Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshall Locke PKA J.Marshall.
Hi Marshall , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started taking music seriously in 2021 to create an outlet to let out my intrusive thoughts. I had wrote songs in the past but there was nothing pushing me to drop other than the fact that I had something people need to hear. Shortly after I enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where I graduated in 2026 with a degree in music business.
During this time I also delivered four albums and multiple singles in just under three years totally independent. I address a lot of things in my music such as frustrations with growing up and how to talk through them on “Therapy” (Thank You for Your Patience), personal issues like the death of my good friend Baylor Bramble and how it affected me “Belief” (Marshall Law 2).
I also address some of my bad habits and much more. I’m now pursuing a career as an award winning artist and songwriter with hopes for a 2027 Grammy nomination for my latest record “Sincerely Yours”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be an independent artist in 2026 You have to have beats that stick, write good songs, shoot music videos, edit, post and promote the video, then run ads on the same video. Then you have to post daily, consistently to maintain relevance. The only way to come out on top in the current environment is by becoming so undeniably stand out that when someone is looking for a sound you the only person they can think of. And that’s my goal right now, my biggest obstacle, creating a sound you can only get from me and making it resonate with my audience. I do all of my recording and tracking. I’m working on my craft in mixing and mastering. I also have been working on producing my own beats. I still plan on working with other producers and artists, but I need to be more equipped on the creative process so I don’t have to wait for other people who can be dragging their feet for whatever reason. Everyone has a platform and everyone can be a celebrity but I don’t wanna be famous I just wanna make a living off music that I creative. If I can do that then its time well spent.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Until recently I was only known for rapping but I’m continuing to expand my catalog in a big way while still staying grounded. On my latest album “Sincerely Yours” I took an R&B approach with project. The second song “Take Your Time” is about just enjoying the way things are and not overcomplicating them… even at your own expense. Even the title of the album was a means to address the change in approach. I wanted to make a ballad about different stages of a relationship from the cupcake to the heartbreak.
As the album progresses you’ll notice the songs become more hip-hop oriented after the interlude “Life Goes Interlude”. The opening song “Same Old Me” I’m talking about the cost of success and staying true to myself- even if I don’t make it as a rapper at least I can fail knowing I flopped and didn’t give up on my dream.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
After researching, and studying artists who came before me I decided I wasn’t going to be a victim of the industry and instead be an advocate for myself and my team. So to maintain control and ownership of my ideas I started a production company Jay Marshall & Company. It started off as a talent agency where I wanted to get models paid work as I was modeling heavily at the time. When I switched gears in 2022 is when I started Certified Legends Entertainment, my independent record label, and my publishing company, More Than Dreams Publishing. These were intentional moves after seeing the effects of creating with no plan of owning what you create.
Pricing:
- Entertainment Business Consultation
- Songwriting Session/Feature
- One-on-One Writing Session
- One-on-One Business Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/jmcproductions
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likejmars
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-locke-803827207/
- Twitter: https://x.com/likejmars
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@likejmars
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/pXt6rRNi4pW5OyK5LL
