Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Marshall.
Hi Craig, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Moved to Austin from Upstate NY in the early 1990s to pursue music as a full time profession. Played with country band the Delta Rays and solo gigs for a couple years writing/recording (mostly demos) as well as live shows. Began (first as side project) writing and playing jazz/swing music fronting band The Lucky Strikes which quickly gained momentum and kind of “eclipsed” the country band so dropped that style and concentrated solely on jazz for almost 10 years straight (1993-2002). Three albums later (of almost all original vocal jazz “standards”) and many shows/tours all over the US (and a Canada date or two) proved highly successful (partially thanks to the martini/cigar and swing trends of the mid/late 90s). The band still does play today (mostly private events) but beginning around 2000, began to concentrate on writing “current” music again mostly in the indie rock/indie pop style. Started with first solo studio album “Popular Crimes” released 2002 I think (maybe 2003) and quickly began playing live shows with band. Released three more records (two full length/one EP) in this indie style through 2000s up till 2011. Made a lot of fans and toured LA, Minn, Chicago, Portland and others but Austin proved challenging to gain a live audience. Austin loves live music but Austin is not a “pop” town, very limited scene for indie bands and zero pay in that world. Luckily around 2011, was migrating my music style back to country “roots” (the original reason moving to Texas). Began writing country/singer songwriter acoustic driven with a more personal approach. Worked with producer Robert Harrison (Cotton Mather), released three records from 2012-2018. Then worked with longtime friend/producer Lars Goransson for two more EPs, the most recent “Smart Play” released earlier this Spring 2025. Live shows during this period proved way more successful/lucrative as Austin and regional venues are much more open to “rootsy” singer songwriter / country than indie rock. Also many more options to play acoustic gigs (solo/duo etc). Still a challenge but at least now I can still make (most of an income) playing live shows (and have been over three decades). I could very well have the most gigs (as an artist) in the history of Austin. Thousands of gigs (average around three a week for over 33 years or so). My slogan (half joking) “Craig Marshall” – the most successful artist in the history of Austin, and the least
(depends how you measure it)
Here’s a little more EPK/bio type stuff (can send longer bio, not sure what you need)
Awarded – “2016 SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR”!
by the Austin Songwriters Group http://austinsongwritersgroup.com/?p=2471
“Marshall deftly weaves a bit of rockabilly with a twang and a rock beat. This winning combination showcases his solid songwriting and guitar skills.” – Guitar World
NEW EP “SMART PLAY” NOW RELEASED ON ALL STREAMING SITES!
Craig Marshall’s lengthy musical resume stretches back to his teen years performing with various combos in his hometown of Syracuse, New York. He moved to Austin in the early 1990s with his then-band, the country-leaning Delta Rays, but soon found himself founding and leading the locally popular Sinatra-style jazz-swing outfit The Lucky Strikes.
Over the past two decades, the Austin, TX-based singer-songwriter-guitarist has quietly built a remarkably accomplished body of work, drawing upon his wide-ranging musical background to craft engagingly melodic, personally-charged music that’s as emotionally resonant as it is catchy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Vehicles break down on road gigs
Gig pay delayed or never comes as promised
Mostly the challenge of earning artist recognition in the Austin scene which can be very cilquey and insular
Austin has a small very controlled scene of folks that control the most high profile showcase venues and events. If you’re not in their little club, it is a challenge to gain exposure
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Specialize in being a songwriter/artist creating and performing personally charged but not self conscious music
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Go to live shows, go to open mic, go to music industry events. Don’t just sit at home and become a “bedroom/Instagram”artist. get out and do stuff with real humans
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.craigmarshall.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigmarshallmusic
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/craigmarshallmusic
- Twitter: https://x.com/craigm99
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/craigmarshallband
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-754317209
- Other: http://www.reverbnation.com/cmarshall
Image Credits
B/W Portrait and “Smart Play” cover by Jon Prophet
others are random, no credit needed
