As one of the most prolific singer-songwriters of her generation, Marion Aunor writes songs inspired by the experiences of people around her. And as they mature and evolve, so as her music.
Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, Marion shared how random things she sees on TV or movies can create wonderful mental pictures in her head, which she can easily translate into a song. But just like other artists, her creativity and ability to weave words with melody were affected by the current pandemic.
“When 2021 hit, a lot of musicians were excited to release new songs because only a few people were able to create new music especially at the beginning of the pandemic. It was like that, too,” she said.
“I think what helped me continue was the task Viva assigned to me. They asked me to write songs as OST for their movies. It kind of boosted my creativity because I was just at home all the time and inspiration was limited. But the interesting stories that Viva had made me become inspired to write songs. I would never be able to write songs like the OST of Revirginized if they didn’t share with me the storyline of the film,” she carried on.
Marion is the artist behind some unforgettable theme songs for popular movies such as “Akala” for The Day After Valentine (with more than 27 million streams), “Delikado” from Just A Stranger and the most recent, the song “Maganda Kahit Matanda” for the Sharon Cuneta-starrer Revirginized.
All these and the handful of singles she’s released as a solo artist or on collaborations prove that Marion is indeed one of the most creative acts in Pinoy pop.
And now she’s ready to raise her game anew with Wild Dream Records – her own music label that she is going to lead from hereon.
“Having a record label is something I dreamt of pursuing way into the future,” Marion said, adding, “but then again the whole point of Wild Dream Records is to dream wild. So why not now?”
Marion also shared that “after being a recording artist, songwriter, and producer for both myself and other artists for the past 8 years, it felt like a natural next step for me.”
It’s not like she’s not ready to take on the responsibility. Marion took a master certificate course in songwriting from Berklee College of Music in Boston, became a Grammy/Recording Academy member, and joined a number of international songwriting conventions. All of this is in preparation for her next role as head of Wild Dreams Records.
“I felt like I ought to put my knowledge to good use and support other artists who share the same big dreams and passion for music as myself,” said Marion.
As for why call her label Wild Dream Records, Marion explains that “I’ve always been the type of person who would encourage others to pursue what they really want in life and do what truly makes them happy. Life is short. So we ought to make the most out of it.”
“I went through a lot of names though before ending up with Wild Dream Records. Then one day I saw my sister wearing a shirt that said “Wild Flower” but I figured Wild Dream resonated with me and my goal for the label more,” she shared.
For Wild Dream Records’ first release, Marion is keeping it close to heart. The first single from her label is titled “Kama” – written, recorded and produced by Marion.
“I am taking things one step at a time with my own music since being a co-founder/creative head is a new role for me. However, I do have some acts that I am planning to develop. At the same time I am also on the look out for artists/groups that will be a great fit for my vision for the label.”
Ultimately, the exciting prospect of visualizing and then making it a reality is what Wild Dream Records is going to give Marion.
“I think I’d be able to have more creative control over my music and how it’s packaged, released, and marketed. I have a great group of people working with me with a lot of fresh and innovative ideas so I’m excited to see what we come up with.”
“Also, the initial goals for the label would be to establish its place in the Philippine music industry, spread awareness of its existence, release some great music, and find artists who dare to dream wild,” Marion concluded.
