Date Signed: November 2025
Label: Warner Records
Type of Music: Alternative Rock
Management: Nick Hostetter, nick@mickmgmt.com
Booking: Ethan Goldish, ethan.goldish@caa.com; Ben Schildkraut, ben.schildkraut@caa.com
Legal: Jeff Colvin, jeff@mcentlaw.com
Publicity: Rick Gershon - Warner Records, rick.gershon@warnerrecords.com
A&R: Daniel Werman
Web: marlonfunaki.com
"I love making music,” blurts Marlon Funaki. “There’s nothing else I see myself doing.” The unique 24-year-old guitarist, songwriter and vocalist hailing from Redlands, CA, had been focusing on just that, playing shows and recording, when A&R reps from various labels began noticing his talent.
Yet making music wasn’t all he’d been doing. He’d also been getting his feet wet with various career-oriented nuts and bolts, such as setting up a proper release schedule and soliciting attention through social media. Even though he was new to these tasks, Funaki’s efforts drew in industry brass, not to mention more than one million monthly streaming listeners.
Numerous labels reached out, including Sony, Capitol, and Interscope. Another was Warner Records. Representatives first connected with Nick Hostetter, Funaki’s manager, before speaking directly with Funaki. Then, the artist visited them in their offices, where he played the brass some demos. “I think they liked what they heard,” the jazz-influenced performer reflects.
Funaki was impressed by Warner’s persistence. They went the extra mile, putting him in contact with producers and engineers without a formal commitment. “Warner kept in touch and did a lot of things for me,” the cowboy-hatted, musical force of nature divulges. “That was one of the reasons I felt they were the right choice.” Warner also signaled a clear hunger and passion for his music.
Warner Records must have found Funaki’s originality and honest personality appealing, he surmises. “I’m a pretty authentic, raw person,” the newcomer claims, “and I’m truthful with the way I feel and want things done.” He certainly made himself clear during contract negotiations, insisting on maintaining artistic control and signing a limited-time licensing deal where he’d eventually get his music back.
Like with his sound, Funaki embodies a laidback approach to putting together a team. “I’ve always felt that, if things are supposed to happen,” he offers, “they will.”
