Other: Reason IG: https://www.instagram.com/reasonbycm/ Website is facing a re-model: Christophermarciano.com and Christophermarciano.com/reason relaunch: August 2022
Image Credits
Paul Adey Unknown.Vision LayirdMusic