Joe Marlett
Two-time Grammy Nominated Producer and Mixer, Joe Marlett has been in mainstream music production for over a decade, and in that time has worked with some of the most influential artists of the era. Joe first stepped onto the music scene in 2000 and started building his impressive resume engineering for artists like Blink 182 (Geffen), Foo Fighters (RCA), and Destiny’s Child (Universal). As Joe’s credits increased, his reputation for stylized production spread internationally and soon he was producing hits for some of Latin radio’s hottest acts. Paulina Rubio (Universal) and Nikki Clan (Sony/BMG) were some of the first, but it was Spanish rock superstars Revolver that would land Joe his first Grammy Nomination with the album, 'El Mestizo.' After producing a string of hit records for other artists, Joe became one of Latin Rock's most sought after collaborators. His next Grammy Nomination for the Peruvian pop rock sensation Adammo’s sophomore release 'Amber' allowed Joe to add songwriter to his list of credits, co-writing 3 tracks with fellow M5 principal, Will Salazar. Joe’s latest production contributions to Billboard are the breakout single for Seasons After, ‘Cry Little Sister’ peaking at #13 and Wake the Lights, ‘Best of Me.’ Joe pours his tremendous talent, expertise and passion for music into every project he chooses and it is evident in the work he delivers.
In Joe's Words -
Since starting my epic journey of music production in the late 90's, I have come to realize a few things... First and foremost, I love music. It is the love of music and the inspiration that I get from it that drives not only me, but the billions on this planet that listen to and enjoy music... whatever genre it may be.
Something occurred to me recently during my latest trip to Barcelona while working with 'Sons Of Meteora'. I was asked by the singer, "What's your best memory in the studio, and who was the band?" I thought for a moment... I usually do when asked this question (as I get asked a lot), and just before I answered, I stopped. I realized that I have countless memories with countless bands stored away in my brain. From watching Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic jamming with Josh Homme while taking a break from mixing one of the last songs Nirvana recorded, to seeing Mark Hoppus read the morning paper naked in the studio. I've had a front row seat to hear the magic exude from Seal's incredible voice, to sitting in a studio in Spain mixing an album that would later be nominated for a Grammy. I've seen the sex, drugs and rock and roll that so many talk about and understand the allure of it. I've been part of some amazing records in the last decade and feel grateful to have lived the experience.
So, the question that is always asked is an impossible one to answer. What I can say is, that when I listen to an album that I worked on, it instantly takes me back to the time and place we recorded it. Whether it be 'The Transit War' in Austin, 'Adammo' in Lima, 'Revolver' in Marrakech, 'Relient K' in Nashville, 'Blink 182' and 'Switchfoot' in San Diego, 'Queens of the Stone Age' and 'Foo Fighters' in LA, or 'Sons of Meteora' and 'No Way Out' in Barcelona, each and every memory is forever embedded in the album and will always be there. They have become my audio photographs.
Today, we are facing hard times in the music industry. Illegal downloading and streaming music services are slowly taking their toll on those that are here to create. While we spend countless hours creating and painting the audio canvas, there are those that feel they "deserve" it for free. But, as long as we continue to do what we do best, make great records while capturing the memories, we will prevail.
Joe Marlett,
2011
Will Salazar
As a singer, songwriter and musician, Will Salazar has been creating and performing music for over a decade. His music career started in 1999 fronting the international alternative rock act Fenix Tx (DTR/Geffen). In the lead singer and songwriter position, Will took the band’s upbeat pop rock music and energetic stage show around the globe amassing hundreds of thousands of fans and selling over half a million albums worldwide. His next musical project, Denver Harbor (Universal/Motown), was an electrifying mix of pop, punk and melodic rock that started up right where Fenix Tx left off in 2004. Both bands achieved significant success at radio and the primary songwriter's skills have also seen his songs featured in Television, Films, Video Games and Grammy nominated albums. Throughout his tenure as a lead singer and songwriter, he has honed his craft and gained an extensive working knowledge of an ever-changing music industry, building countless creative relationships along the way. In the studio, Will has been on both sides of the control board as a producer and a recording artist, so he understands the preparation, organization and skills necessary for delivering outstanding production. The exceptonal talent and comprehensive industry knowledge he possesses make him an invaluable asset to M5MG and to any project he lends his talents to.