With own label, Marion now ready to help young music artists ‘pursue their passions’

Aunor

While her path as a music artist has always been clear, Marion Aunor doesn’t mind taking a few detours along the way if it meant further enriching her creativity.

“I’m focused on my goals, but I’m always open to different opportunities that may come my way,” said the singer-songwriter, when asked if acting was something she would like to pursue. “What I have realized is that there are times when life leads you to other paths that may actually be a good fit for you. Or they may end up helping you achieve your original goals.”

Marion was given roles in the 2021 movies “Revirginized” and “Kaka,” and is set to do more to get a better grasp of the craft. “I was also cast in upcoming projects by directors Darryl Yap and Ruel Naval. It’s something I have always wanted to do and now, it’s happening,” she said in a recent virtual conference.

Writing original soundtracks for movies, on the other hand, is more in her wheelhouse. But it can be challenging, too, she said, especially if the initial material is scant.

“I’m usually made to watch the films first, but sometimes, you get only the script. Or the director goes, ‘This is what the story is.’ In that case, you have no choice. You can’t waste your time waiting for inspiration to strike. You should be able to come up with songs from other people’s stories,” she said.

Her own music

This is where her master certificate course in songwriting from the Berklee College of Music comes in handy.

“What I have noticed after is that my songwriting became more structured, and it comes more easily to me. When you’re young, you’re excited and you have many ideas. But even if they’re good, sound-wise, commercial songwriting is still different,” said Marion, who’s behind the theme songs of the movies “The Day After Valentine’s” and “Just a Stranger.”

Single cover

Because composing songs for movies and other music artists have been keeping her busy the past few years, she has been unable to put out a follow up to her self-titled 2015 album. This year, she’s focusing on her own music.

Marion’s new single, “Kama,” which will be part of her upcoming album, exudes her usual “hugot,” but this time, with a more electronic sound. “I have already started work on the new album and I plan to release a few more singles leading to it. There’s a lot of pop and electronic elements, which I love,” she said.

Written during the pandemic, the song is about losing someone and wondering if that person misses you back. “I decided to go for this kind song because I thought maybe people have been feeling lonely, nostalgic, reflective,” she related. “There’s also a bit of sultriness to it.”

Behind the scenes

But what makes “Kama” even more special is that it’s the first song released under Marion’s own sublabel Wild Dream Records, which she runs with Viva Records.

Marion, who has been in the business for eight years now, loves working behind the scenes as much as she does performing. And so, having her own label, she felt, was a natural next step.

Marion Aunor

“I have been writing and producing music for myself and others for quite a while now. I have always wanted to have a label. I thought it would happen later in life, but I’m grateful the opportunity presented itself,” Marion said, adding that she will work closely with Viva, which will guide her through the business side of running a label. “I’m just starting out and they already know the ins and outs.”

Her goal for Wild Dream is to find and encourage young artists to “pursue their passions authentically.” “Now, I’m looking for new artists who share my vision. I’m also developing others. I just want to release great music and find fresh, unique sounds,” she said. “I’m a dreamer who dreams wild. Do what makes you happy because life is short.”