The music industry transforms continuously. Musicians now use various platforms to reach and engage their audience. One pivotal figure in this evolution is Chris Marshall, known as DJ Chris Cross. He established Terrific Tunes, a distribution platform for independent artists.
Marshall’s Journey
Over a decade, Marshall, a Memphis native, played with prominent hip-hop artists like Moneybagg Yo and Yo Gotti. He used these experiences to craft Terrific Tunes, allowing artists to bypass traditional record labels.
Building a Career
Marshall’s path from campus DJ to entrepreneur was complex. He moved through student journalism, radio internships, and Memphis music events. Each experience enriched his understanding of the music economy, where even prominent voices could remain unprotected.
“I’m creating something that will last,” Marshall stated.
Roots in Memphis
Marshall’s music education began early. His grandfather, Randle Catron, was a notable songwriter for Stax Records. Marshall’s DJ career started in 2014 at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
There, he developed his audience and honed his skills.
Non-Traditional Education
In 2018, while others graduated, Marshall toured and built critical industry relationships. These connections expanded his knowledge of shows, records, and artist momentum.
Marshall noted many artists lacked understanding of necessary industry resources and relationships.
Atlanta’s Influence
Relocating to Atlanta broadened Marshall’s perspective. Atlanta’s blend of business acumen and cultural timing influenced him. Initially, Terrific Tunes’ model was traditional, but it evolved into a robust technical platform.
Marshall helps artists with project uploads and understanding revenue timelines.
The Terrific Tunes Model
Terrific Tunes offers distribution and creative services. Artists keep ownership while Terrific Tunes handles distribution with an 80/20 revenue split. Marshall emphasizes artist transparency and support.
The company collaborates with Too Lost, a distribution technology platform, offering broad industry access and support for independent artists.
Navigating Music Business
Marshall focuses on the business aspects of music, ensuring artists understand the value of their work. He sees a lack of planning and knowledge among artists as pitfalls.
Without understanding intellectual property, artists risk manipulation.
From DJ Booth to Industry Insight
DJing taught Marshall to read people, and distribution taught him to read systems. Both skills are important for timing in music. Planning and organization are crucial for success.
Marshall sees tools like artificial intelligence as new elements in music discovery.
A Bridge for Artists
Marshall wants to guide artists in avoiding industry traps. Terrific Tunes serves as a bridge for artists seeking more structure.
The focus is on helping creators understand the importance of releases, rights, and data.
“We’re just trying to be impactful for independent creators,” Marshall explained.
Contributing to Music’s Future
Marshall believes in music’s power to change lives. Terrific Tunes aims to equip artists with the knowledge to navigate the evolving industry landscape.
By understanding the business side, artists gain the freedom to choose what’s best for them.
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