Singer / Songwriter: MAR — GMARO Magazine | Fashion | Beauty

GMARO Magazine - Celebrity Edition Vol. 23 October 2022

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Singer / Songwriter: MAR @maroficial

Streaming Link: https://marbellamusic.ffm.to/calavera

Music Video: https://youtu.be/55zo1WXcPK8

Spotify | Apple Music: MAR

TikTok: MAR @missmarmusic

Website: https://mar.me

YouTube: MAR Oficial

Twitter: MAR @MarlaSolis_

Photographer: Marbella Music

PR: ICON PR @Icon_pr

What first got you into music?

I initially fell in love with music watching my father play the guitar, piano, and the timbales. My grandma always played me classical music at her house or in the car on the way to school, so I fell deeply in love with the art of telling a story without words and how deeply enlightening that experience. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Disney’s Fantasia were two bodies of work that really struck a chord for me, leaving me in awe and feeling limitless yet whole.

I grew up in a home where music was a part of our core. With a Cuban mother and Mexican father, salsa, cumbia, boleros, regional Mexican music, ballads, 80s-90s pop and funk played a huge role in my upbringing. My mom growing up was and still is the best dancer I know; I saw how music moved through her veins and understood the boundless passion within Latin music from an early age. What I have always loved about my culture’s music is that these communities found refuge within their art. So, often times you would hear really uplifting rhythms and melodies tied to the most heartbreaking stories of defeat or loss. And the stories you hear in both Mexican and Cuban music are where the seed of hope is planted.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

One thing I know for sure is that I will never be finitely defined. I see myself as multifaceted and versatile, and that definitely shows up in my music. I strongly desire to represent my cultures in a unique way. I was born in the United States, so I love to write in both English and Spanish. It is what feels most natural to me. Right now, I’d describe my music as heartfelt, intentional, raw, vulnerable, and hopeful.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process varies. Recently I’ve been listening to music almost 24/7 because I absolutely love the experience of discovering new music, new formats of production, and new waves of creation. And yet I find that silence is still really important for me. I often try to connect with the Great Spirit in that solitude and ask, “what do people need from me” and “how can I be a vessel for your divine will?” All I do will always be with the intention of leading with love to have heaven on earth.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Björk’s work really moves, especially her soundscapes, and how she conveys her intentions. I would absolutely love to work with her at some point in time.

It would also be an enormous honor to work with India Arie, Diana Ross, Aurora, Beyoncé or Rosalia. They are all very powerful beacons of light, boundlessness and authentic.

What’s next for you?

In January I plan to release my album with songs reflecting how I would like to move forward with my art, and I am super excited to reveal myself piece by piece. It’s what I was born to do!

However, on October 21st I will release my next single and I might just have a few surprises for you guys between now and the end of the year!

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

I feel that the music industry is changing right alongside the internet. On one end, I think it gives us an incredible advantage by allowing us to reach hearts across the globe! We are now able to curate our environments online to better share music and connect in ways that motivate and uplifts us, which is a beautiful thing. On the other side of things, I think a lot of people are way too focused on follower counts and engagement levels as if they determine someone’s worth. It can infiltrate any sort of creative’s mind and make them feel like numbers are all that matters, but at the end of the day it’s their art that does. Overall, I think it’s a beautiful thing as long as we are not consumed by it or allow it to be a primary source of validation! We each have so much to offer to the world.

What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment?

The desire to lead the way to love and joy for as many people as I can, to inspire even when life gets hard, to overcome a lot of obstacles I’ve imposed on myself, to liberate myself from expectation, and to do what sets my soul on fire.

How will you cope with being away from home for long periods?

This is actually something I’m figuring out for the first time. These past couple of months have been the first I’ve had to be fully apart from my family, all of my friends, and my beloved pets. This is probably the hardest part about working in this realm, but it’s also a very beautiful experience getting to know myself in ways I didn’t before. I am becoming more assertive, fierce, independent, and disciplined in every way. It excites me to better know myself and bring a better version of who I am home to my loved ones.

What are the essential qualities that make a good singer?

Persistence, consistency, and the desire to grow. The voice is a muscle that remembers and forgets. It is an instrument that is very fragile and in constant need of the proper care.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

I would remind them that we all hold the power to change the world through being present, allowing ourselves to feel joy, and be intentional with our words, actions, and way of life! Remain rooted in the knowing that all is pure and infinite love, as you can watch how the universe reminds you that this is your reality. Do not fear your power.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I guess I can decorate the food on a plate really well when cooking for someone hahaha.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

It depends on the mood I’m in, but I do love belting in the shower! Hahaha. Some of my guilty pleasure songs are Teenage Dirt Bag, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Close to You, I Have Nothing, and Love on the Brain, to name a few.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I would probably live off the grid and become a practitioner of holistic health, a medicine woman, or I could create an organic, natural skin care line. I love making my own remedies, repurposing glass bottles, and discovering the properties of different herbs and healing plants, as Mother Nature provides all that we need to heal!

What is the one thing every song must have for it to be solid?

Honesty. When the song isn’t honest to you, it is felt.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I guess it would be the radio’s support for commercial music. I wish that they would expand their variety and give underground artists more of an opportunity. We should have more exposure to artists whose music makes us uncomfortable or doesn’t confirm to a strict set of criteria.

Who is the best music producer working in the industry today?

I’m a big fan of Rick Ruben, The-Dream, James Blake, Pharrell Williams, Benny Blanco, Tainy, and Mike Dean.

Which musical instruments do you play proficiently?

Piano!

What is your main goal in your music career?

To make a difference in my community and for my people! To break barriers and do what’s never been done before.

When performing and the crowd is singing along, how does that energy make you feel?

There is no feeling that compares to it. It is the BEST feeling in the world. The connection, the harmony within the space! The way that we’re all moving that energy throughout the room and sharing that moment. It’s beyond special.

What's your process for dealing with performance anxiety?

It started off really bad for me, but with time it’s gotten so much better. Sometimes the anxiety strikes so strongly right before hitting the stage, while other times I’m feel so calm and confident. It really depends on the energy of the audience and what’s going on in my inner world.