Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Drea Marilyn

Drea Marilyn is a multitalented artist who can do it all. She sings, crushes it on the bass, and slays the guitar. Based in Seattle, the gifted musician is part of the indie-pop trio Drea & the Marilyns, but this year marks the start of something special. You see, Drea is stepping out on her own with her Lips cover “Everything to Me.” Pop Culturalist spoke with Drea about this exciting new chapter in her career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Drea: It was definitely at an early age. My parents got me into piano lessons when I was young. At the time, my middle school and high school music programs were really limited, so I’m very grateful they did. I always had trouble putting things into words or sharing my thoughts openly, so listening to music and writing always felt like a secret way to get my thoughts out.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Drea: My inner circle and family. Whether it be lovers or friends or my own mom and dad, they’re all amazing at their crafts or jobs, and they have the biggest hearts imaginable. They honestly keep me going when I think I can’t.

PC: You got your start as part of Drea & the Marilyns. What did you learn from that experience that you’ve been able to apply to your solo career?
Drea: Drea & the Marilyns originally formed in Daejeon, South Korea, as a side project. My bandmates at the time and I were a part of an English cover band in which I played guitar. Our band came from all over—Scotland, Washington DC, Texas, and New Zealand—so when it came time to return to the US, the band dismembered. When I moved back to San Diego, I ended up with a solo project, more or less.

It’s weird to think of it as that because I’ve recruited friends to fill in on drums or flute or bass here and there, and I got to work closely with my friend and producer John True, so I can’t help but feel like this is our project versus just mine, but for the most part it’s been a solo project. It never intended to be. It forced me to really get organized in coordinating rehearsals, shows, releases, social media-related things, and projects.

Luckily, Drea & the Marilyns is a band again with bandmates, and I’m so thankful for them. I work with Toni McGowan and Arthur Sagami at a small music store in the Greater Seattle Area. It’s really nice to not be doing this alone anymore.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Everything to Me.” What made you decide to interpret this classic by Lips.
Drea: The lyrics and the melancholy spoke to me so personally. It’s relatable to anyone who has ever been tired or burnt out or broken down—so pretty much everyone I have ever met in life. It’s a song I wish I had written, so covering it is as close as I can get.

PC: How challenging was it to make it your own while paying homage to the original?
Drea: Fortunately, not too challenging. Lips has their own unique style, instrumentation, and heart I’d struggle to emulate anyways. My original idea for the cover was a lot more low-fi-sounding: just keys and live drums. John True worked his magic and help turned it into what it is today.

PC: Of all the songs you’ve written and released, if you had to select one that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Drea: “Sun and Moon.” It’s my favorite song I’ve released. It’s my favorite melodically. I’m so happy with the production that went into it, and I’m happy with how it sounds stripped down.

PC: What does 2020 hold for you?
Drea: So much. I’ve kind of been on a hiatus in 2018 to early 2019 just trying to work on mental health. I’m releasing a music video for “Everything to Me” early 2020. I’m planning on releasing two more songs on my solo project. The full band is recording and playing out in Seattle more. I’m so happy to share with you all that we’ve been working on.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Drea: Gram Parsons or 2NE1

PC: First album you bought?
Drea: Return Of Saturn—No Doubt

PC: First concert you attended?
Drea: Backstreet Boys in fourth grade with my best friend at the time, Becky. Hi, Becky!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Drea: Let It Die—Feist. It’s both brilliant lyrically and musically, and it has all the ingredients I love.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Drea: Troubadour in Los Angeles

PC: A must-have on the road?
Drea: Cash, Wet Wipes, and pepper spray.

To keep up with Drea, follow her on Instagram. Stream “Everything to Me” on Spotify.