Marcus Bell (musician)
Marcus "Bellringer" Bell also known as Marcus Bell or simply "Bellringer" is an American music producer, composer, and musician. He has worked with national and international recording artists, including Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, Italian pop star Gala,[1] British singer Fleur East, and Malaysian-Australian singer-songwriter Che'Nelle. Bell wrote and produced 3 songs on Che'Nelle's 2007 debut album Things Happen for a Reason.[2] In July 2024, Bellringer Productions launched America and Europe's 1st AI entertainer Ravyn Lyte using Suno AI to promote mental and emotional well-being using artificial intelligence.
Biography
[edit]Bell was born in Norfolk, Virginia. His mother was Carolyn Williams Bell (1944–2018), a pioneer in the American Tennis Association in 1961. The two co-authored the book Bellringer Branding Bible: The 5 Musician Branding Principles for Singers, Rappers, DJs, Music Producers, Composers, Writers, and Recording Artists.[3][4]
Raised in a musically rich environment, Bell began his journey as a child prodigy, playing the piano professionally by the age of six. His personal philosophy emphasizes dignity, compassion, and the wealth building over mere success. Bell credits his mother's legacy, both as a national tennis champion and a civil rights activist, for instilling these values and inspiring his commitment to personal growth and community impact.[5]
Bell attended Berklee College of Music where he graduated in 1996.[6] By 2001, he was the music producer of his own duo The Sun Kings and their track "Maskerade" (Subliminal singer) featuring vocalist Diva Dash was mentioned as a "hot rising dance track" in Billboard Magazine on June 9 of that year.[7]
Career
[edit]Music, television, and film
[edit]As a producer Bellringer has acted and composed for television and film, and several of his songs were placed in major U.S. televised dramas since 2017. Two songs, "All That I Need (feat. SWEEDiSH)" and "This Is My Reality" (feat. Sweet Paul & Mr.W1N), were placed of Power in Season 4, Episode 7 (You Lied to My Face), which aired August 6, 2017, and two songs were placed on Empire. "Get On the Floor (ft. Cdubb)" aired on August 20, 2017, in Season 4, Episode 9 (That Ain't Me) and "Keep Steppin" (feat. Sophia Nicole) aired on February 11, 2015, in Season 1, Episode 6 (Out, Damned Spot).
Bell has collaborated with major recording artists as a composer/lyricist, including but not limited to, Katy Perry's album Witness, Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint, and has worked with celebrities across genres including Snoop Dogg. His work also extends to film and television, with recent contributions to the Starz series P-Valley, Netflix's Ginny & Georgia, and Operation Christmas Drop.[5]
Entrepreneurship
[edit]Bellringer Productions, founded by Marcus Bell, has earned a reputation for producing chart-topping hits in collaboration with major networks and studios, including Sony Music, HBO, and Universal Music. The company has worked with renowned artists such as Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and Shelita Burke. Bellringer Productions is celebrated for its innovative approach, combining music with the latest technology to create high-quality, impactful audio content that resonates with audiences.[8]
Bell's entrepreneurial journey is rooted in his own experiences of overcoming significant challenges, including a time when he was $75,000 in debt. Through determination and goal-setting, he transformed his circumstances, ultimately becoming a millionaire and a go-to producer for celebrity artists. This personal success story underpins his commitment to helping others achieve their potential through the 100 Dayz Challenge in 2021; an initiative within his "Wealth and Impact" bootcamp incubator aimed at helping emerging professionals achieve their personal and professional goals.[5]
Bell also advises emerging music producers to focus on continuous progress and skill development across multiple areas, including music, business, and networking. He highlights the importance of mastering creative processes, understanding market dynamics, and cultivating resilience through trial and error.[5]
AI music pioneer
[edit]As the author of the Bellringer Branding Bible and the Unstoppable Workbook, Bellringer has been a featured guest on podcasts discussing the future of Web3 and AI technology in 2024.[8] In July 2024, Bellringer Productions launched America and Europe's 1st AI entertainer @iamravynlyte using Suno AI. Ravyn Lyte is an AI-powered artist and DJ who Bell created while experimenting with AI tools to clone his voice following a 2023 recording session where he lost his voice. This breakthrough led to a fusion of human creativity and AI—producing music that not only entertains but also promotes mental and emotional well-being. Ravyn Lyte's pioneering debut single "11111 (Just Be the One)," blends futuristic drum and bass sounds with complex emotional themes.
