Marcel Artis built Artis Entertainment Group after starting his career with two recording studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The experience shaped his view that artists and producers need support beyond making music to build careers.
Artis is the company’s founder and chief executive officer and the chief operating officer of Public Secret.
From studios to an international network
Working alongside artists and producers in his studios gave Artis a view of what happened before, during and after recording. He saw talented people struggle with publishing, finding collaborators, building relationships outside Virginia and deciding what to do after finishing a song.
Artis moved to Los Angeles in 2018, where he began arranging sessions, connecting creative teams and learning more about placements and the business. That work grew into Artis Entertainment Group, which now operates across management, publishing, distribution, sync, sessions and international development. Its network reaches the United States, United Kingdom, the Nordics, Africa, Brazil and other markets.
Artist development and industry change
Artis says data influences major-label decisions, but believes it should inform creative judgment rather than determine it. He argues that waiting for an artist to establish streams, followers and an audience before investing leaves less room for early development.
He also says technology has made international collaboration easier while increasing the volume of music, messages and analytics competing for attention. In his view, trust, relationships and follow-through have become more valuable, and artists and producers must consider rights, publishing, live work, brands and audience data earlier in their careers.
Artis says an early challenge in building his business was trying to help every talented person he encountered. He now weighs communication, delivery and follow-through alongside talent when deciding where to commit his team’s time and relationships.
