Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dave Marx. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dave, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
One of the biggest trends I notice in the music industry is the rise of independent artists. It’s a big shift from the days when sharing your music with the world required the support of major record labels.
Now that we have tools like DistroKid, TikTok, YouTube, and the countless others that exist – Independent artists have unprecedented access to create, share, and market their music. Overall I think it is a positive change, but it does come a new set of challenges that artists need to navigate. They’re not just musicians; they’re also their own managers, marketers, and publicists. They have to oversee every aspect of the release process, from production to promotion.
Being independent doesn’t mean you have to work alone, or do everything by yourself. It means building your own network of partners and collaborators who share your vision. It takes a ton of work, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for artists to create on their own terms, and is changing the music industry as we know it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Dave Marx, a music producer based in Los Angeles.
My mission is simple: Help artists and creators. I guide artists from the spark of their first idea to the moment they approve the final master. Whether you’re an emerging artist with a dream or a well-established brand in need of the perfect sound, I’m here to assist.
My services span a wide spectrum. I offer in-studio recording and production, primarily working out of esteemed studios like Playback Los Angeles and Atlantic Records Studios. I also have access to a plethora of top-quality studios across the LA area, ensuring that the creative environment is tailored to your specific needs.
I’m deeply passionate about co-writing and custom composition. I love crafting original pieces that resonate with the message and vision of my clients. I also provide mixing and mastering services to elevate your music to a professional standard.
Additionally, I offer music supervision and scoring, helping companies and artists find the perfect musical accompaniment for their projects. Whether it’s a powerful film score or a curated playlist for a brand’s campaign, I bring a blend of artistic sensibility and technical expertise to the table.
My specialty and favorite thing to do is guide artists through the creative journey of developing full EPs or albums. I understand that it’s not just about individual songs; it’s about the cohesive narrative that an album can tell. I collaborate closely with artists to weave together a piece of work that realizes their vision. Together, we can turn your ideas into realities.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a music producer is helping artists articulate their message and share it with the world. I love taking an idea that an artist is genuinely excited about, an idea they’ve seen in their mind’s eye, and working together to develop and polish it. I find the most joy in the collaborative process, helping artists bring their creative vision to life and turning it into a tangible work of art.
How’d you meet your business partner?
One of the greatest blessings I’ve had so far in the music business is amazing partnerships. Each of my main business and creative partnerships was formed through some sort of ‘Universal Kismet.’
One key partnership that has significantly impacted my career is with Sian McMullen. It all began when we teamed up to record an album in 2019. Little did we know that this would mark the start of a creative partnership that continues to this day. She has taught me so much about engineering and the music industry, we’ve co-written and co-produced many of my favorite songs together, and the synergy between us in the studio is magical.
Another serendipitous partnership is my collaboration with the artist Balou. I stumbled upon his music as a recommendation on my Spotify playlist in March 2020. I reached out to him through Instagram, and that initial connection has led to the creation of hundreds of songs. Our most recent project, ‘Somebody’s Popstar,’ is a testament to what happens when creative minds come together and believe in each other.
I also cherish my partnership with Michael Sciortino, my animation and video partner. This partnership came via an introduction from an old college friend. We had our first virtual meeting in 2020, and have worked together on a weekly basis ever since. We met over 100 times virtually before we ever even got the chance to meet in person. You can see some of mine and Michael’s work at ArtyMasters.com
Jono Richer is my rockstar partner – our paths first crossed in a session organized by Sian in late 2021. Since then we’ve become production and composition partners – first making songs together with Sian and Balou. Lately we have been focused on custom composition for TV, Film, Commercials, and Brands. He is an expert level guitar player, musical director, and producer and some of my favorite music I’ve ever made in my life has been with Jono in these past two years.
While I am an independent music producer, I firmly believe that independence doesn’t mean you have to work in isolation. It means assembling a team that empowers you to reach new heights. One of my favorite sayings is: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ With this remarkable crew of creative minds, I’m eagerly looking forward to ascending to the summit of the music and creative industry. Together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davemarxmusic.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/davemarxmusic
Image Credits
Logan Poe (@poe.logan), Jesse Howard (@peterxpvn), Wes Leslie (@wesleslie)