Marlon Ellis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Marlon, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’ve built a diverse catalogue of over 35 instrumental tapes spanning multiple genres from Drum & Bass and Hip-Hop to R&B, Dancehall, and Afropop. Each release reflects my commitment to showcasing the versatility and depth of instrumental music across the sonic spectrum.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Wagwan! My name is Marlon Ellis, professionally known as Ellis Production or simply Ellis. Born in Jamaica and raised in Broward County, Florida, I’ve achieved several meaningful milestones becoming the first in my family to receive a high school diploma in America and pursue higher education.
I proudly served 8 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant with two deployments on the SPMAGTF Crisis Response Africa. My service earned me numerous commendations including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, three Letters of Appreciation, two Expert Rifle Qualification badges, and a Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification badge.
Throughout my military career, I maintained a consistent presence in music production, which has led to one of my most anticipated releases: the Benga Tribe album titled “New Era.”
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bond between people? A lack of boundaries, poor communication, and the absence of genuine comfort with one another. What restores it? Honest awareness of these gaps and the willingness to learn how to address them.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My defining wound has been the struggle to accept who I am and what makes me different. For years, I tried to fit in, constantly asking God why I felt so set apart from everyone else.
Healing came through acceptance. I learned that being a loner or what I call a “popular loner” wasn’t something to fix. It became my way of preserving my peace, my faith, and my strength. Coming from another country and being on my own from an early age meant facing challenges that shaped me in ways most people couldn’t imagine. The things I’ve personally seen and experienced could have broken me, but instead they taught me resilience.
The wound hasn’t disappeared, but I’ve transformed my relationship with it. What once felt like isolation became my foundation. I stopped fighting against my difference and started finding power in it. That shift from resistance to acceptance is where the healing lives.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, yes it is. I can’t stop perception though.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I layed down my name, role, and possessions.’ An imperfect yet pure soul
Image Credits
Jose Garcia
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