We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bradd Marquis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bradd below.

Bradd, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

Yes, I have an agent who plays a crucial role in securing opportunities and ensuring fair compensation for my creative work. I initially connected with my agent in 2016 when I reached out via email to introduce The Music of Sam Cooke: Change is Gonna Come and express my vision for the show. My agent, having previously represented two Sam Cooke tribute shows, was intrigued and attended an intimate acoustic performance at Rockwood Hall in NYC.

I chose to work with her because of her deep appreciation for Sam Cooke’s legacy, their experience with similar productions, and their understanding of how to grow a show from a small concept into a full-scale experience. Likewise, I believe she decided to work with me because of my dedication, authenticity, and ability to channel the essence of Sam Cooke in both sound and spirit. She saw the potential in my performance and storytelling and took interest in helping me expand the show into something grander.

Over the years, we have worked closely together—along with my talented band—to elevate the production from a three-person show to an 11-person ensemble featuring multimedia storytelling. Her belief in my artistry has helped bring The Music of Sam Cooke to some of the most prestigious venues across the country, allowing audiences to experience not just a concert, but a transformative journey through music, history, and emotion.

Bradd, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Bradd Marquis, a singer, songwriter, musical theatre actor, event host, and brand influencer with over 20 years in the industry. Rooted in the soulful sounds of Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, and Donny Hathaway, my journey began in church, where I developed the rich, emotive sound that defines my artistry today.

I create and perform music that bridges the past and present, most notably through The Music of Sam Cooke: Change is Gonna Come, a nationally acclaimed tribute show that celebrates Cooke’s legacy and impact on the Civil Rights Movement. Beyond tributes, my original music, including my latest EP I Choose You, blends R&B, soul, Afrobeats, and funk, exploring themes of love, commitment, and personal growth.

My work extends into musical theatre, podcasting (Iron Sharpens), event hosting, and brand collaborations, all with a mission to inspire, educate, and connect. Through storytelling—whether in music, conversation, or performance—I aim to build bridges and heal hearts, leaving a lasting impact.

For more on my music, performances, and projects, visit braddmarquis.com.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can best support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem by ensuring fair compensation for their talent and work. This includes advocating for better pay structures in music sales, performances, streaming, and radio. Too often, artists are expected to work for “exposure” rather than equitable pay, and streaming services pay fractions of a cent per stream—hardly enough for most musicians to sustain a living.

To create a more sustainable system, we need:

* Fair Pay & Policy Reform – Stronger laws ensuring fair royalties from streaming platforms, radio, and digital sales. Organizations and policymakers must prioritize artists’ rights, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their contributions.

* Direct Support from Fans – Buying music, merchandise, and concert tickets directly from artists instead of relying solely on streaming. Platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and direct fan-funding can help artists maintain financial stability.

* Increased Live Performance Opportunities – Venues, festivals, and promoters should prioritize paying artists fairly for their performances rather than offering low fees or exposure-only deals.

* Brand & Business Partnerships – Corporations and brands should collaborate with creatives in ways that are mutually beneficial, ensuring artists receive compensation that reflects their influence and contribution to culture.

* Community Investment in the Arts – Schools, local governments, and businesses must invest in arts education and funding opportunities that allow emerging artists to develop their craft without financial strain.

Ultimately, art fuels culture, movements, and economies—yet artists are often the last to be paid. Shifting societal attitudes toward valuing creative work as a profession, not just a passion, is key to building a system where artists can thrive, innovate, and continue to enrich our world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came with the evolution of SOULMAN Media Group, LLC. Originally launched in 2009 as SOULMAN Music Group, LLC, our primary focus was on representing musicians, producers, and performing artists, helping them achieve national and international success. However, as the music industry changed—especially with shifts in monetization, streaming, and artist revenue models—it became clear that we needed to adapt.

Rather than staying locked into a single industry, I leveraged our deep experience in marketing, branding, and content creation to expand our services. We transitioned from solely supporting musicians to becoming a full-service media and marketing agency, working with brands, small businesses, nonprofits, and major corporations. This shift allowed us to take what we had mastered in artist promotion—storytelling, audience engagement, and creative execution—and apply it to a broader range of industries.

That pivot not only sustained our business but also positioned us to have a greater impact. Now, whether working with a Fortune 500 company or a grassroots movement, we craft content and strategies that connect, inspire, and drive results. The lesson? Adaptation is key. By staying true to our creative roots while embracing change, we turned a challenge into an opportunity for long-term growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://braddmarquis.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/braddmarquis
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/braddmarquisENT
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradd-m-jackson-7870a210/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/braddmarquis
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/braddmarquis
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/braddmarquis