Multifaceted international artist, designer, composer, and musician Marco Alexander recently transformed what once felt like an ongoing dream into a stunning visual experience. In October 2024, Marco connected with acclaimed cinematographer Ken Martell, sparking a creative partnership focused on bringing a new project to life on screen. Just a week later, producer/director, Alison LoPresti joined the team, collaborating closely with Marco and Ken to shape the vision, manage logistics, and assist Marco’s team with creating a budget for the entire production. What began as a casual experiment quickly evolved into a world-class collaboration, showcasing the power of synergy in today’s creative landscape.
When it came time to choose which track to turn into a visual, Marco handed the reins to Alison and Ken. Within a day, they both came back with a unanimous decision: “YUP!” It was a no-brainer. Soon after, planning kicked into high gear, and Marco was preparing to fly to New York City with his team, ready to shoot the video alongside a crew of all-stars.
For over a decade, Marco Alexander has been a creative force in the music industry—writing, arranging, and performing both behind the scenes and on the front lines of the mainstream. He has worked with over 17 professional symphony orchestras, performed alongside artists such as Gladys Knight, Rick Ross, and Aaron Neville, and composed for large ensembles (in and outside of the United States) from stage to the recording studio. “YUP!” was originally written and recorded for Marco’s debut solo album “Kulture Friction”. The track features music by CJ Henry, professionally known as C Major, whose been working alongside his brother, Marco for many years and whose sound adds another layer of depth to Marco’s bold sonic vision.
“We were all in the house. It was 2020 and we lost everything to a global pandemic. Every connection/collaboration that was planned for my first album was gone in a matter of minutes, after the world shut down. So, we had to get creative and adjust…”
Marco was unwavering in his commitment to translating his vision exactly as he imagined it—straight to the screen, with the help of Alison’s writing and commitment to this project. Six months later, that vision came to life in Brooklyn, New York. Joining him on set were choreographer Robin Sanders, dancer Larray Curry, and C Major, along with Marco’s fashion label “SOUND KULTURE”, which provided the wardrobe for much of the video. His fashion included hand sewn garments and even hand painted textile clothing, by Marco himself.
From long rehearsal days to 13-hour shoots in freezing temperatures, the team pushed through every challenge with a shared purpose. This wasn’t just about shooting a music video—it was about crafting an immersive, high-concept experience that merged fashion, movement, sound, and reality into one cohesive statement.
“I can’t say that this was new to me. But this experience did challenge me quite a bit. I mean, it was the first time that I had ever trusted anyone outside of myself, with seeing the vision through. It was hard man.” *laughs*
“I can’t say that this was new to me. But this experience did challenge me quite a bit. I mean, it was the first time that I had ever trusted “It was the first time that I had seen my bro hand over his control and completely trust a team with executing what we were there to do. It was necessary, though. It was crazy, in a good way and I’m proud of him.”
Culture has always been at the core of Marco’s creativity. Over the past 20 years, he’s traveled extensively, seeking out experiences that have shaped not only his music but his identity—insights he believes he never would’ve discovered had he stayed stateside. He often refers to his creative team as his “Tribe”—a reflection of the high standard he sets for himself and the shared expectation of excellence across the board.
YUP! wasn’t just another visual—it was an opportunity to showcase that cultural richness to the world. What started as a music video evolved into something far greater: a cinematic piece of art. And matched with Marco’s uncompromising eye for detail, director Alison delivered in full, infusing the project with her own eye for detail, blend of sharp comedic writing and storytelling that elevated the entire production.
The production crew brought together some of the best in the business—veterans with credits on major projects like Law & Order, Power, and Blue Bloods, to name a few. For Marco, this project marked more than just another creative milestone—it was a statement of intent. He’s always believed that music doesn’t come with a time limit. Until millions have seen and heard his work, he remains relentless in his mission: to push his art as far and wide as possible.
CREDITS:
Recording Artist/Executive Producer/Songwriter/Co-Producer: MARCO ALEXANDER Music/Co-Produced: C MAJOR
Visual Writer/Executive Producer/Director/Editor: ALISON LoPRESTI
Production Company: PEACH PIG PRODUCTIONS
Director of Photography/Cinematographer: KENNETH MARTELL
Associate Producer: LEVI HAWKINS
1st Assistant Director: JOY KIM-CRILLEY
Steadicam: JUSTIN ZVERIN
1st Assistant Camera: MATEO GONZALEZ
Location Manager: CALEB LENDERKING
Stunt Coordinator: MIKE ARAUJO
Sound: ANDREW MAZZEI
Gaffer: MAX FREGA
Dolly Grip: JAKE MCGUIRE
Colorist: JAKE WHITE
Production Assistant: MAYA LOWRIE
Marco Alexander, CJ, and Dancers wardrobe: THE SOUND KULTURE BRAND Marco Alexander Hair Stylist: NORTHMANELOCS
Cast: MARCO ALEXANDER, CMAJOR, PATRICK SWEENEY, DONTE BOUYER, PORTLAND THOMAS, MIKE ARAUJO
Choreographer: ROBIN SANDERS
Dancers: MARCO ALEXANDER, LARRAY CURRY, FLEXX
Extras: BIANCA ROSARIO, MILO RYASON, HEATHER LOUIS, RAPHAEL JOHNSON, BEE KAUR
YUP! Official Video
This blog was written by Nicole Williamson
Nicole Williamson is a writer and publicist. She has live in Los Angeles, California most of her life but has recently relocated to Nashville, TN after living in Memphis, TN for 3 years.
