Multi-Platinum Producer | Composer | Music Executive
Artist Development Specialist | Musician | Songwriter | Life Coach
My name is Marcus "Churchboi" Askew. I was born in Mooresville, North Carolina, United States. But I grew up in various cities such as Mooresville North Carolina, Knoxville Tennessee, and Milwaukee Wisconsin.
Since the early 2000s, the TV and film industry has seen many talented individuals position themselves as major players on the mainstream front. I carved out a name for myself as a super-producing powerhouse and TV/film composer. During the fall of 2009, as a Grammy Award-winning composer and pianist I gained experience as a session musician with Grammy-award-winning musicians and writers. My success is no coincidence. Be it my previous work with well-respected musicians, or my now flourishing career as a producer, there are many reasons that you should know about me and my (gift) music. My journey into the music industry began when I met rapper Yung Joc at a gas station in Atlanta, Georgia. I have always wanted to become a producer, but I was afraid to take the chance. My desire to further my music career only intensified when Yung Joc asked me for some beats during our encounter at the gas station.
“I gave him my number and I guess he really liked what I had to offer because I got a call from him that night asking for more beats.”
I also ghost-produced two Grammy-nominated albums and teamed up with the super production team Urban Rockstarz. The collaboration pushed me to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles, California, where much of my success is currently based. I garnered over 150 TV/film placements for major networks such as VH1, BET, MTV. I also did the theme song for the hit TV show R&B Divas LA. My astounding credentials speak for themselves. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Music Technology, a Master’s degree in Sociology and Divinity with a concentration in Spiritual Outreach, and a doctorate in Music Interpretation with a specialization in Self-Actualization. I specialize in music composition, music production, composing songs, piano techniques, and overall music architecture. Due to my solid reputation in the industry, I have received quite a bit of buzz within the industry by word-of-mouth referrals and client testimonials. In the past, I have been blessed to have featured in a wide range of mainstream news outlets including FOX, CBS, and NBC. As a result of cultivating my expertise and skills, I cultivated my own personal brand, allowing me to succeed both in the film and television industry.
If you do a great job with one artist, it is likely they will tell their friends, family, and even colleagues when asked. People will typically choose a brand/person that has been recommended by someone they trust, over a brand/person without that personal connection, I just want people to know that I’m out here doing it and having fun. Fame is not a priority, but I am trying to do something positive for my community. Successful people are enjoying themselves. They’re focused on what they want and living their dreams.
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them?
Some hurdles I went through were sacrificing my convenience just to gain an internship, I slept in my car outside the studio just to hopefully get someone’s attention and getting breakfast for all the artists I saw coming in and out the studio daily. I learned to get over what other people think, but it took me a while to overcome this challenge. When your sense of pleasure and satisfaction are derived from comparing yourself to others, you are no longer the master of your own destiny. While it’s impossible to turn off your reactions to what others think of you, you don’t have to hold up your accomplishments to anyone else’s, and you can always take people’s opinions with a grain of salt. That way, no matter what other people are thinking or doing, your self-worth comes from within.
Advice to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally? The best advice I can give anyone is to never quit. The only difference between dreamers and people who make their dream a reality, is the drive to never give up. I believe and understand that success is about passion, creating your path, delighting at the moment, and achieving excellence.
Social Media Handles: Instgram: marcus_churchboi Twitter: Marcus812
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. - Matthew 6:33
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