Marilyn Hucek, is an American-Chilean pop singer-songwriter. Born in Washington D.C., Marilyn currently resides in New York City. Marilyn Hucek’s new song “Girls Girl” is out today, February 25th on all streaming platforms!
Who are you?
My name is Marilyn Hucek, and I’m an emerging pop artist / singer-songwriter. I’ve dreamt of becoming a singer my whole life. I auditioned for The Voice back in 2017 and didn’t pass, and thought that was the end of my journey. Until my dad who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s contracted Covid-19. I thought he wasn’t going to make it. I started writing songs again, and debuted my first single “Memories”, dedicated to him. He recovered from the virus and I’m now a full time Artist. I write all of my songs and lyrics (they come from the heart). I’m bilingual and grew up in a multicultural household. My mom’s Chilean and father is from the States. I grew up outside Washington D.C. and now NYC/DC based. I release music regularly so follow me on Spotify, subscribe to my newsletter, and let’s connect on all forms of social media.
How would you describe your music?
I write energetic bops, and heartfelt ballads about love, life, you name it! Because life’s complicated so I get it out in song. It’s always been my therapy and preferred way of expression. I’m so close to my music that describing it can be challenging sometimes. I’d much rather hear what my fans and listeners have to say.
What did you learn from your experience with The Voice? How did you overcome that setback?
I always dreamt of becoming a singer. I auditioned for The Voice back in 2017 thinking that was the only way to break into the music industry. I didn’t have any industry connections. I remember I wasn’t as confident at the time either. I didn’t tell anyone I was auditioning. I kept it a secret.
When I didn’t make the cut, I was disappointed. I also thought to myself that was the end of my journey trying to make it as a singer. I told myself that I tried and therefore I wouldn’t have any regrets in life about following my dream. It felt like a break-up. I put my dream in a box, locked it up, and buried it figuratively speaking. My dream was over.
The experience was incredibly beneficial. After I “gave-up” so to speak my relationship with singing had changed. It was all about having fun. I wasn’t judging myself or comparing myself anymore because I knew deep down I wasn’t seriously trying to pursue music. I remember singing out loud in front of everyone all the time. I came out of my shell, and people would tell me how great my voice was. I enjoyed getting positive feedback, and I enjoyed not having the pressure I was putting on myself previously.
I would occasionally write songs that would pop in my head, but as I mentioned before I really felt like I put chains on my creativity and locked it in jail.
It wasn’t until the 2020 pandemic when I lost my job working in the corporate fashion industry in New York that everything changed. I moved in with my new boyfriend, and my dad who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s contracted Covid-19. At this point, all my rules went out the window. My brain was free from the shackles I had placed on it.
It was such an emotional time. I was in love and in pain at the same time. Love for my boyfriend and pain for my father. I thought I was going to lose my Dad. I started writing songs like crazy. Music and songwriting came back to me in the most organic, raw, and natural way. I leaned into it and decided to follow my heart. I haven’t looked back since, and feel I have really found my purpose in life. It feels so right.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe it as versatile. I’m not scared to experiment. Something different and new excites me. I like to be bold and stand out. For the most part I’d rather not be basic, but my style depends on my mood. I have an appreciation for a variety of different styles. Growing up I went through a lot of different phases and dressed all types of ways.
My inspiration also drives me. For example if I’m going out for sushi I’ll put on a kimono or something. When I visited Paris, I packed timeless classic pieces. I love fashion. In general though I’d say I love animal print, sequins, the color pink, leather, tulle, lace. I like clothing that makes me feel feminie, sexy and confident except for when I’m feeling lazy and just want to wear sweats!
How did your previous work in the fashion industry influence your art today?
Fashion and music go hand in hand, so it’s all quite relevant. I started a fashion blog, and an influencer social media account when I first moved to New York City. I later got a job in the corporate fashion industry at Ralph Lauren. My experience as an entrepreneur and in the corporate world prepared me immensely to handle the responsibilities and tasks of being an independent artist. I used to think that I started my artist journey too late in life. But now I feel the stars aligned for me. All my experiences have helped and prepared me for this very moment, for this journey of being an artist. Everything happens for a reason, and the timing was exactly how it was supposed to be. I’ve never felt more prepared to tackle this uphill battle.
What is it like to self-direct your own videos?
It’s empowering! It feels amazing to have a vision, and to bring it to fruition. It’s so satisfying. Sometimes my visions for music videos come to me, and I feel like I have to do it. I thought that it would be cool to pole dance for my “Touch Me” music video. I had no previous experience, but I’m not afraid of a challenge. I took 100+ pole classes in 5 months and executed my vision!
I will say that self-directing my own videos is great when I’m very passionate about an idea. But I do appreciate collaboration. Working with other artists can be magical. When another artist has a point of view, and is talented you want to work together to see the type of magic that can be created. Blending two creative brains and creating something totally unique. I would love to work with music video director Bardia Zeinali one day.
Tell us about your upcoming single “Girls Girl!”
“Girls Girl” is my female anthem! It’s releasing February 25th, just in time for Women’s History Month. It’s entirely created by women (100% written, produced, performed) even down to the album art. I want to inspire more women to support women, and also highlight female talent in
the music industry. The message is open to interpretation, I want everyone to have their own experience with my song, and music in general.
This song is entirely created and produced by women. Why did you make that decision?
It’s no secret the music industry is dominated by men, and that females are underrepresented especially producers and engineers. I wanted to highlight the voices of female talent in the industry, because it’s the right thing to do. I’m passionate about championing female empowerment. Creating a song that is entirely created and produced by women was the next logical step to fulfilling my purpose and mission. It was harder to find a female producer among the sea of men producers out there, but it’s possible! It required a bit more research, and time, but it’s possible.
What advice would you give to young female artists?
My advice would be to believe in yourself, don’t give up, and keep going. There are no gatekeepers to the music industry anymore. There are so many tools out there that are accessible to help you follow your dream. You are not alone. When I first started I was
overwhelmed not knowing a single person in the music industry, but I got the advice to join non-profit groups like She Is The Music, She Said So, Women in Music and it has helped tremendously to grow my network and to guide me through my journey. As women we need to support each other and these communities are doing just that.
What are you listening to now?
Funny enough I don’t listen to music that much. I prefer to be in my own thoughts, and in silence. I’m really passionate about the music I write and that is what I enjoy the most. For a while listening to other people’s music just wasn’t doing it for me. I wasn’t feeling the connection. That was my indicator that I needed to start releasing my own music.
However, I do like to stay in the know so I listen to top charting music mainly for research purposes. I will say I dove into Kacey Musgraves new album when I was doing a pilgrimage in Spain called El Camino de Santiago, and really enjoyed it. I ended up going to her concert because I fell in love with her album. Taylor Swift is a go-to forever and always. I’ve been listening to Slayyyter when I workout and she’s such a beast I love her.