Today we’d like to introduce you to Marché Butler.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started as a personal assistant to the CEO of Pulse Event Marketing Co. and as the executive assistant to GRAMMY Award-winning rapper/producer Big Boi (from Outkast). I worked with both companies for six years before moving from Atlanta to LA for a year and a half, where I did some freelance work for a couple of entertainment companies. At the time, BMI’s LA office was looking for an assistant in the R&B/Hip-Hop department. I applied and interviewed with the team and the VP, but the position eventually was placed on hold. A couple of months went by and I wasn’t able to lock in a full-time position, so I packed up and moved back to Atlanta. During that time, my mentor Shanti Das had moved back to Atlanta as well and started a live music event company, ATL Live on The Park. She needed some assistance booking talent and producing the event, so I joined the team and eventually became one of the Associate Producers. During that time, BMI’s Atlanta office was hiring for an entry-level position and a close childhood friend of mine who was a director at BMI referred me for the job. I got the position and a few years later was promoted to Creative Coordinator and then to my current position as Associate Director. I’ve been with BMI now for eight years.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. At one point, I had to reset and figure out if I really wanted to continue to work in the music industry. Back then, there weren’t that many music positions here in Atlanta. I would constantly reach out to my contacts to see if they were hiring or if they knew of anyone that was hiring. I would often be told, “No, not at this time.” Or I would apply for positions and I would hear that I was overqualified or that I didn’t have enough experience. That was discouraging at times. So, it was definitely a struggle securing a position in this industry.
Please tell us more about your work. What else should we know?
BMI is a performing rights organization. We pay royalties to our affiliates from our licensing agreements with businesses that use music to enhance their services. As Associate Director, I curate and produce some of our events such as the BMI Know Them Now Showcase, the annual BMI Atlanta Holiday Party, the BMI Stage at One Music Fest, #1 Dinners, community outreach programs and more. I love that we are able to connect with our affiliates and help them throughout the entirety of their careers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes, my parents and sister have been very supportive of me through this journey. My mentor Shanti Das has been a great advocate for me and has given me some great advice. And I have a circle of friends who have also been very supportive.
Originally, I thought about going into the sports business industry as a sports reporter because I love sports! When I wasn’t having any luck securing a job within the music industry, I briefly considered getting back into sports, but I felt that I had a lot to contribute to the music industry. I believed in myself and I continued to have faith.
A couple of years ago, I was sitting down with my boss, Catherine Brewton (Vice President Creative, Atlanta), for my yearly performance evaluation. We discussed my strengths, weakness and goals and I remember Catherine saying that I have “passion and heart” and “to always lead with that because that’s what matters in this industry.”
Having such a great foundation of family and friends who were incredibly supportive of my journey was encouraging and motivating. They’ve all helped me continue on my path within the music industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bmi.com
Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
