Marlon Chen, songwriter/producer, is a Trinidadian and a principal at CODA Studio, based in Orlando, Florida. His extensive body of commercial and music video work has served many US and global agencies. Over the past decade, he has written and produced award winning music for a variety of cricket advertising campaigns in the Caribbean, and he has collaborated with the likes of Sean Paul, Machel Montano, Beanie Man, Mr Vegas, Alison Hinds, Buju Banton and Spragga Benz, among others. Chen has an uncanny ability to bring musical artistes of different genres together to create a signature sound unique to the Caribbean. The most recent song which he penned and produced, the jumpy How We Play, will serve as the official anthem for cricket’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and features two of the region’s top artistes, Kees (Trinidad & Tobago) and Konshens (Jamaica). You can hear it via the official CPL Web site http://www.cplt20.com
The inaugural tournament bowls off on July 30 with 24 matches played across six countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia and T&T and is expected to attract worldwide audiences.
Q: Your CPL song How We play, what inspired you to compose it? How did you come up with the theme etc?
A: The How We Play campaign was developed by an advertising company called PUSH. I produced the music based on what the ad campaign is going to be named (it’s a formula we developed over the years ie music pushing advertising).
Who were the people who have influenced you the most in your career and in life in general and how did they?
There were so many people—my parents, for giving me my first radio. In T&T I would listen to Hennessy 100 for hours, hence learning about the different genres of music. The late Perez Forde, my keyboardist in my band who showed me the best way to make music. My engineer Christian Ledford who has been with me since the beginning in music and video and so many more.
What advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours?
In anything you do, give a 100 per cent, put your heart in it, and surround yourself with good, positive people.
What inspires you to do what you do?
Well…it’s the love of music and the effect it has on all of us regardless of colour, creed or race.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
San Fernando, Vistabella....a South boy (laughing).
At which schools/institutions did you receive your education?
San Fernando Boys’ RC; Presentation College, Sando; Miami Dade Community College; and University of Central Florida.
What jobs have you held before becoming a songwriter/producer?
Ha! I have done many types of jobs—from cleaner, landscaper, construction, bartender to soccer coach, event manager. As Trinis we can adapt to survive and succeed in any environment.
If you had to interview someone from T&T who you did not know and had to ask just one question, who would it be and what would be the one question?
The Lord Kitchener…Pan in A Minor: What in heaven’s name were you thinking when you wrote that one?
What daily motto/credo do you live by, and in three words what’s your recipe for success?
I have a few: Life’s too short, enjoy every day like it’s your last, and an old Chinese saying, Cheap ting no good, Good ting no cheap…Laughing out loud.
Of all your accolades, accomplishments, prizes and awards which do you rate as extremely special?
This is weird and different, but it was at an event for underprivileged kids, and I received an award by this little kid for just being there touched me forever.
How would you describe yourself in two words—one beginning with M, the other with C, your initials?
Hmm…M-Memorable, C-Creative (laughing).
Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Will always be in music and video forever, but would love to start a non-profit organisation to help needy kids.
What is/are the most important lesson/s you’ve learned in life?
Failure is never an option! Always treat people the way you want to be treated.
What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
If you believe in something go for it! Open-mindedness is the key to knowledge that is out there to be had.