Daily Inspiration: Meet Marshall Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshall Jones.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I have always been a music head. I grew up in all types of genres because my parents were big music connoisseurs. They would play stuff from Teddy Pendergrass, The Doors, Mahalia Jackson, Stan Getz, and more. You name it; they probably had it in their cassettes, 8 tracks, and records collection. Then when you factored in Hip Hop and the birth of Video Music Box, Rap City, Yo MTV Raps, Club MTV, The Grind, and MTV’s Amp, it was enhanced. This significantly impacted me as I started understanding and appreciating music.

By the time I graduated in 1999 from Riverside High School (Durham, NC), I had discovered my love for the Rave culture. I ran and was part of a B-boy/girl crew, and we began promoting the Wednesday event, Radiance, out of the legendary Gotham Nightclub (Chapel Hill, NC). As time passed, I became more in-depth with Electronic Music in general. Eventually, this led me to become a DJ. So practicing hard and staying true to the roots of the Rave community and music led me to be granted an internship with Ovum Records under Josh Wink and King Britt’s team.

In 2002, I moved to Orlando, FL, and became a student at Full Sail University. In Orlando, I worked with numerous crews and curated events at venues such as Crooked Bayou, Knock Knock, Suite B, Sky 60, and others. Also, I played with friends on our very own radio show on WPRK at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. These events and my work at Ovum in Florida led to my second internship at Large Music (Chicago, IL). Through Large Music, I was able to start playing at different events in Miami during WMC and assist in running the famous “Get Large” at SoBe Live in Miami, FL.

In 2007, I traded the sunny beaches of Florida for a move to “The Windy City,” aka Chicago, to work in the office of Large Music. There, I got guidance on the industry in a more hands-on approach through the CEO, Jeff Craven. Then I could train harder in DJing under Roy Davis Jr., Andre Harris, Colette, Julius The Mad Thinker, Gene Farris, Jask, and many more. I was eager to make a name in Chicago, so I started getting booked at numerous events and venues with my mentors. I played at Smartbar, Uptown Lounge, Zentra, Crobar, and others. Plus, I regularly played on UIC college radio and Vocolo.org.

In late 2009, I returned to Durham, NC, and linked up with my best friends Nugz and Slipstream. We worked hard, navigating the local music scene and becoming Sound Cartel. During that time, he and I successfully created one of the longest-running House music nights in Raleigh at Mosaic Wine Lounge. Then 2010, my friend in Miami and I created DanceGruv Radio. Then in 2015, Nugz and I reinvented the online radio station, which currently hosts up to 43 artists/DJs (prominent and rising) worldwide. In 2017, I joined the fantastic crew based in Durham, NC, entitled The Floor, with members Strider, the faces blur, and Marie. Currently, I am curating and hosting seasonal events under DanceGruv Radio entitled “Transmissions” and a monthly event as a part of The Floor entitled “The Floor at Rubies.” Both events are in Durham, NC.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Some of the struggles I have gone through are similar in some ways and different in others. Like all musicians, when I started, there were hurdles with getting recognition for my talents to get exposure. This meant struggles getting booked. Then once those speed bumps began to fade, more came along, such as dealing with building your name, venues, and others. I would not want it any other way because that was how I learned and continue to learn. It keeps me humble. Plus, through these struggles, you realize who your true friends are. Plus, anything worth doing takes sacrifice and hard work. If anyone in this industry says, “It is easy,” they’re lying to you.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a House Music DJ/Producer. I am most proud of my continued contributions to the House Music movement, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. I don’t look at what sets me apart from others. I focus more on what I can do to contribute positively to this art form and the community surrounding it. How are my hard work and dedication honoring those that took their time to show me the way? For me, this mindset keeps me grounded and humble.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am sure I will probably get some static for saying this, but I am not the only one who thinks this. The other thing I want readers to know is this. If you are at a show and see the DJ working hard, respect them. Whether people are dancing or not, please do not go up to them, holding up your phone to request a song. None of us go to our job and demand you do it differently, so why do that to us? It is tough to accept this behavior when we see the dance floor packed and people loving what we are doing. It is unfair to the DJ and those who paid to see them. DJs work harder than you think. We are not your personal Spotify playlist. I am not being rude; just stating facts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dancegruv.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyskosapyen / https://www.instagram.com/dancegruvradio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DANCEGRUVRADIO / https://www.facebook.com/MDJones919

Image Credits
NVTEVISUALS