With her debut self-titled album, indie-pop singer-songwriter Marilyn Hucek invites listeners into her personal journey through womanhood, identity, and healing. Marilyn turns her most personal experiences into a reminder that even in our most vulnerable moments, there’s strength in being seen and heard. We recently got to sit down with Marilyn to take a deep dive into the album and it’s themes, as well as her American-Chilean roots and how that affects her writing.
MSM: You’re about to release your album, MARILYN. You have described the album as “raw, real, and vulnerable.” Was there a certain moment or experience that led to you feeling ready to be this vulnerable?
MARILYN: There’s real strength in vulnerability, and I believe the best music comes from that space, so I always try to go there. This album was deeply therapeutic for me and, as a side effect, helped me heal. Writing about losing my dad to Alzheimer’s was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had explored that grief before in songs like "Man of the House" and "Pink Velvet Couch," but this time I went even deeper. I think those earlier experiences prepared me for this level of honesty. I also feel lucky to have collaborators who created a safe space and encouraged me to open up fully.
You wrote between Nashville and Los Angeles. How did those two creative environments influence your sound and storytelling?
Nashville really sharpened my storytelling. It’s a city rooted in lyrics and emotional truth, and you can hear a touch of that country influence in some tracks. LA, on the other hand, brought out a more commercial pop and singer-songwriter sensibility. Working between both places elevated me creatively. Being surrounded by so much talent pushed me to grow. I also think leaving your comfort zone opens up new creative channels. I was in this beautiful headspace where all I did was write, reflect, and create. That energy definitely shaped the sound of MARILYN.
The album flows from optimism to grief, self-reflection, and back to light. Was that emotional arc intentional from the start, or did it evolve naturally?
The emotional arc wasn’t something I planned. I just wrote from the heart, and once I had a collection of songs, I started to notice the throughlines from optimism to grief, reflection, and back to light. An album gives you the space to explore a full range of emotions, and I think it’s important to strike that balance between vulnerability and hope.
Were there any songs in particular that were especially difficult to write or record because of their vulnerability?
"Neil Young" and "Love to Hate You" were the hardest songs for me. "Love to Hate You" reveals a messier side of myself, feelings I wasn’t proud of, and it took courage to share that with the world. I remember being really emotional the week I wrote and recorded it. I was in my own world, feeling everything deeply. I let myself live inside that mood completely, and I hope you can feel that honesty when you listen.
What did you learn about yourself through the creation of the album?
This album helped me reconnect with my values and question what really matters to me. Songs like "To Be or Not to Be" and "Pressure Makes Diamonds" challenged me to look inward and push back against societal expectations. I found myself questioning everything- marriage, motherhood, the traditional “timeline”, and asking, Do I really want this, or have I just been conditioned to think I should? It was uncomfortable but liberating to think for myself instead of following the herd.
Was there a specific lyric on the album that you feel best captures who you are right now?
That’s a tough one, but I’d say “Hey, mom, I made it.” It captures the feeling of gratitude and perseverance that defines where I’m at right now. It’s about waking up every day and doing what you love, that’s success to me. The music industry doesn’t have a roadmap, and comparison can be deadly. I’m learning to celebrate where I am while still staying hungry for what’s next.
“I Made It” opens the album with optimism. Can you tell me more about that song, and if there’s any reason in particular that you chose to start the album there?
I wrote "I Made It" on my first solo road trip from DC to Nashville. I was scared but excited. It marked a turning point for me. The lyrics and melody came to me on that drive, and it felt like the beginning of a new chapter. The song celebrates the doers, the dreamers, the people who keep going. It just made sense to open the album with that energy. The album itself is a journey, and "I Made It" sets the perfect tone for that ride.
The album also confronts societal expectations around womanhood and marriage. How do those themes reflect your own experiences?
Watching my sister get married and have a baby made me really examine what I wanted for my own life. At the same time, a close family member who never had children shared regrets about it, so I was faced with two very different perspectives. I went inward and asked myself some tough questions. I’m not someone who follows the crowd, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to figure out what you truly want. In some ways, I’m still exploring those answers.
How has your bicultural background influenced the way you write music or connect with listeners?
I’m Chilean and American, and bilingual. That dual identity is a huge part of who I am. It was really important to reflect that on this album, especially since it’s self-titled. Including an original Spanish song felt essential. I want to connect with my Hispanic listeners and with my family in Chile. It’s my way of honoring my roots and making them proud.
You’ve said that if your songs can help even one person heal, you’ve done your job. Has anyone ever reached out with a story like that?
Yes, I’ve received so many heartfelt messages both online and after shows from people who say my songs have helped them heal or feel less alone. That’s the most meaningful part of this journey. Especially with songs about Alzheimer’s. It's a topic that isn’t talked about enough, and it can be such an isolating experience for families. Knowing that my music can open up that conversation and offer comfort makes it all worth it.
And lastly, if this album could leave listeners with one emotion or message, what would you want it to be?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one message, but if this album helps someone feel seen or understood, that’s everything to me. I hope it encourages people to embrace their individuality and reminds them they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through. Our uniqueness is what makes us powerful, that’s what MARILYN is all about.
