Rising icon Young Marco chats on domestic violence awareness single, career goals
Everyone knows that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month because it is the most publicized epidemic that goes on within our communities, media, and social media. However, October also bleeds purple. Purple stands for “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”, and it often times gets swept under the rug among many adults, so why expect our youth to pay attention to it. This is why rising East Coast artist Young Marco decided to make awareness to the issue through his single, “Gone Long Gone”. Young Marco is definitely wise beyond his years and is just what our community, as well as our youth, as a whole need.
I recently sat down with Young Marco during a brief phone interview where he discussed his own personal experience with domestic violence as well as his career plans in music.
What inspired you to emerge into a music career?
Honestly, sounds and the people around me. I was raised in a generation that was in-depth in music where we would come up with new sounds, and it just really got my attention. So I decided that I should do this.
What type of impact do you want to have through your music?
If I can compare my career to someone else’s career before mine, I’d say Michael Jackson touches many people. I would like to by when you I look you, you cry because my music has touched you that much. I want to leave a huge impact by touching as many people as possible. I want to let kids know that whatever you want to do, you can do it if you put your mind to it.
You’re currently on tour supporting your domestic violence single “Gone Long Gone”, what inspired you to write that track?
There were so many domestic violence cases that were going on and then you had Brooke Axtell speaking on it at the Grammys, although the song was already out at that time. I had someone in my life that I witnessed go through this issue, so I was like ‘Yo, I should write this down on paper.’ I’m young and a lot of young people do go through it, but because I witnessed it, I felt like it was something that people do not speak on a lot because they are nervous or feel like someone else is going to bring them down about the situation. So I decided that since I’m young and kids listen to me and they are in control right now, that I should speak on it.
Nice! Will this single be on your upcoming album Tell the World?
Yes it will. It most definitely be on the EP.
What do you want the listeners to take from your EP?
Honestly, just life situations. The album is filled with so much fun and creativity. I want the listeners to know that we are here to love.
Cool. Did you work with anyone in particular on this album?
I didn’t do any features. Since it is my first album I didn’t want to bring anyone else in on it, but I did co-write with Eric “Cire” Crawford, an amazing producer and song writer. He has worked with several people, such as K. Michelle, Mariah Carey, and several others. I’m just honored to work with him as well as to bring him on to the project.
You were named the 2015 BET Music Matters Recording Artist. How was that experience?
I loved it! I was actually able to perform during their showcase. They showed me so much love. BET and their team are amazing! From the second I got to New York to the time that I left, I was shown so much love. I’m just honored to be apart of that culture and environment.
Nice! So when you get a little free time, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to box. I like to sew. I love to ride my hoover board around and chill with family.
What are looking forward to in the upcoming year for your career?
This EP! I’m excited about dropping this project. That is main focus right now, that and walking into several more endorsement deals.
How can people keep in touch with you?
You can keep in touch with me on all social media platforms @iam_youngmarco and my website www.iamyoungmarco.com. When I release my EP I’m going to release a number for fans to call and speak to me. I’m not very active on social media, I’m not that much into it, so I’d rather talk to them one-on-one to really touch them.
Is there anything else that you want to leave our readers with?
Yes! For the kids that are reading this, stay in school. And JAG LIFE. That’s my fan club. If you’re a powerful individual and you love what you do, you move by yourself and you don’t need a group of people around you telling you that you can be great. JAG LIFE=Just A Genius!