Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlon Patton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was raised in a crazy, musical family. My parents, both in the film business, had a band called the Rocking Peters and my earliest memories of playing music were staying up at their parties on Coventry Rd in Decatur jamming with their friends. They set me up with really good influences and I began playing to Zeppelin recordings as much as possible.
My family moved to Clayton, a small town in northeast Georgia, for my high school years. I hated it at first but then started joining rock, punk and ska bands. With a lack of places to play, I began starting my own shows. I’d rent out the old Dillard City Hall, get a permit, rent a PA and host 4 local bands. People came because there was literally nothing to do. During this time period, my dad had a bunch of lumber that he got for cheap off a movie set and he built a small studio space attached to our house. I saved up and bought a small mixing console and an ADAT digital tape machine. I was 15 and recording local bands and making my own music.
When it came time to decide on college, I ended up going to UGA in Athens, GA. This would be my first time having formal lessons on the drums and it really opened up my mind. At the same time, music theory was baffling. I couldn’t really read music and had no idea what was happening but was thrown into it and forced to learn quickly.
In school, I met some very influential teachers and mentors. Teachers like Steve Dancz, Arvin Scott, Tony McCutchen, and musicians (also teachers in their own way) Carl Lindberg, David Nelson, Dan Nettles, Robby Handley, Kevin Hyde, Darren Stanley, Dwayne Holloway and many others. Athens was a great place to be immersed in such a thriving local music scene.
After spending 6 years in Athens, I left for Atlanta. I spent a year in a rental place and then bought my house in Tucker. The house was purchased with a studio space in mind; since I am terrible at naming things, I just settled on the name “Marlon’s House”. As the years passed, walls went up, vocal booths were built, a grand piano was purchased and tons of gear acquired. Over time, my place became a comfortable space for many Atlanta musicians to record. In addition to playing in bands, doing session work and touring internationally, the studio has stayed very busy as well.
Has it been a smooth road?
I am a working musician, so no, it absolutely has not been a smooth road. Some of the obstacles along the way include: working my ass off with 7 other dudes basically living in a van for months at a time, only to get paid next to nothing; having to constantly defend my artistic integrity; losing loved ones; and trying to survive in a capitalist society that doesn’t value art as it should. But I am optimistic.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Marlon’s House story. Tell us more about the business.
My business/company is me. Marlon’s House is my studio but it’s only a part of the whole. I am lucky to have a fairly constant flow of very creative and talented clients that come through my studio, my own artistic endeavors and many freelance calls. I like to think people find me easy going and fun to work with. Behind the scenes, I put in the time and am always as prepared as possible. I think I’m good at making connections and making people feel comfortable.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I came into being a professional in the music industry at a strange time. My upbringing and schooling prepared me for one thing, then the internet hit and burst the recorded music industry bubble. I think we are all still figuring out what the new model is as far as recorded music.
Personally, I would like to move towards a trend of being more of an artist and less of a sideman. I always wanted to be a studio ace growing up. The kind of drummer that could come into any major studio and nail a take. I’ve had the opportunity to do this on high levels and it’s been extremely rewarding and gratifying.
However, these kinds of gigs aren’t as prevalent as they were when there was a thriving music industry. I see it moving more in the direction of bands and groups that have chemistry rather than a single front person and some studio musicians backing them.
Contact Info:
- Website: marlonpatton.com
- Instagram: @marlonpatton
- Twitter: @marlonpatton
Image Credit:
Drew Stawin, Aaron Schorch
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