Check out our interview with fashion blogger turned pop singer-songwriter Marilyn Hucek.
Marilyn found fame as a fashion blogger on Instagram and quickly grew a large following that remains with her since she began focusing on music full-time.
During the stay at home order of 2020 Marilyn’s father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, contracted coronavirus while at a retirement home. In order to cope with her inability to visit him, she returned to songwriting, which she had used to express her emotions since she was young, and gave life to a special song she dedicated to her father and soon became her debut single. Since then, Marilyn has released three singles that collectively received tens of thousands of streams on Spotify.
Marilyn just released her fourth single, “I’m Not Sorry.” The enthusiastic pop single serves as a message of empowerment to women, and herself, who consistently find themselves apologizing and being penalized for speaking their mind.
Follow Marilyn @thelunarphase_
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing, positive, & creative
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I just went for it! I took a leap of faith. It was my calling that I couldn’t ignore any longer and I started with square one, taking the steps necessary to keep going. Music has always been with me and it’s always been my dream, and my subconscious was finally loud enough for me to pursue it, and I’m so happy I did.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
My sound has been compared to artists like Taylor Swift, Shakira, and Halsey! I’m still in the beginning of my career as an artist, therefore I’m still developing my sound. I hope you can join me for the ride!! I’m trying to be as experimental as I can in the early days!
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’ve had many influences in my life, it’s all around me but stars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus are some of my role models. I ultimately chose to make music because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do and is my talent I wanted to share with people. I did it for myself first above all but hope to connect others with my music because I believe it can serve as inspiration and hope. My music helps me and I believe my music will help others as well with whatever they are going through.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play piano, and of course I sing- can’t forget about that instrument!
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time! But I like to live by the rule- get comfortable being uncomfortable. I get bored if things are too routine and predictable.
Tell us about your new single “I’m Not Sorry?”
“I’m Not Sorry” is a fun, energetic, dance-pop song that releases on 12.4.20! The song was produced and mixed by Harper James who you can find on Instagram at @harperjamesx.
In terms of instruments, you’ll hear a lot of synth, some drum programming, electric guitar, and even tambourine sounds. It was influenced by artists like La Roux and Robyn!
What’s the story behind this song?
I believe in women supporting women, it was only a matter of time before I wrote a song championing female empowerment. Studies have shown that women say “sorry” too much, and I’m a culprit myself. Often I say it in a way as though I’m apologizing for myself.
I’ve actively been working on getting better at not saying it, and during quarantine, I made it a personal mission. During the challenge, I became hyper-aware of how often I needlessly said “sorry”, almost subconsciously.
Women are penalized all too often for speaking their mind and are called emotional, bossy, or aggressive and I hope to change that judgment against women. Women have to work on it, especially with each other because sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
Sometimes I set aside time for creative brainstorming and songwriting but it was not the case this time. This song just popped in my head and came to me without me really trying. I love it when that happens because it’s the most organic.
I hope my song inspires strength and confidence in women, girls and gender minorities around the world. I hope it inspires them to use their voice because women have a right to be at the table. There’s no reason to apologize for sharing your opinion, or speaking your mind! Lastly, I hope, with my song, more women learn to not say sorry for the things they don’t need to say sorry for.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
No online concerts yet, because I’m focusing on releasing my first EP, however once that is out I will be spending time creating live footage and interactions with fans for sure!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I’m hoping to play live soon, but covid-19 has this project somewhat at a stand still, but soon enough I hope to perform live which would be my first concert! I’m also working on creating a merchandise line for my new single “I’m Not Sorry”, so stay tuned for that!
Are you still creating and writing fashion content and blogging?
Yes! I’m embracing the hyphen “singer-blogger” for now! I think they go hand in hand though so it’s a nice pairing. Fashion and pop music are very intertwined.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
I love the creative release, and it’s food for the soul, however it’s SUPER challenging and there is no clear path so that’s what’s scary. You just have to keep climbing the uphill battle, work as hard as you can and let the cards fall where they may. I love it so much so I’m okay with that.
What’s next for Marilyn Hucek in 2021?
I’m planning on releasing my first EP, as well as the music video for “I’m Not Sorry”, which will release in tandem with Women’s History Month!!
What is your favorite song? And why?
That’s a hard question, I like all my songs! What happens is I end up liking the song I’m about to release the best every time, because no one has heard it and I’m just so excited about sharing it. It becomes my favorite for that reason.
Any loves other than music?
I love exercising, yoga, hiking, cooking, the beach- those things make me happy!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Frank Sinatra! I recently watched his documentary and it’s awe-inspiring. Such a multi-faceted artist!
Best advice ever given?
“Fake it till you make it” because no one knows what they’re doing, so just pretend until it’s real! It’s like a real life manifestation.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Everyday is different depending if it’s a business day, or creative day but they all start with a 5 minute morning meditation, coffee and oatmeal! I also workout everyday whether that’s a 40 minute walk, yoga or strength training with weights.
Name one your strengths?
I’m very independent so I don’t need anyone to tell me what to do, I just do it. I have a “go-getter” personality.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
I like to read and workout for a longer period of time on Sunday. I like to call my Sunday workout, “Sunday service”. I grew up catholic but don’t go to church anymore so this is my new practice. I also like to have a chill morning where I’m not rushing to do anything I can take it slow.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I love to belt the song “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, that’s one of my go-to karaoke songs for sure!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is the trifecta, having love for yourself, love for a passion or hobby and love for someone else (e.g. dog, friend, boyfriend, mom, etc.). When you have all three I believe one is the happiest. But my passion/hobby I believe needs to help people in some way and I believe my music does that.
Do you support any charities?
Of course! I’m an ambassador for the World Animal Protection org, I’ve raised money and continuously support the Alzheimer’s Association, and was on the AKTIV Against Cancer NYC Marathon team to help raise awareness and fundraise, I also recently donated reusable face masks to the Women’s Housing Coalition in Baltimore.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m a plant-based pescatarian, meaning I rarely eat seafood anymore. I’m transitioning to become a full vegetarian and I LOVE eating healthy food. Like gross green juices in the morning kind of girl, but I actually like it. Sooo it’s hard to say because I eat healthy food all the time. If you ask me what I love to eat I’d say recently it’s been crispy honey glazed brussel sprouts…that’s healthy right?
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza is my favorite cheat food at the moment!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Here’s the thing… I like to give chances so I’m not sure what a deal breaker would be. Sometimes a first date isn’t enough to get to know someone, however if someone was pressuring me to do something I didn’t want to do then that would be the deal breaker.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope my music has reached the hearts and ears of several people, and I hope to go on tour!
How would you describe your fashion style?
I would describe my fashion style as versatile! I dress to my mood and environment. I’m not scared to stand out, and don’t feel pressured to look a certain way. I have a taste for different styles just like my dynamic personality. I’ve recently been trying to be more environmentally friendly and try to shop brands who are more sustainable if not vintage and pre-loved aka second hand.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a blessing and a curse! Social Media has broken down the barriers and limitations of networking and connecting with people. For example, it has made it a lot easier for me to break into the music industry. I was able to discover and connect with my producer who I’ve created now 5 songs with! It’s incredible!
However, we have to be cognizant of it’s side effects and addictive traits. We need to independently create boundaries for ourselves because no one else will, and it’s a dangerous slippery slope. So we have to continue to educate ourselves on the pros and cons of social media.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram @thelunarphase_ and Marilyn Hucek on Spotify and YouTube!
Quote: Live passionately
Movie: Moulin Rouge
Travel Destination:Maldives
Sports Team: No die hard affiliation but I love soccer!
Photo Credit: Elite Fashion Photography
