Memphis Music Feature: Marco Pavé

“My best advice is to build a community around and for your work and then also build community period. An artist needs people to bounce ideas off of, people in place that are going to support their large ideas.” - Marco Pavé
 

Artist in Residence at Georgetown University, Memphian Maro Pave’s latest release, 
Crossroads is out on all platforms.
 
MH: What about Memphis inspires you creatively? 
 
Marco: Memphis' deep history and constant innovation inspires my creativity. That same spirit is in me. 
 
MH: What do you love about the current Memphis music scene?
 
Marco: There are so many great Memphis artists right now, and there always has been. Currently, I am listening to Moneybagg Yo, Young Dolph, Talibah Safiya, Tayy The Pro. I like the current music scene because there are so many different styles of music being made and Memphis hip-hop is getting another spotlight moment.
 
MH: Which place gives you that Memphis vibe?
 
Marco: I have a ton of Memphis vibes! I don't want to give away too many of my secret hideouts, but I will share a few. The Second Line in Midtown has amazing food and cocktails, Chef Kelly is a favorite. My favorite alcoholic beverage would have to be the Jameson Slushie at Slider Inn. I love going horseback riding in Shelby Farms, and Kayaking as well, that park is top notch and an amazing way to get away from the hustle and bustle. My favorite quick, Memphis style street food would have to be Pap's Hot Tamales in Orange Mound and The Fry Guy food truck. That's all I'ma give y'all!
 
MH: Can you give advice for a  young artist getting started?
 
Marco: My best advice is to build a community around and for your work and then also build community period. An artist needs people to bounce ideas off of, people in place that are going to support their large ideas, and most importantly a support system to build life with, because there will be slow times and down times.  
 
MH: Do you have a quick story that changed you as an artist, a moment in time that moved the needle for you? Or a quick story on a mentor?
 
Marco: The moment that changed me as an artist would be 2017 when I really started touring and actively moving around as an indie artist. That was the hardest thing I have ever done, booking 3 tours within a year and half. It was draining, but it was also eye opening to show me that I had a valid career outside of Memphis and showed me that I could actually bring in crowds around the country. Whenever I am down on myself or feeling overwhelmed, My mentor, Leon Griffin actually reminds me of that moment to tell me how much of an accomplishment it all was and to remember that I always have those skills within me. 
 
MH: Where can we hear you?
 
Marco: Currently, I am an artist in residence at Georgetown University in DC and that's been really fun. I am always working on music and ideas so that goes hand in hand with my residency. My most recent project, Crossroads is out now on all platforms. I am laying low from performances for a while and focusing on some really exciting projects that I can't announce just yet, but when I do they will be game changers.

Check out Marco on Spotify and listen to his Crossroads EP on Bandcamp.