SPOTLIGHT: MARILYN HUCEK
Photo by SOMA
Meet Marilyn Hucek and tune into her brand new album “MARILYN”
MARILYN feels like such a personal and defining statement of who you are. Why did now feel like the right time to release a self-titled album?
It’s been five years since I started releasing music professionally, including two EPs and several singles. It felt like the right moment to create something bigger. Something that really defines me as an artist. I was craving a body of work that told my story in a deeper way. After writing in both Nashville and LA, the project came together organically and felt like a reflection of who I’ve become.
You’ve described this project as “raw, real, and vulnerable.” What did that honesty demand from you emotionally during the writing process?
I had a lot of alone time, which really fuels my introspective writing. I’d go on hikes and long walks by myself, and even took solo trips to Nashville and LA. Leaving my comfort zone helped me connect with the deepest parts of myself. I’ll be honest, during that time, I wasn’t always the easiest person to be around. When I’m in writing mode, I go into another dimension. Going that deep can be scary, and sometimes I avoid it, but I’m grateful for the collaborators who encouraged me to say something meaningful. The scariest truths are usually the ones that matter most.
The album moves through so many themes such as love, grief, womanhood, identity. Was there a particular song that felt like the emotional core or anchor for the record?
Neil Young and Love to Hate You were definitely the most emotional songs to write. I didn’t box myself in with concepts on this project. I just wrote freely, and later realized how diary-like and introspective the songs were. They became stories I needed to tell. Writing them was therapeutic and helped me confront my insecurities in a really honest way.
The opening track “I Made It” carries a sense of optimism and independence. Was that song always meant to set the tone for the album?
Not at all! At first, I had no idea what the track order would be. But I knew I wanted to start from a place of optimism. “I Made It” felt right because it’s a journey, a road trip of sorts, and that mirrors the album as a whole. After thinking it through, I realized it perfectly sets the tone for the emotional ride that follows.
“Naked” explores the ache of long-distance love and the challenge of staying grounded in yourself. How did that experience shape your perspective on connection and independence?
I moved to LA for a year while my boyfriend was in DC, so it was a big adjustment. It tested my independence, confidence, and self-esteem. We had to get creative. Sometimes I’d go out to dinner with him over FaceTime, with my phone propped on a tripod at the table! It was a unique challenge, but it taught me resilience and balance. I had to make new friends, put myself out there, and stay focused on my music, all while maintaining that connection from afar. It ultimately made us stronger.
“Love to Hate You” takes jealousy and obsession, all emotions often seen as negative, and turns them into art. How do you approach writing about your messier emotions without judgment?
At first, I didn’t want to go there. But I realized I needed to release what I was holding inside. Writing Love to Hate You was a way to help myself heal and reclaim power over those feelings. As an artist, I feel both the freedom and the responsibility to be honest, even when it’s messy. I try not to worry about judgment, because more often than not, people appreciate it when you say the things they’ve felt but couldn’t express.
“Pressure Makes Diamonds” and “To Be or Not To Be” touch on societal expectations around marriage and motherhood. How do you navigate those pressures as a woman in the public eye?
It’s definitely a challenge. I’m constantly questioning how much of myself to share, or if being honest might hurt my goals. But I’ve learned that if people can’t accept you as you are, their approval isn’t worth chasing. It’s a tricky balance, and I’m still figuring it out, but the best I can do is keep addressing it honestly and continue to grow.
“Rebound” stands out as a lighter, more playful moment on the record. How important was it for you to include humor and self-awareness amid the heavier themes?
That side of me definitely exists. I’m naturally bubbly, outgoing, and optimistic. Humor and love have always been my ways of coping through hard times, so I wanted that balance represented on the album. Rebound reminds me not to take everything so seriously. I love performing it live! It makes me feel good and brings out the fun in me.
“Me Salvaste el Alma” beautifully incorporates your Chilean heritage. How has your bicultural identity influenced your storytelling and sound?
I really wanted to release a Spanish song to honor my Chilean roots. My abuelita passed away recently, and this felt like a way to dedicate something to her. A lot of my family in Chile can’t understand my English songs, so I wanted to create something for them, too. My heritage is such a huge part of who I am, it shapes the way I see the world and express myself.
The closing track “Neil Young” is such a touching tribute to your late father. What was the writing process like for a song that personal, and how did you decide to tie it to Alzheimer’s advocacy?
The chorus actually came to me during a walk alone in a Nashville state park. I recorded it right away in my voice memos. Later, I brought it to a producer to bring the idea to life. My dad’s battle with Alzheimer’s deeply impacted me, and raising awareness has become a central part of my mission as an artist. It’s not easy to talk about, but I know it’s important. This song is my way of turning pain into purpose.
You’re donating 5% of the song’s royalties to the Alzheimer’s Association. Why was it important to make that part of your artistic mission?
I wanted to give back, even early in my career. My dad is the reason I became a full-time musician. My first single in 2020 was released in his honor. Donating a portion of the royalties is a way to continue honoring him while supporting others impacted by Alzheimer’s. It’s my way of keeping his spirit and legacy alive.
The album was produced by an incredible team, including Hana Elion and Daniel Tayra. How did those collaborations help you realize the sound you were envisioning?
Working with Hana and Daniel was a dream. They both understood my vision so well and pushed me to dig deeper creatively. I love blending organic instrumentation with modern production, and they’re both incredible multi-instrumentalists who brought that to life. They helped me elevate my sound in a way that still feels authentic and intimate.
You studied at LAAMP under Stargate and Chris Anokute, both huge figures in the music world. What’s one lesson from that experience that carried into this album?
That experience taught me to stay open to feedback, to growth, and to my own intuition. I learned how to accept constructive criticism while also standing firm in what I believe in. That balance gave me confidence and helped shape who I am as an artist today.
You’ve performed everywhere from the Peppermint Club to DC9 Nightclub. How does performing live shape the way you write or interpret your songs?
Most of my songs start with just voice and guitar or piano, so they can be easily stripped back or reimagined. I love that flexibility, it keeps things intimate and real. I think songs that sound good acoustically tend to be timeless, and that’s something I always strive for. Performing live reminds me of why I started- connection, emotion, and storytelling.
MARILYN is such a powerful debut statement. What do you hope listeners walk away feeling after they’ve heard the album from start to finish?
I want listeners to feel seen and understood. To know they’re not alone in their feelings. You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. Music has been healing for me, and I hope this album helps others heal too. It’s raw and personal, but ultimately it’s about connection. It’s a journey through womanhood and emotion, the rollercoaster of life, and I want people to feel brave enough to embrace all of it.
Listen to “MARILYN” here.
