Conversations with Markel Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Markel Smith

Markel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m a DJ, Artist, and Producer going by the name FYNL, pronounced “final.” I started making music when I was in in School, back in 2015. I started off with rap and trap music and realized that all of that didn’t really make me happy. What I wanted to do was dance, listen to some weird bass and be happy while I was doing it.

Since it wasn’t making me happy, I took a break from music for a while and started focusing on english and writing when I found EDM. I was partly inspired by Techno and Trance artists with a little bit of Progressive House before listening to the dirty styles, such as Riddim and Dubstep.

I was still involved in the music scene partly, so I returned back to music, working on sound design and mixing. When I started releasing tracks I noticed not a lot of people were listening. My patience was running thin rather quickly, so I took a break and started focusing on DJing. I was working at Amazon at the time, so most of my time was spent at work. I didn’t really have time to do sets like that, and I eventually gave up, putting all music aside.

Until I saw the 100 Gecs Boiler Room set.

They used a small DJ Controller that was as big as someone’s hand. I had a controller at least twice that size and more than enough songs in my repertoire to allow me to move a crowd. So I brought back out my DJ equipment and set it up. I began DJing again.

It was really fun to do on my off time, so I started doing it more and more, mostly by myself, then I began recording them. I uploaded a few mixes on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Mixcloud. I haven’t started doing it everyday yet, but I have set up plans to do it more often than just once or twice a week.

I’m slowly working my way back into music production. Alongside college, working, and the DJ sets I have to really make time to do it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been smooth, no. If anything, it’s been a fighting battle. Usually with mental health. Like, you would make something, put it out there, and your mind would immediately pivot towards the numbers. I kept messing up by thinking all of those numbers matter each and every time I make something new. They don’t. But that didn’t stop the mental struggles.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize mostly in DJing at this point. I can make original music, but I DJ a lot more. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. As of right now, I’m looking to find live venues and locations that would be happy to have a DJ perform.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Firstly, I want to say to those that are thinking that they aren’t good enough for something, you’re just as good as the next person. Everyone can do anything. If one person can do it, that’s evidence that you can too. It may take time, but that’s all we have at the end of the day. Use that time to learn, try, practice, mess up, and learn from your mistakes to make you better.

Secondly, I want to say that everyone starts off differently. You may not have what everyone else has, but that creates an opportunity to learn and experiment even more. Have less improves your creativity.

Pricing:

• 1 hr Set: $300
• 2 hr set: $500
• 3o min set: $150

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/fynlofficial
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fynlofficial
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/fynlofficial
• Twitter: https://x.com/fynlofficial
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fynlofficial
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/fynlofficial
• Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/Fynlofficial/