Guitarist and producer Kerry Marshall proves that hard work, passion and love can pay off
If you’re slightly into music as much as I am, imagine my ears when I first heard musician, Kerry Marshall’s latest single, Puppy Love which is rhythmatic bliss at its finest. This ten-minute track pays homage to Snarky Puppy as Marshall has been a fan of the jazz ensemble for over 5 years.
“I had an opportunity to sit with {Snarky Puppy} when they came to Birmingham and ever since then I have gravitated towards them,” Marshall said.
While the jazz ensemble Snarky Puppy may have played an influential part in Marshall’s career and sound, he also looks up to the group for their work ethic that has led them to win a Grammy in 2014 for their song Something for the category of Best R&B Performance.
“They were a really big inspiration for me as a musician and I just really wanted to show that love back as I have seen them grind,” said Marshall.
While Snarky Puppy has risen to the top in their career as a band unit, Marshall has also risen to the top in his own right through hard work and dedication. Marshall’s commitment to music led him and his band to pack up and move across the country from Birmingham, Alabama all the way to California.
“When I first moved to LA four years ago, my band and I packed up everything and rented a U-Haul and made that journey. We crashed at a friend’s studio apartment until we got on our feet and crossed into the industry,” said Marshall.
Crossing into the industry for Marshall and his band mates meant playing in local churches for as little as $50, but it would later pay off bigger than the group and Marshall could imagine.
Marshall’s hard work and dedication would later lead him to playing on stage with the likes of R&B artists Tyrese, Jason Derulo, Chrisette Michele, Michelle Williams and host of other great artists.
“Honestly, it’s a dream come true! It’s your dream, but you don’t ever think you’ll actually be on stage with some of these people. I use to cover all of their songs when I was first starting out but I never thought in a million years that I would actually be on tour or on stage playing with these artists,” said Marshall.
The icing on the cake for Marshall is not only has he played and shared the stage with many great artists, but he has also been endorsed by four guitar companies.
“It’s definitely a blessing. To have a guitar company reach out to you and let you know they would like to offer you an artist discount or add you to their roster is a blessing.” said Marshall.
Marshall is definite proof that hard work pays off, and that it pays to stay consistent with your talent and work ethic.
His latest single, Puppy Love is currently available now on all major streaming services.
To stay up to date with Kerry Marshall, visit his social media at:
Instagram: kerry2smooth
Twitter: kerry2smooth
Facebook: Kerry Marshall