Meet Marshall Gallagher | Freelance Musician

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

Hi Marshall, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from a boring little suburban city called Littleton, CO – about a 30 minute drive south of Denver. Nothing in particular sets me apart background-wise, but I did spend quite a bit of time working for my Dad, who started his own business when I was very little. I guess he instilled in me the idea that it was better to build something yourself than to work for someone else. I’m always working for someone but at least it’s on my own terms, for better or worse.

There was a piece of paper taped to the wall at his warehouse that said – “If you don’t have time to do it right, when do you have time to do it over?”. That stuck with me for some reason, it was very much his mode of operation and while I’m sure it has a lot to do with my insatiable perfectionism, I”m glad it struck deep.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To be completely honest, I don’t think there’s anything that sets me apart from others. I’ve just had the opportunity to keep doing it, to keep growing and learning. Every single person has a unique foundation for creating their own art, and my “brand” is still evolving. I’m always down to try something new though, that’s really fed my repertoire and made me versatile. I think people appreciate that, and they appreciate that I’m not heavy handed at achieving my own vision unless it’s *my* project. I would rather facilitate someone else’s vision to the best of my ability when I’m producing.

Easy or hard… I’m not sure either sum up my journey thus far. Sure, there were times when I was pretty poor and working gross gigs to pay for my art and my lifestyle, but there was never a point where I thought I was really going to have to give it all up and try something else. Since high school, making music has been the only thing I’ve really been interested in doing, so I wouldn’t say I “overcame challenges” – I just never stopped feeding my need to make music or my need to improve, and somehow it’s working out. To some that’s a challenge I guess, to me it’s just living.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m very much an east side person, even though I just moved to the valley. If you’re hanging out with me, you’re probably going to end up at Verdugo Bar on a weeknight. We’re gonna get coffee at 1802 or have breakfast at Bub and Grandma’s. We’re probably going to hike Brand Park or Beaudry Loop. If we end up back by my new place, I’ll take ya to Tonga Hut cause god damn I love a good Tiki drink. If we’re going to a show, chances are it’ll be at the Teragram, the Moroccan or the Lodge Room. Maybe the Echo. If we’re feeling extra sleazy we can make the haul to the west side and get pizza and beers at the Rainbow.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be anywhere without the love and guidance of the 3OH!3 team – Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. They took me under their wing when I was a snotty twenty-something and taught me everything I needed to know about production, songwriting, and how to be a professional.

Website: https://marshallgallaghermusic.com

Instagram: @swinghero

Twitter: @teenagewrist