Singer and Record Label Head Marion Aunor On Paving The Way For Dreamers
“It all started with a dream” as the saying goes, a popular sentiment among many artists and creatives whose passion for their crafts comes alive through the pursuit of these dreams.
Some people realize these dreams at an early age, using them to build a path toward a goal or a purpose while mastering their skills. This was exactly the case with singer-songwriter, Marion Aunor.
Having come from a musically inclined family, Marion had always been exposed to music. Her aunt, Nora Aunor, is a beloved recording artist, actress, and film producer in the Philippines, while other members of her family were also gifted in the music arts. Safe to say that music is in her blood, but becoming a musician wasn’t something she had actively pursued from the get-go, as the singer told us.
“In terms of actually pursuing it, I think I only figured it out around mid-college,” she shared. “Although in high school, I had a band and we would join ‘Battle of the Bands’ and would place. But towards the end of high school, we had a graduation songwriting competition, and I won! That's kind of where I found out that I had that capability of writing music that people would appreciate because before I would just keep to myself. I’m super introverted and would just write in my journal. It was that competition that made me realize that 'Oh, other people are also into this, not just me.'”
Despite the discovery, Marion didn’t pursue a music program in university either and instead took up business and communication technology, “[My musical pursuits were] just for fun. It was cool that they sang my song for graduation and I won a few Battle of the Bands, but I didn’t know that this is what I would be doing for the rest of my life.”
In the back of her head, however, her music dreams had always been there as she shared how her dream school had always been the prestigious Berklee College of Music where famed musicians such as John Mayer, Charlie Puth, and DJ Khaled were among its notable alumni.
“I was telling my mom around mid-college that I want to go for my dream school, Berklee, but she was like, ‘No, finish this course first because you're already halfway there.’ She told me to at least have a fallback in the management course.”
This proved to be sound advice because years later, Marion found herself leading her own record label. She eventually pursued an online songwriting course at Berklee before finally taking the big leap in her career.
Marion began her journey as a recording artist in 2013 when she placed second runner-up in a popular multimedia songwriting and music video competition by ABS-CBN Corporation called, “Himig Handog,” where her song “If You Ever Change Your Mind” became an instant hit! Marion reminisced on how the song opened a lot of doors for her and even allowed her to perform at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena where the competition’s finale was held.
“I remember one time I was just like, 'I hope I get here someday.' And then, months later, I’m suddenly singing there! So it was like a manifestation.”
Her success in the competition led her to sign with the media giant’s music subsidiary, Star Music, and to release her debut self-titled album in July 2013. She also released her sophomore record, “MARION,” in 2015. Some of the popular tracks from these albums include “Wanna Be Bad” and her cover of “I Love You Always Forever,” which was featured in the 2015 film “Ex With Benefits” starring Derek Ramsay and Coleen Garcia. Marion also extended her songwriting prowess for other artists and wrote the carrier single, “You Don’t Know Me,” for Kathryn Bernardo’s debut album.
Her music embraces a Nora Jones-esque sound, which distinguishes her from existing artists in the OPM scene. Her unique sound, however, was partly the reason why she didn’t pursue a music career at first, reasoning that she never thought she would fit in with the singing styles of most Filipino artists.
“You know how like everyone here in the Philippines, they're super ‘birit’ mode (belting out) and all about ballads. I couldn’t do that before. So, I thought maybe this isn't for me because I can't do that,” she said. “What I was seeing on TV or hearing on the radio a lot was like the Regine Velasquez style of singing.”
“But one day, my mom got me a phone and there was one free song in it, and it was Nora Jones’ ‘Don’t Know Why.’ And I realized you can sound like this and still be a music artist! So that kind of opened my mind. Also, during high school, Jason Mraz was really big with ‘I'm Yours,’ which is kind of in the same vein. Jazzy and chill, which comes through in my music. These unique voices in the music industry, I think that's what I'm drawn to.”
Considering her aunt and mother both pursued music as well, and had alto vocal ranges, Marion was even more encouraged to take her shot at becoming a singer-songwriter.
“There's more to music than just belting out high notes,” she stated. “You can do a different genre and still have a place in the music industry.”
Marion also proved to be a multi-talented artist as she ventured into acting; following in the footsteps of her superstar aunt. She starred in several VIVA Films including “Kaka” (2021) and “Revirginized” (2021), where she starred alongside industry big names such as Sharon Cuneta, Rosanna Roses, and Albert Martinez.
