In an era where streaming services dominate the landscape and recorded music often serves as a digital business card for live performances, the West Seattle-based band Marsalis is proving that the heart of the industry still beats through the song. Since forming in 2016, the group, composed of lead singer and guitarist Dennis Zender, keyboardist Theresa Cadondon, bassist Adam Bishop, has been navigating the "mercurial mix of melody, meaning, and timing" that defines a breakout act. 

Marsalis just released a new single and is gearing up for a comeback show March 21st at the Crocodile.

Tickets available here

The single "Lie to Me" is streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube music.

You can hear it here.

The Art of the Song

For Marsalis, the creative process begins with a raw idea that is quickly refined through collaboration. Primary songwriter Dennis Zender, who cites Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson as a musical idol, often crafts melodies in a matter of minutes. "Dennis is a very traditional songwriter," notes producer Evan Morgan, explaining that Zender typically hears a melody, finds complementary chords on a piano or guitar, and develops a rock-solid verse-chorus idea in half an hour.

However, the final sound is a collective effort. While Zender provides the initial spark, Cadondon brings R&B influences and Bishop adds a jazz background to flesh out the arrangements. Reflecting on his philosophy of music, Dennis Zender believes in the power of simplicity: "it often comes down to four chords, a hook, a great melody and the meaning. It's not all the stuff". This approach allows their music to remain emotional and heartfelt, often drawing from personal experiences—including contributions from Zender’s own daughter, who helped write a chorus for one of their earlier releases.

The Importance of "The Human Element"

In a shifting industry where mid-sized venues are "going extinct" and AI-generated music is on the rise, Marsalis remains committed to the irreplaceable energy of a live show. The band views their performances as "the highest high that exists in life," a sentiment that keeps them grounded despite the financial pressures of the digital age.

Adam Bishop emphasizes that the secret to the band’s longevity and chemistry is a commitment to transparency. "Communication. Just like any relationship," Bishop says regarding how the band stays together. "Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be open and honest and put energy into what's important to you and try to keep in mind there's a team working together on a common goal".

This unity is vital when facing a market where streaming payouts are notoriously low; for instance, Spotify pays only about $0.0038 per stream to unsigned artists. To survive, Marsalis focuses on building a "market" and a "brand" by under-promising and over-delivering to venue bookers, ensuring they remain a staple in the local music press and high-profile venues like the Crocodile Cafe and Whiskey A Go Go.

A Growing Sophistication

The band’s evolution is evident in their latest work. Their new single, "Lie to Me," recorded in Vancouver, explores the complex struggle of allowing someone to take advantage of you because of love. Dennis Zender describes the track as being about "that struggle of seeing and knowing about it But there’s that love!".

From being voted the number one EP in 2016 by NorthwestMusicScene.net to their current trajectory, Marsalis continues to refine a sound that draws from the best of the past while resonating with modern audiences. As they move forward, the goal remains the same: to turn their current spark into a "full on flame" by delivering honest, meaningful music that connects with fans on a soul level.

Follow them online here. https://www.marsalisband.com/