Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Smith.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story started back at Fairmont Heights High School, where I was rapping, jumping into rap battles, and making beats whenever I got the chance. I was one of those kids who thought, if I could just get the right equipment, I could figure the rest out. So I got a job as a server and used that money to buy whatever gear I could afford at the time, including a karaoke machine, because apparently that was my official entry point into becoming a studio owner.
My first DAW was Sony Acid Pro 4.0, then I eventually moved into Pro Tools, and that is where my studio journey really began. I built Blak Marigold Studio in the DMV, and over about 10 years, we became one of the most respected studios in the area.
In 2014, I moved to Austin and had to start completely from scratch. I got on the scene, did my own marketing, built relationships, and slowly started building my team. We did recording, podcasts, internet radio, music videos, and anything else that made sense creatively. Austin also pushed me into areas I had never explored before, like audiobooks, voiceovers, country music, video game sound design, and projects outside my usual DMV work.
One of the biggest turning points was purchasing a commercial studio in Austin. I really believed in the saying, if you build it, they will come. Of course, they leave out the part where you still have to market, network, fix cables, clean up, and keep the lights on. But that studio opened many doors. In the one year I had that space, I met so many creators, movers and shakers, and creative businesses in Austin. It helped me make a real imprint in the ATX scene and shaped Blak Marigold Studio into what it is today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I think that is part of what made the journey real. One of the biggest challenges was moving to Austin in 2014 after spending about 10 years building my name and reputation in the DMV. I had to start from scratch in a city where people did not know me yet, did not know the studio, and did not know what I brought to the table.
At first, I had to wear every hat. I was the engineer, the marketer, the manager, the customer service department, the janitor, and occasionally the therapist when artists came in needing more than just a recording session. Building a studio is not just about having good equipment. You have to build trust, relationships, consistency, and a reputation one session at a time.
Another challenge was adapting to Austin’s creative scene. Coming from the DMV, I was used to a certain sound and pace. Austin pushed me into new spaces like country, podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, music videos, and video game sound design. At first, that was a challenge, but it ended up making me more well-rounded and helped Blak Marigold Studio grow beyond just one lane.
The biggest lesson I learned is that talent gets you started, but consistency keeps you in the game. There were plenty of moments when things didn’t move as fast as I wanted, but I kept showing up, kept building, kept marketing, and kept improving. That is really what helped me make an imprint in Austin.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner, lead engineer, and creative director of Blak Marigold Studio. I specialize in helping artists take their ideas from rough concepts to finished records, whether that means recording, vocal production, mixing, mastering, sync licensing, or building out a full creative rollout. Over the years, I have worked across hip hop, R&B, pop, country, podcasts, audiobooks, voiceovers, music videos, and even video game sound design.
What I am most proud of is building a studio that artists trust, not just for the equipment, but for the ear, the experience, and the energy in the room. Anybody can buy gear now, which is great and also mildly terrifying, but not everybody knows how to bring out the best performance from an artist or help them turn a song into something that actually connects.
What sets Blak Marigold apart is that we are not just pressing record. We help artists develop, polish, package, and position their music. The studio has been credited with over 1.4 billion streams, but I still treat every session like the one that could change everything.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is honesty. I try to be honest with every artist who walks into the studio, whether that means helping them get a better performance, giving real feedback on the music, or making sure they understand the business side of what they are creating.
A lot of artists come in focused only on the song, but I believe part of my job is to help them think bigger. That means talking about ownership, publishing, splits, branding, consistency, and how to move like a professional. In a way, the studio becomes more than just a place to record. It becomes a place where artists can learn, grow, and get real guidance.
I think that is why people keep coming back. They know I care about the record, but I also care about the person behind it. My goal is not just to make something sound good for the day. My goal is to help artists build something that can last.
Pricing:
- 50 hr
- 100 hr (includes mixing & mastering)
- $450 (Creative Bundle : 4 hrs, music producer & audio engineer, and mixing & mastering.)
- www.Blakmarigold.com/booking
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Blakmarigold.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakmarigoldpro
- Twitter: https://x.com/blakmarigoldpro
- Other: https://credits.muso.ai/artist/2b66aae2-31a3-4e49-a7d6-625319f03a20
