Meet Marco Duarte | Musician/Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marco Duarte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marco, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work/life balance has changed over time mostly because there used to be no balance. For years I just immersed myself in music whether it was listening, watching videos, checking out other live bands, or practicing and playing shows with anyone I could. I was just trying to take in as much as possible.

Now, I really enjoy being able to step away and spend time doing things that are very deliberately non-musical. It allows me to keep a fresh mindset when I do sit down to play or record, but more importantly it has kept me sane and pretty mellow throughout this last year.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
These days, I’m just creating and recording at home. I’ve been working with my friend Mason Hensley who is a very talented musician/composer in his own right, and I think what sets our work apart is the stylistic approach that we take, or lack there of. We’re just getting ready to release our debut album under the Fistpipe name and I’m really excited to get these songs out into the world because I think they represent the point where our respective musical influences meet.

It certainly hasn’t been easy to know when to stop and say, “Ok, this song is done” but you just have to trust your gut, and we’re both happy with the work we’ve put in and how everything is sounding.

Another aspect of my work is that I remotely record drum tracks for other bands/artists. That has been rewarding in a whole other way because I get to play a lot of different musical styles that I love, but don’t play so much. I just did a few metal tracks for an artist and it was really fun to play double bass and blast beats, and flex some chops that don’t really see the light of day otherwise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Friday- Red Lion Tavern is always a winner! Fill up on Spaten Optimator until they close the beer garden, then head across the street to the Cha Cha Lounge for a bit before catching a ride home. This is the way.

Saturday- we’re getting greasy breakfast burritos and then chilling at the beach while our heads stop throbbing from the night before.

Sunday- Sundays are for culture, so we’re hitting Rakkan Ramen, The Broad, and LACMA.

Monday- Monday Night Jammz at the Baked Potato. Nuff said.

Tuesday- pack your bags, you’ve stayed long enough!! Hahaha

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There a lot of people who deserve some recognition for where I am. My family and friends have all been incredibly supportive over the years, but it definitely wouldn’t work without the great community of musicians and bands I’ve had the pleasure of playing with. Mason Hensley, Will Dorsey, Doug Dagger and The Generators, Davy Brown, Forrest Rice, Dave Briggs, Zac Graham, Aaron Zuniga, and Andy Higgins, to name a very select few. We could be here all day hahaha

Instagram: bdiddy83

Image Credits
Kory Garrett, Matt Corkill, Johnny Osuji