Discography
[edit]The website AllMusic.com lists over 20 songs to his credits from 1981 to 2017 working with renowned artists such as Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and RZA, as well as lesser-known artists overseas and in the U.S. including producing and co-producing music with data scientist and composer Shelita Burke.[9][10][11]
Credits
[edit]| Year | Album/Single | Artist | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | "11111 (Just Be the One)," debut single | Ravyn Lyte (AI artist and DJ) | Composer, lyricist, producer |
| 2017 | Witness | Katy Perry | Composer/Lyricist |
| 2014 | The Pinkprint | Nicki Minaj | Composer |
| 2009 | Tough Love | Gala | Mixing |
| 2009 | Tough Love EP | Gala | Mixing |
| 2007 | Jupiter's Dance [DVD/CD] | Mixing | |
| 2007 | Things Happen for a Reason | Che'Nelle | Additional Production, composer, producer |
| 2006 | Debbie/Jours Etran | Saez | Composer |
| 2006 | The Protector [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] | RZA | Composer |
| 2004 | Hôtel De L'Univers/La Réalité | Raphaël | Composer |
| 2004 | Welcome to My World | Ski Johnson | Composer |
| 2003 | Dian Diaz [DNA] | Dian Diaz | Composer |
| 2003 | La Réalité | Raphaël | Composer |
| 2001 | Le Porte-Bonheur | La Grande Sophie | Sound Recording |
| 2001 | Lost & Found: Imagination, Vol. 1 | Composer | |
| 2000 | Jours Étranges | Saez | Producer, Mixing, Clavier, Basse, composer |
| 1999 | Un Paradis/Un Enfer | David Hallyday | Pre-Production |
| 1994 | Living in Oblivion: The 80's Greatest Hits, Vol. 3 | Composer | |
| 1987 | Horseshoe in the Glove | So | Guitar (Rhythm), composer |
| 1986 | 1st Down & Ten | Keep It Dark | Guitar (Bass) |
| 1981 | Breaking the Silence | The Opposition | Keyboards, Bass |
| n.d. | Dubstep [ZYX] | Composer | |
| n.d. | Penetrate | Shelita Burke | Producer, engineer, Mixing, Piano, Synthesizer, Drum Programming, Bass, Mastering, Additional Production, composer, Executive Producer |
| n.d. | Strictly 4 DJs, Vol. 6 | Composer | |
| n.d. | The Protector [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] | Composer | |
| n.d. | Twój Wstyd | Mancu | Composer |
References
[edit]- ^ Lush, Brian. "ROCKWiRED iNTERViEWS GALA". Rockwired.
- ^ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. September 15, 2007.
- ^ "1944–2018 Carolyn Williams Bell A Radiating Smile". New Journal and Guide. September 20, 2018.
- ^ Bell, Marcus; Bell, Carolyn (2018). Bellringer Branding Bible: The 5 Musician Branding Principles for Singers, Rappers, DJs, Music Producers, Composers, Writers, and Recording Artists. SheBell Publishing.
- ^ a b c d Adebola, Peace (September 13, 2021). "Iconic Music Producer: Marcus "Bellringer" Bell". Beverly Hills Magazine. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ Collins, Ren. "Berklee Today". Berklee College of Music.
- ^ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. June 9, 2001. p. 29.
Dana kelly marcus bell sun kings.
- ^ a b "Edge Of AI Podcast: The Future of Music: AI, Digital Assets, and Immortalizing Legacies with Marcus Bell of Bellringer Productions on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
- ^ "Shelita Burke – "Photograph" (single premiere)". The Revue. September 15, 2017.
- ^ "Shelita Burke: Causing A Disruption". Music Connection Magazine. February 26, 2018.
- ^ "Choir takes universal view of Hip Hop". Our Weekly. June 5, 2014.