In 2018, she signed with new management and made her home with VIVA Records, releasing more hit singles like “Akala” and “Closer You and I” before finally co-founding her record label, which she was also the first artist to sign.
Wild Dream Records: A Label For Dreamers By Dreamers
After almost a decade of building her music career, Marion found herself faced with a new dream. In 2021, she co-founded Wild Dream Records — a record label she co-founded with its mother company, VIVA Records, and which she co-manages with her sister, Ashely.
“It felt like a natural next step for me, because after just focusing on my singing and songwriting, I eventually ventured into writing songs for other artists like Sharon Cuneta, Jaya, and Kathryn Bernardo, and also produced songs for them. After that, I also created the Aunorable Productions with my sister, Ashley, so it felt like the next step would be to manage artists and help them out.”
Marion had been lucky enough to be surrounded by people who helped shape her into the artist she is today, which was where her desire to establish a label was rooted.
“I always say I wouldn't be where I am now if there weren't people to help me. So I want to do the same thing for aspiring singer-songwriters now.”
Wild Dream Records is setting up the stage for aspiring Filipino artists who all have their own unique stories to tell. When asked about the label’s unique selling point, Marion answered, “So, imagine a record label that creates a safe space for artists to be their authentic selves, that allows them to tell their stories and inspire the world through their music, and that openly provides its team and community with the support and opportunities they need to reach their creative goals. That’s the vibe we want to give off.”
Marion also explained that the label is a highly collaborative endeavor and told us about being open to not just working together with their artists but also eventually with other creative people on things like merchandise or album cover art. They have already begun doing this with how Matt Wilson’s single cover art was designed by one of his talented fans, and how they supported AU (Alternative Universe or Fanfiction) writers on TikTok who used one of Matt’s songs as a theme song for their stories, which increased the track and story’s popularity.
“The label also encourages dreamers to push past their fears and pursue their wildest dreams,” she added, explaining how she understands the reality of pursuing a music career; how it’s not easy and would often take the back seat as there are other things in life that people need to prioritize. As Wild Dream Records aims to tell and express its artists’ truths, we asked Marion what their label’s main message is for their listeners.
“You can pursue your wildest dreams wherever you are in life or find time for it,” she replied. “I know everyone's focused on making a living or providing for their family. I mean, most of the artists here actually still have their day jobs, but like on the weekends, they'll be in mall shows with lots of people singing along to their songs. So I wanted it to be inspirational, but also realistic — that yes, we have to do our day-to-day, we have to survive, but can also find time for our passions.”
Wild Dream Records is in the business of shaping next-generation indie artists and is eyeing musicians who really find time to express themselves musically. The management supports and helps them with their branding and marketing, as well as guides them through the production process. All of their artists compose their own music and are balancing jobs outside of their career, too, which Marion believes are the type of artists that she’s looking for: people who are brave enough to chase after their “wildest dreams” amidst life itself.
“You can only prepare so much, and I really hate that because I'm such a perfectionist,” she admitted as we talked about the challenges of being a record label head. “I don't know everything until I'm actually doing it, but that's the whole thing about starting any business, you don't really know until you're there.”
She also added that she knows the responsibility she has for her artists; to take care of them and give them a clear understanding of what it means to be signed to their label. “I always remind them and myself that it's a collaborative thing. It's not all on me. It's not all on them. It’s teamwork.”
When asked what she loved most about her job, Marion instantly replied, “I like seeing the success of the artists. It’s super chaotic [her work] because you feel like, 'Oh no, what if it doesn't work out? Is this too big of an idea?' But then that's the whole point about having a dream: you jump into it even if there are doubts or fears.”
“I like seeing their numbers go up because that’s good for business, but at the same time, they're reaching a lot of people and their stories are resonating with them, which also means their fan bases are growing.”
Increasing their artists’ fan numbers is one of their main goals, considering Marion’s dream for the company is to build a Wild Dream Records community where they can support the creative endeavors of their artists and supporters through both intimate and grand events. In Marion’s words, “For Wild Dream to become not just a record label but to be able to create a whole culture around it.”
To learn more about Marion Aunor and her music, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Also stay tuned to Wild Dream Records on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates on their latest music releases and events.
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