The names on his résumé read like a greatest hits playlist: Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Kendrick Lamar. Joseph Macklin has worked with some of the most recognizable artists in music, producing Grammy-nominated vocals and contributing across genres.
Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, his career took him to Los Angeles and the global music industry before he returned home in 2016 to invest in the community that shaped him. Today, he leverages his decorated career to create opportunities for others and to cast a vision for what is possible.
Upon his return, Joseph brought with him the knowledge and connections made from a career built on the West Coast. He has since used his global experience as a bridge for creating local opportunities for young creatives. That path laid the groundwork for what became the DistrKCt Multimedia Studio and its non-profit arm, the DistrKCt IS Foundation.
In Los Angeles, young people can easily find training opportunities from acting classes and creative programs to recording studios. In Kansas City, Joseph saw those resources were scarce. DistrKCt was his answer to that gap. “Joe has always been the ‘hometown guy’ constantly looking to create pathways for young men and women from his hometown,” said Jason Banks, a longtime friend and colleague who nominated Joseph for the Rising Star recognition.
The Foundation’s mission is to inspire youth to create, innovate, and thrive through art, music, education, and workforce development — regardless of zip code or background. The goal is to create a start-to-finish professional pipeline designed for Kansas City’s underserved youth. The model has two stages: education and opportunity. At DistrKCt, located in the Crossroads, students gain world-class education and certifications in multimedia production. This paves the way for graduates to step into careers, expand their portfolios, and even monetize the assets they have built.
Students at The DistrKCt enroll in the Audio Engineering program to learn the same technical skills used by professionals in top studios. This includes everything from recording and editing to microphone placement, mixing, mastering, and sound design. They train on software like Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton. These are the industry standard tools that power mainstream music. Alongside technical skill, students are taught professionalism, including how to run sessions, collaborate with producers and directors, and conduct themselves in a studio. It is an education in both the art and career of music.
This means local youth don’t have to endure a trial-and-error path to success. At DistrKCt, the credibility they gain in the arts industry comes through training, certifications, and experience — not unnecessary barriers.
To Jason, what sets Joseph apart is not just the studio. It is the way he has turned his own experience into opportunities for others. “He has channeled his success into creating resources that he once lacked, demonstrating his belief that giving young men and women a chance to live their dreams, and the tools to make those dreams real, can change lives,” he said. “His mentorship inspires students to believe in their potential and the value of their passions.”
Joseph’s efforts in philanthropy aren’t only limited to the studio. He has volunteered and brought music education directly to students at DeLaSalle High School. He hosts open mic nights that give emerging artists a platform. He also champions local musicians through his record label, giving Kansas City talent a platform to be seen and heard. Each project is different, but the goal is always the same: open doors, build bridges, and create pathways.
Even with the demands of building programs and mentoring students, Joseph makes space for what grounds him most: his family. Although success often pulls people away from family, he is anchored by his role as a husband and father. “Not only is he an amazing professional, but he is also a dedicated and loving father and husband,” Jason said. “He and his wife have demanding careers, and it makes me smile whenever I hear him talking about their strong partnership and support of each other’s dreams.”
Joseph’s work is far from finished. The next chapter for DistrKCt is a 7,000-square-foot multimedia coworking hub, Kansas City’s first of its kind. Designed by creatives for creatives, the space is meant to be a one-stop destination where artists, producers, and entrepreneurs can build their craft and careers under one roof.
More than half of the space, 4,000 square feet, will be dedicated to coworking where local creatives can connect, share ideas, and build networks. Surrounding that core will be specialized facilities that include a live sound stage, three recording studios with industry-standard gear, podcast suites, and a photography and videography space with professional backdrops, plus a full LED wall.
The DistrKCt is also prioritizing technology with its computer lab that houses 30 iMacs loaded with industry-standard programs, ranging from Pro Tools and Ableton for music production to Adobe Creative Suite for visual artists and designers. Private classrooms will also allow for workshops, training sessions, and specialized programming to create opportunities not just to work, but to learn and teach.
Joseph’s Rising Star honor points to the bright future he is helping to shape for Kansas City’s youth and creative community. As Jason said, “Joe exemplifies leadership, innovation, and generosity. Kansas City is fortunate to have a visionary like him, whose contributions to the arts and the next generation resonate far beyond the studio.”
Featured in the September 20, 2025 issue of The Independent
By Monica V. Reynolds
