Meet Marlon Foster: The Basement Presents (DJ & Owner)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marlon Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marlon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind The Basement Presents was to create a platform to help DJs. A lot of the DJ’s I knew were playing gigs that they were not happy with because they couldn’t play the music they wanted. So I came up with The Basement Presents so I could create events that would highlight the music they actually enjoyed playing.

At the very start this did work, I helped/ worked with over 20 different DJs and put together some great/interesting events that allowed DJs (and musicians) to perform music they enjoyed. The Basement Presents has changed a little since then, I still work with DJs and musicians but I have taken more of the forefront instead of the background with Djing and it’s sparked a new passion in my own creativity and performance when it comes to Djing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

When I first moved to the states I had no clue I would be doing what I have been doing. My first job (and still is) out here was for a non- profit in the arts, they allowed me to create a service to help musicians with gigs, workshops and professional advice. I think that has helped me to do things differently with The Basement Presents.

One the main things (I think) that sets me apart from other DJs/promoters is my passion for music and events. Whether I am DJing or putting an event together I try my best to create a vibe (or a mood) and my hope is that you feel just as responsible for that good time as I was.

One of the events I am most proud of is Wax on, Wax off, that Rod (Furious Rod) and myself host at Revelry. Wax on, Wax off is an all vinyl night that you can come in and play your own vinyl and be a DJ for a night. The reason I am so proud of this night is the people that attend it, they’re not just attending and leaving, they have become our friends and are just as excited as I am about the night. I will get messages about the records they have purchased, just for that night and some of them have since become DJs and are now spinning at private events, when before they were scared to go near turntables. I am very proud of this and I know this event is just going to get bigger.

I have also started to learn laser animation, I did this during the pandemic as a way to stand out and bring a fun element to my live performances. I have done several laser shows so far and received great feedback. I have a strong feeling that this will open new doors for me, plus its super fun playing with lasers.

Ultimately my hope is The Basement Presents brand/story grows into something that takes me around the world and brings as much happiness and joy to other people as it’s given me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit me I would take them to the beach first (I know obvious), have a couple of cocktails and then check out some art galleries- The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Norton Museum and also a walk around checking out the murals. I would then take them to Harry’s banana farm (bar) to introduce them to some friends, go for some sushi, a beer at Revelry. Hang out at CWS to enjoy some great music and cocktails. Bike rides/Motorcycle rides around A1A Maybe take them to Muay Thai at Black lotus gym. This question is hard I don’t get out much. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family first- Since moving from England to the USA, they have always been a huge supporter of my crazy ideas and I am thankful that my mum, sisters, grandma, aunty and brother are always there for me to moan to them. My other shoutout is to Kathy- She was my first boss, mentor, second mother to me and (although reluctantly at times) she has always been involved in helping me get my ideas off the ground professionally. She has given me the best advice over the years on how to handle things not only in business but personally. I would also like to give a shoutout to my friends and work colleagues in FL and back home in England that have supported me and gave me words of encouragement throughout the years.

Website: WWW.THEBASMENTPRESENTS.COM

Instagram: Thebasementpresentsmusic

Linkedin: Marlon Foster

Facebook: The Basement Presents

Youtube: The Basement Presents

Other: Soundcloud- The Basement Presents Amazon (mech)- The Basement Presents

Image Credits
Chris Bevins, Dylan Levin and Marlon Foster