Today we’d like to introduce you to Willa Marj
Hi Willa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My upbringing as a Filipino American really kickstarted my passion for music. From the moment I entered this world, singing was in my blood and a big part of my life.
For one, growing up in an immigrant and multi-generational home, my family always had TFC (The Filipino Channel) on, and whenever we weren’t watching teleserye (Philippine television drama), we were watching a variety show where people performed on stage. These shows are some of my earliest memories of hearing powerhouse voices, like Sarah Geronimo, Yeng Constantino, and Jake Zyrus, and I remember feeling in such awe of their ability. Then, because karaoke was such a staple at every family function, I would sing the songs that they sang and try to perform like them.
I think early on my parents saw how drawn I was to music, so they decided to nurture that and enrolled me in piano lessons and encouraged me to join band in elementary school. From there, I went on to join marching band, musical theatre, and choir in high school, where I was privileged to have amazing performing arts teachers and be in community with other passionate students.
Because I was around so many like-minded people all the time, I dug deeper into my art and even formed a cover band with some of my classmates. We performed locally sometimes as “Willa Marj & The Cloud.” My experience with them introduced me to a world of new genres, songwriting and recording, and solo performing.
When I finished college, I felt in my soul that music needed to continue being part of my life–it was a kind of realization that life was too short to not do what brings me joy. Since then, I’ve felt so fulfilled by the journey of creating and being an artist.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my biggest struggles as an independent artist is that I can’t just focus on creating music and deepening my craft. I would love to be able to, but I also have to balance and learn how to take care of the business side of things, like marketing, PR, booking, and managing.
It can be really difficult to navigate at times, especially because this is my first time doing a lot of these things, and there’s no roadmap or way to cut corners. Despite that though, I think that’s partly the beauty of it–the dedication and the call to curiosity and surrender to the process.
I also feel so lucky to have found other creatives that want to work with me and bring my visions to life. People like Avacie–who produced my first singles and my debut EP “Gemini Venus”–and Leanza, Vidya, Ashley, and Ivy– the day ones in my creative team that helped me build my visual universe. My experience with them, and so many other creatives I’ve met and worked with, truly make the work that much more fun and rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Filipino American singer/songwriter and musician, whose music blends Neo-Soul and indie R&B with vulnerable lyricism and lush harmony.
I’m most proud of my latest project “Gemini Venus EP,” my debut EP about the unabashed expression of love and my journey navigating relationships with the self, platonic, and romantic.
A cultural worker, I also love meeting and collaborating with other artists on projects and events centered on community and art as a force of intention and healing.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
“Gemini Venus EP” is out now on all streaming platforms! Please check it out, as well as the music video I did for “July,” which is one of my favorite songs off the project. I also recently released merch to celebrate the EP! I created a double-sided risograph poster in collaboration with illustrator Xochi Zepeda. Your support means so much to me, and I hope you enjoy everything I’ve put out so far.
Pricing:
- My first merch item, double-sided risograph poster themed around my debut EP is out now: $10 – 15 sliding scale
- https://buymeacoffee.com/willamarj/extras
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_willamarj/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@willamarj
- Other: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willamarj (Link to support my art)
Image Credits
Photography (from top to bottom):
1, 2, 3, 5, 7: Vidya Kanekal
4: Shanika Lazo,
6: Ivy Huong Nguyen
