Meaning Behind The Music
by MARCUS ASSENMACHER
Marcus Assenmacher
Do you remember the first show you ever went to? No, not the first show your parents dragged you to, but the first show you personally spent your hard-earned cash on or snuck into with some friends? Or what's the one song that brings you back to a specific time and place in your life - that when you hear it, it's as if it happened yesterday?
These questions can be answered by many of us, and I believe it's because the emotion and meaning the artist or producer initially created to tell their story found its way into our lives and helped us tell ours. Music has a unique power to resonate deeply within us, providing meaning, comfort, and inspiration. In this post, I will delve into what music means to me and how it has changed in various capacities over the years.
My name is Marcus Assenmacher, and I am an American music executive, record producer, and music studio owner who grew up in SouthEast Michigan. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many prominent recording artists, producers, record labels, publishers, and studios in various capacities. From Ricky Reed, Teddy Geiger, and Kevin Garrett, to Killswitch Engage, Trivium, and more, I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way in my music career. In the world of music, everyone has their own unique journey and interpretation. While gut instincts and raw talent play a significant role, it is dedication, a deeper understanding of the art, and a recognition of music's universal language that truly allows for a meaningful experience, whether you create it or simply enjoy it as a listener.
Nick Hakim, Marcus Assenmacher
Marcus Assenmacher performing on tour with Teddy Geiger
After graduating from NYU's Music Business program, I landed an assistant engineering position with Mark Saunders, who has worked with such iconic artists as The Cure, David Bowie, and Depeche Mode, among others. This experience helped me to understand how things were "intended to be done." While music theory and engineering provide a solid foundation for creating music, it is crucial to break out of established conventions to create something truly unique. By balancing technical skill with artistic intuition, musicians can create something both technically proficient and emotionally compelling. While there may be no right or wrong way to approach music, having a clear intent and passion behind one's creative decisions is what ultimately gives meaning and purpose to the final product.
Music is a powerful force that brings meaning and depth to people's lives, serving as a source of inspiration, comfort, and self-expression.
It is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and unites people from all walks of life, fostering unity and understanding in our diverse world. Music also helps us process complex emotions and offers catharsis and healing. It is an integral part of the human experience, connecting us to something greater than ourselves.
Marcus Assenmacher performing on tour with View From Ida
As an A&R, the best advice I ever received was to trust my gut instinct when listening to music. Others may not understand or see the vision initially, but if it resonates with me, it's worth pursuing. This advice has stuck with me throughout my career, whether touring with recording artists, working in top studios, or collaborating with fellow musicians. There's a certain feeling when a song hits just right, and sometimes it takes years for a piece to fully come to life.
As artists, we tend to overthink everything, from being our own engineer to marketing director. But what I wish I could have told my younger self, and what I share with younger artists I work with, is that the journey is just as important as the end goal. It's important to do our best at a given time and place, put our work out into the world, and then grow and repeat. We may gain and lose fans as our style and sound evolve, but that's all part of the process.
In conclusion, music and art have the power to evoke strong emotions and connect with people in profound ways. While artists may have their own intentions, the end user will interpret and experience the work in their own unique way. Therefore, it's crucial for artists to express themselves fully and honestly, pouring their heart and soul into their work. As long as the artist is satisfied with their creative efforts and has given it their all, they can take pride in creating something meaningful, regardless of the number of listeners it reaches.
With that, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the great Rick Ruben:
“I never decide if an idea is good or bad until I try it. So much of what gets in the way of things being good is thinking that we know. And the more that we can remove any baggage we're carrying with us, and just be in the moment, use our ears, and pay attention to what's happening, and just listen to the inner voice that directs us, the better.”
