Meet Marcus Orelias

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marcus Orelias. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marcus below.

Hi Marcus , thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

I’m spiritual so I believe that we are all vessels capable of manifesting through our creativity from the “other side”. The definition of what “writers block” is to me has changed drastically through the years. I went from being about not being able to generate an idea or continue a story to the universe telling me that it’s simply not time yet and that I’ve created all I needed to create in that moment.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Marcus Orelias, and I’m a multifaceted creative working as a recording artist, game designer, storyteller, graphic designer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and actor, currently based in the Phoenix area. Originally I’m from the San Francisco, Bay Area, I grew up in a neighborhood called “Bayview-Hunters Point” in the southeast corner of the city. My journey formally began in 2008 when I appeared in a video called *Generation WE*, which ignited my passion for acting and theater. That same year, I joined the American Conservatory Theatre (A.C.T.) in San Francisco, thanks to a group called “The Nia Project”, which promoted acting opportunities for Black students. Under mentorship, I spent nearly a decade developing my craft at A.C.T., performing in plays and landing extra roles in TV shows and movies.

Originally, I dreamed of becoming a manga artist, I used to draw comic books (some of the ideas I held onto and developed later on) but my dream was fueled by my love for anime that began with shows like *Pokémon* and *Dragon Ball Z*. Video games were also a huge part of my upbringing, not just as entertainment but as a way to stay focused and avoid negative influences. I played consoles like Gameboy Color, PS2, Gameboy Advance, PS1, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Xbox 360, Sega Genesis, and PSP growing up. Gameboy Color was the first handheld that I was introduced to and that changed my life because of how groundbreaking it was at the time, I begged my Mom for the original Gameboy because I had seen a classmate in the cafeteria playing his and all the student huddled around him watching. One day, after school, I got a turquoise GBC as a gift from a family member when I was young – I played it into the ground but now I see my early love for gaming was my informal training and introduction to game design.

Although I started in acting, my path shifted toward music, something that’s always been in my blood. When I attended Herbert Hoover Middle School, I played baritone in the jazz band, which later led to me picking up the alto saxophone in high school. I explored writing raps early in my adolescence, I would write poems in journals, eventually, I found my voice rapping, a passion of mine that was rekindled when my brother introduced me to the studio scene. I spent a lot of time in Oakland with various artist learning about the skill of rapping and recording music in general but he’s been my biggest musical influence, and by 2012, I had crafted my own sound, collaborating with producer Jay B Beats to release my first single, “We On”, featuring BJ the Chicago Kid. My first album, “Rebel of the Underground” was recorded at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, somewhat marking the birth of my company, R.O.T.U. World.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend storytelling across multiple mediums—whether through music, design, or games—and my dedication to creating experiences that resonate deeply with people and connect to the human experience. When I couldn’t secure performance bookings early in my career, I rented my own venues, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that drives me today. My discography includes albums like “Rebel of the Underground” (2013), “20s A Difficult Age” (2017), “Marcus Orelias” (2022), and recent release “Maybe It’s Somethin’…” (2024).

Through R.O.T.U. World, I’ve built a brand that represents more than just music. I am passionate about science fiction, great storytelling, healthy representation, storytelling, and my work reflects that commitment to pushing boundaries and creating meaningful, intelligent work. What I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to evolve my creative output into something that’s not only personal but speaks to the wider world. My goal is to inspire others to embrace their unique journeys, set a new culture around employment and bringing fresh perspectives to whatever industry I’m part of.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe the three most important qualities I’ve developed are communication, discipline, and honor—core values that have been instrumental in my growth as an artist, entrepreneur, and storyteller.

For anyone starting their journey, my advice is to prepare for as many outcomes as you can anticipate, based on your craft. Cultivate financial discipline, honor your commitments—to yourself, your work, and your audience—and always remain true to your word. Consistency in these values will serve as the foundation for long-term success.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely. I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded individuals who are passionate about storytelling, creativity, and pushing boundaries. Whether you’re a visual artist, filmmaker, producer, writer, designer, or someone with a fresh perspective to bring to the table, I’m looking for collaborators who value authenticity, innovation, and representation in their work.

I’m especially interested in partnerships that align with my focus on music, sci-fi, gaming, and original storytelling that highlights diverse voices and perspectives. If you’re someone who thrives on creating meaningful, impactful work and is committed to high-quality execution, I’d love to hear from you.

The best way to connect with me is through my website or social media channels. I’m always looking to build with those who share a vision for creating art that resonates and inspires.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

CJ Storey
“Maybe It’s Somethin’…” album art by Katlego Montaung

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