The Man Behind the Music

        The age of Electronic Dance Music may seem new to many, but for Mike Marshall this ‘scene’ has been an important part of his life for over 20 years. Breaking into the event promotions and party planning circle was not always easy for Marshall, but back in the 2000s it was a prime time to get into the business because of the rise in popularity for EDM. Electronic Dance Music is a sector of the music industry that relies heavily on manufactured sounds. It is primarily created with computer software and often integrated with live music as well. 

The critical wave of popularity in EDM at this stage gave Marshall prime opportunity to create MNM Presents, a music event company that services the better part of Western New York. Dubstep was trending at the time and that really helped to give MNM Presents a push in the right direction.

In the late 90s the EDM scene started at a minimal level in warehouse parties that were usually unauthorized and usually organized. A group of young and passionate patrons started a group called the ‘Gallactic Peace Alliance’ aka ‘GPA’ and threw parties in the abandoned TCI building, then located at Main and Fillmore. The vibes were free and the music was loud as the young men and women embraced the magic of their environment. Marshall was part of those early days which eventually helped motivate his desire to start throwing parties himself almost 10 years later.

Although Marshall has a passion for Dubstep, Trap, Techno and many other genres, Drum & Bass tends to be his overall preference. Each show that he brings takes anywhere from six months to one year to prepare. Some of the most memorable shows that he has brought to Buffalo are Lotus, Ed Rush & Optical and Excision, although he admits there are many more shows that have stayed fresh in his memory over the years. Although these events are topping his list of favorites, ‘The Christmas Party’ is undoubtedly his favorite event. It has been running for 14 years now and packs the Pearl St. Brewery on Christmas night every year. What started as a multi-level house party many years ago now offers people the ability to celebrate the season with their friends and fellow bass music lovers of Western New York.

Marshall’s love of the music scene is motivated by his desire to make the patrons happy and one of his favorite aspects of the events is “Watching the kids get crazy” as he states. The desire to spread the same feelings that he had when he was first introduced to the music leads the charge for his strong work ethic. Through sharing his passions he feel he has gained many friendships that are long-lasting and life-changing.

One of the most memorable EDM shows that Marshall brought to Buffalo was Rusko performing at the former club Soundlab back in December of 2009. He reminisces that “the small club was packed and kids were crowd-surfing and getting wild”. Diplo in 2010 and the ‘Mad Decent’ party in the Summer of 2006 were high ranking on his list of favorite shows as well. Marshall’s favorite show as an attending patron were Marshemello and Excision, which both were thrown at one of his favorite newer local venues, Buffalo Riverworks.

Marshall talks of the ever-evolving scene and reflects back on where EDM started, for him, over 20 years ago and how it has so many possibilities for the future. “Genres will always evolve and the music is here to stay” he proudly declares when asked of the possible changes of this industry. “Many are working hard” Marshall says of the current state of music in Western New York. He believes that there are many other people devoting themselves to the music and helping to bring their favorite genres to the forefront of the music scene in and around Buffalo.

Attendees have seen Marshall throw hundreds of these events over the years and those who work closely with him respect the work that he does. Michael ‘Nico’ Nistro, a local event photographer, shares his thoughts on the man behind the music. “Mike Marshall's work ethic and devotion to bringing new and big artists alike to Buffalo is unparalleled by anyone in the city. His commitment to sound quality and production value are miles above any other promoter in Buffalo”, says Nico. Many like Nico are motivated by the energy that Marshall delivers to the fans.

Festivals are another well-known way to enjoy the music but Marshall loves the intimacy of club shows and believes they are “more personal.” He plans on continuing to spread his passion of music through event planning and hopes to pursue it as long as he’s able. With his small, yet powerful, team he continues to stay dedicated to the vibe of those 90s warehouse parties that first piqued his interest in EDM more than two decades ago.