Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with pop independent musician Marilyn Hucek. Together we discussed their love of fashion, their lifestyle website “The Lunar Phase,” their recent single “Just Friends”, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful to have you join them. How are you doing today?
It is my pleasure. I’m doing great thanks for asking.
2. It has always been your dream to be a musician. What artists inspired you growing up? Is there a certain song or album that you hold close?
Yes, exactly. When I was 5 I would put on performances for my parents. I loved the stage! I did all the school talent shows. I started singing in an honors choir group when I was 10 and went on to join a cappella and madrigals groups and take private lessons. I started writing songs innately. I didn’t know what I was really doing, but it made me feel better when I was sad.
Throughout my entire life various artists have inspired me. When I was very little I was influenced by my parents musical preferences like Bob Marley, The Beatles, Ace of Base, Celine Dion, The Eagles, Bee Gees, and Mana to name a few. My parents were very musical. They met in a piano room! They always had music playing when I was a child.
As I grew older I started forming my own musical taste and I loved pop music. Mainly female pop artists, and girl groups like Spice Girls, Brittney Spears, Avril Levigne, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Beyonce the list goes on but those were some of my favorites.
I went through a lot of phases. At one point I loved r&b and hip/hop. I joined a Step Team, listened to Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, and wore big hoop earrings, oversized t-shirts and skinny jeans. Then I was really into alternative rock and punk. The All American Rejects was in fact my first concert and during that time I dyed my hair pink, shopped at Hot Topic, wore piano string shoelaces with gray chucks, and self cut camo bermuda shorts. I hope you enjoyed those visuals. All to say is that I was very experimental.
As I grew older I started loving Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Lorde, and most recently Kacey Musgraves, which still have an influence on me today. Albums that have been really impactful in my life have been Pure Heroine by Lorde, Fearless, Speak Now, and 1989 by Taylor Swift and lately Star-crossed by Kacey Musgraves.
3. Besides music, you also love fashion. Who are some of your favorite designers? What era of clothing would you say your music best fits?
Yes, I love fashion! I love the classic fashion houses Chanel, Coach, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Jeffrey Campbell, and Marc Jacobs to name a few. But, I also love discovering new emerging designers, because they have something unique and refreshing to offer. I have a lot of empathy for them because I know what it’s like to be an emerging artist.
I’m a supporter of sustainable, circular fashion and it excites me to see when a brand makes an effort to be environmentally conscious. That is oh so important. I love to shop at thrift stores, and find fun, unique pre-loved pieces. Recently the era of clothing that I’ve been leaning into is the late 90’s early 2000’s. Something about it is just so fun, feminine, and pink!
4. Could you share more about your fashion and lifestyle blog The Lunar Phase?
When I auditioned for The Voice, and didn’t make it to the final round I was discouraged to continue in the music industry, and “gave-up” so to speak. I put my dream to rest and moved on. I moved to New York City and got a job in the fashion industry. At the time I didn’t have any corporate fashion industry experience so I started my fashion and lifestyle Instagram account originally as a portfolio to show potential employers my passion for fashion. I had a lot of fun with it, and it snowballed into something greater.
I learned a lot of my entrepreneurial skills building my lifestyle blog, which have benefited me immensely today. A lot of the connections, and relationships I formed being an NYC influencer carried over into my music business now. Sometimes I wish I started my music career earlier, but then I’m not sure how I would be able to navigate the complexities of the music business without my prior experience. I feel fortunate in that way. The timing worked out for me.
5. Mustard loves languages and how they can bring people together. In 2021 you released “No Pasa Nada.” Can fans expect more singles such as this in the future? For those looking to become bilingual such as yourself what advice would you give them?
When I first started releasing music in 2020 I was on a journey of exploring my sound, voice and interests. I was entertaining all of the creative ideas that I had and following my gut without restricting myself. Part of the process was showing the world the different sides of me without putting myself in a box. No Pasa Nada came to me very organically. I wanted to share with the world my multi-cultural roots early on. I’m open to all opportunities in the future. I would love to be featured on a track with Karol G, Bad Bunny or Maluma at some point. I think that would be so fun. My advice would be to follow your heart.
6. Who or what influences you?
Great question! Books, movies, documentaries, my travels and conversations. Really everything! It can be as small as a short interaction with a stranger, or as big as an important and personal life experience. I spend a lot of time working in my home studio. But I make sure that I schedule “inspiration trips”, and that can mean various things but basically it’s doing something intentional so that I stay inspired.
7. Music is your form of therapy. How do you feel after writing a song? What is your creative process?
After writing a song I feel like I just offloaded my feelings and emotions and I’m able to cope better. I usually start with melody and lyrics. Then I partner with a producer to bring the instrumentation, chords, and vision to life.
8. In 2020 you released “Memories” in honor of your father who successfully recovered from COVID-19. How did it feel to release this song into the world?
The scary part of that time in my life was that my dad who has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzehimers for more than 15 years now contracted Covid-19 and I thought I was going to lose him. It was a very emotional time and music came back to me in a very natural way. I lost my job over the pandemic, but most importantly my dad was in the hospital and I didn’t know if he’d see another day. It was as if the entire song “Memories” just popped into my head out of nowhere. Nothing else mattered more in the world than to bring the song to life and release it to the world for him. I released the song and he recovered for Covid-19. It was very special and magical. Words can’t explain.
9. You’ve been described as an artist to watch in the pop industry. How does that make you feel?
I’m flattered! I’ve been dreaming and wanting this since I was a little girl, and to now be doing it is absolutely unreal. It’s really satisfying but also challenging. Every day is a fight and an uphill climb, but I’m prepared for it because that’s how bad I want it. I love making music and believe the world should hear my songs. Making money as a full-time independent artist is very challenging, and my immediate goal is to be financially sustainable so that I don’t have to stress about getting another job and taking away from my passion.
10. “Just Friends” is your latest release. What was the inspiration behind this single? How important is friendship to humans?
I was inspired by my observations and witnessing so many different types of relationships throughout my life to write “Just Friends”. Love is complex and unrequited love is something we can all relate to one way or another. It’s a shared human experience.
11. What is next for Marilyn Hucek?
I’m working on new music of course and a new merch drop! I have a new single releasing in October so get ready! I’ll have a fun pre-save giveaway so stay tuned so you can participate and get involved!
12. Where can readers listen to your music?
You can check out my music everywhere by searching my name Marilyn Hucek on any DSP! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you stay updated on all my latest music drops and fun news like merch drops, etc. Also, I’d love for you to drop me a message on your favorite social platform and say hi! I would love to know what you think of my music. In particular, which song of mine is your favorite? Here is my link:
https://listen.marilynhucek.com/profile
Thank you Mustard for having me!
Music Shelf With Mustard 