Meet Marley Jayne Russell | Musician & Music Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marley Jayne Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marley Jayne, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I was surrounded by music. My parents love live music and good records, so I was introduced to a wide variety of music from a young age. Although I tried stuff like ballet and gymnastics, I was never one to be interested in playing sports throughout school. I don’t remember where I got the idea, but in 5th grade I wanted to try guitar lessons. That didn’t last very long though, I wasn’t ready for it and not as interested as I thought. To start off the 6th grade year, they took us around to all the different fine arts classes to see what we would like to take. Little did I know, as soon as I walked into the orchestra room and heard about the violin, my life changed forever. I knew I wanted to play that instrument and was so excited to start. Through school orchestra I met many of my lifelong friends and became more immersed in music. I picked the guitar back up and started learning to play songs I liked. In high school, my dad took me to see a local singer/songwriter, Levi Lowrey. I heard him playing the violin in a way I never had before, which he called the fiddle. We talked with him after and he got me the number for his old fiddle teacher, that was the beginning of my bluegrass journey. Levi had been a big help to me with playing music live. He would give me a tune to learn then invite me to play it with him at a local coffee shop, always encouraging me. Now everyone knows how daunting the question of “What do you want to do with your life?” is to an 11th grader. The only answer I had was not wanting to work a 9-5 desk job. I was nervous to pursue a career in music, but music was and still is my passion. My dad talked to me about East Tennessee State University and their Bluegrass, Old-Time, & Roots music program. We visited during my senior year and I knew it’s where I needed to be. From that point on, it was full speed ahead learning how to navigate the music industry and growing who I am as a musician. I was going to find a way to make it work, I had to. There’s nothing else I could see myself doing at that point. It was a long road to figure it out, but as I look back, I can see all the puzzle pieces falling into place to put me where I am now. My life is filled with amazing people and memories all coming back to the music and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am 100% me with my music. I don’t try to sound like anyone or be someone I’m not. Allowing myself to just be me wasn’t an easy road. I’ve always been a bit introverted and had a hard time being myself, but I always came back to the music and could lean on it. Two things my dad always says are, “Work hard, play hard” and “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. Those quotes have been so beneficial to me and my art. Now I’m at place where I’m excited to be on stage and putting myself out there. I try not to fit in a box, my music is a big blend of many styles. If you come hear me live, you’ll get anything from a roots/folk sound to traditional country to jam and jazz influenced music. I love to play my own songs, get a loop going with my guitar, and have fun improvising on my fiddle. I love getting to play with other musicians and groups as well, whether it be a show with a full band or sitting around passing around tunes in a jam circle.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many cool spots around the city, with so much diversity. I think we would definitely have to visit the Aquarium and Botanical Garden’s, a must see for anyone who hasn’t gone. I would love to take them for a show at the Tabernacle, it’s a beautiful venue and always has great music coming through. I also love the Krog Street Tunnel and Market, it’s a super cool spot to hang out and grab some food. Little Five Point’s would be a great spot to go as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve to be recognized for their role in my journey. To start, my amazing parents and family. They have always been my biggest supporters, helping me to figure it all out and cheering me on every step of the way. I seriously could not do this without them and would not be where I am without them. Many musicians have been incredibly influential in my life as well. My incredible orchestra teachers, Carl Rieke and Dana Ballard; my guitar teacher and mentor, Halem Albright; my fiddle teacher, Bob Simon; and my instructors throughout college: Dan Boner, Brittany Haas, Aynsley Porchak, Angelica Branum, and Wyatt Rice, thank you all for being a part of my journey and encouraging me to do what I love. I also have to thank Levi Lowrey for everything he’s done, he started me on a path I’m still exploring and I wouldn’t be doing what I am without his influence and support. I have so many amazing people who have been a part of my story and many more to come through the years.

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