Photography Satin Heart
Hailing from Atlanta’s Southside, DEADonMARRS is a 21-year-old rapper and singer whose journey has been a testament to resilience, growth, and inspiration in the music industry. DEADonMARRS passion for music began at the early age of five years old. He grew up spending a lot of time in the studio with his father who is also an artist and began learning the intricacies of music and recording. It was clear that he had the creativity, drive, and passion to follow the same path, and began experimenting to find his sound in his early adolescence, building a fanbase and recognition under the name MetroMarrs before signing to his first label at just 17 years old. Now entering adulthood, and having experienced the challenges and growth in coming of age, MetroMarrs has rebranded himself for his next era of music under the name DEADonMARRS. The symbolic transition marks a transformative chapter for him as a young artist ready to step into a difficult industry even if that means he's not the same person anymore. This evolution not only reflects his creative maturation but also underscores his personal development and journey towards self-discovery. Backing him on his new path is esteemed record label Sincethe80s, known for its roster of acclaimed artists such as J.I.D and Grammy-nominated duo EARTHGANG.
How would you describe the evolution of your sound from your early work to the music you're creating now as DEADonMARRS?
DEADonMARRS: I would describe the sound as more experimental during the very early stages of me first making music, just because I didn’t know what I wanted to convey in a song yet. Now I definitely know my lane. I aim to make alternative/hip hop music that people can relate to.
Fashion often plays a significant role in an artist's image. How does your personal style influence your music ?
DEADonMARRS: Style and image play a big part in being an artist. You want your look to match your sound and everything to be authentic. Sometimes you can tell what type of music a person likes by the way they dress. When I first started making music, I was influenced by artists like Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, Juice WRLD, and Trippie Redd, all having that hip-hop/punk look. So, that’s what I tried to imitate while in high school. It just stuck with me ever since.
How do you decide what aspects of your life to incorporate into your music, and how do these choices reflect your personal style as an artist?
DEADonMARRS: The aspects of my life that I incorporate into my music are often personal experiences I went through with a girl, or my past life and my efforts to overcome those challenges. Sometimes, it’s about turning up on the people who doubted me on this musical journey. I’d say these choices definitely reflect my personal style as an artist because the mood of these scenarios is consistent. It makes my style more moody and dark, although it can also be vibrant at times.
What are some non-musical influences that have shaped your creative style and approach to making music?
DEADonMARRS: Living in the Bronx, New York, has definitely influenced me. I had just come from Atlanta and was only in third grade, but the diversity of New York made a big impact on me with its style of music, food, and cultures. It felt refreshing to see something new and different from where I came from.
As you continue to grow and evolve as an artist, how do you see your personal style and creative vision developing in the future? Are there any new influences or directions you're excited to explore?
DEADonMARRS: I see my personal style and creative vision broadening in both the fashion and music industries. Some new influences for me are Pharrell and A$AP Rocky; their taste in fashion and music is phenomenal. One day, I want to have my own fashion line like Rick Owens and feature the best models from around the world in my shows. That’s one of my lifetime goals. I’m also excited to branch out and model for other big brands.
Your journey in music started at a very young age, influenced by your father. How did growing up around music shape your aspirations and your sound today?
DEADonMARRS: I genuinely loved being in the studio at a young age with my dad. I always had a passion for music. When I discovered I had a knack for it, I didn’t know much about the business side, but the love for music was enough for me and always will be. It turned me into a student of the game and made me do more research. It helped me identify what type of artist I wanted to be and how I wanted to replicate it in my own way.
How do you typically approach the songwriting process to achieve this balance?
DEADonMARRS: When I go to the studio, my songwriting process might come from the top of my head or even be a melody that I don’t have the words for yet. It really depends on timing and how I’m feeling at that moment. I still write music as well, but I’d say it’s 50/50 sometimes because the most authentic statements often come from the heart. I truly believe that. "For Nobody" is a freestyle, and "Hills" is also a freestyle. Those are the only two songs I have released recently.
Transitioning from MetroMarrs to DEADonMARRS represents a significant evolution in your career. Can you tell us more about the reasons behind this rebranding and what it means for your music going forward?
DEADonMARRS: I wanted a fresh start to work on something new. My music going forward definitely won’t sound the same, but I will be showcasing a revamped sound for my upcoming project. It will all be a specific sound or lane and not all over the place.
Your latest single, "Hills," explores the tension between pursuing your career and maintaining personal relationships. What inspired this song, and how do you navigate this balance in your own life?
DEADonMARRS: "Hills" was really about getting a feeling off my chest, letting a significant other know that I’m not bothered if they leave me at this moment because I have a lot on the line and I’m just trying to make a way for myself rather than just finding love. I made this song based on my life and felt that others might relate to it as well. To balance relationships and music, you just have to know your priorities and manage them. You need to understand what’s more important for you in the current moment.
Signing with Sincethe80s is a major milestone. How has working with them impacted your approach to creating music and your growth as an artist?
DEADonMARRS: Working with SinceThe80s has opened many doors for me. They have really helped me learn about the music industry, introduced me to multiple successful artists, songwriters, and producers, and helped me build relationships that could benefit my music career in the future. That label has taught me a lot and will always be a part of me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. SinceThe80s is like one big family; they motivate me to make great music.
Your EP is highly anticipated.
What can fans expect from this project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
DEADonMARRS: Fans can expect an amazing body of work that feels very cohesive. I will be releasing a self titled EP called "DEADonMARRS,” like Metallica did. I say this new project will be different from all my other projects because my two previous projects before I was DEADonMARRS sounded more experimental. I was still trying to find my sound, not knowing what lane I wanted to be in, but now I do. The new songs on my project will all give the same vibe; just watch.
How do you choose artists to collaborate with, and what do you look for in a collaborative partner?
DEADonMARRS: I choose artists to collaborate with based on the relationship I have with them. Nowadays, relationships and networking mean a lot when it comes to collaboration. What I look for in a collaborative partner is authentic and genuine energy. Both of us need to be excited about the record we made. We need to be able to communicate about the record whenever needed. I don’t really like working with stuck up artists, it’s always a bump in the road.
How do you ensure that your authenticity comes through in your songs, especially as you grow and evolve as an artist?
DEADonMARRS: Being authentic is important for being an artist. You want to make sure your music is relatable so that others can connect with and consume it. And that all starts with being real and your true self throughout your entire career. As I grow, I’m going to become wiser and smarter. People will have no choice but to see my point of view in these songs.
The music industry can be challenging. What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far, and how have they shaped you as an artist?
DEADonMARRS: The music industry may seem challenging, but you can’t let that discourage you. The biggest challenges I’ve faced in the industry include being in the room with so many successful people and not knowing how to communicate with them or approach them. I started to realize those same people, were once in my shoes, looking for others to network with. In the industry, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be uncomfortable because if you’re not, you’re doing something wrong.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you see your music evolving in the coming years?
DEADonMARRS: Some of my long-term goals as an artist include performing at the BET Awards one day, collaborating with Kid Cudi, and selling out a world tour in Europe. In the coming years, I hope to hear my music on the radio, at basketball and football games, in popular clubs in major cities, and even in movies and commercials. I also hope to star in a movie someday. I want my music to touch the world, coming from an outsider in Atlanta who did it all. I just have to keep making music that stands out from the rest.