Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Friedland.
Hi Marilyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised here in Orlando, FL. My story begins when I was just a baby, I would sit in my high chair and stare at music videos playing on MTV. I was entranced by the music as far back as I can remember and my love for it still plays an important part in my life today. I loved how music could make me smile and bring my friends and me together. We would perform in the living room and put on shows for our parents.
I saw how songs could bring people together and they could bond over them. My parents would put on Queen, The Supremes, Fleetwood Mac, and David Bowie and I would get lost in the moment. I loved how listening would transport me to a new place and I would find meaning in my life through their words. My career began with my first band Run Raquel, with the goal of creating music of my own. We began to write records, and play gigs all over the Orlando area and beyond. I used music as therapy, to understand my feelings and bring others and myself joy.
Now we play shows almost every weekend at venues such as Sanford Porchfest, House of Blues, Boxi Park, East End Market, and Tin Roof. What I love about Run Raquel is the energy we bring when we all play together. We feed off of each other’s vibes and have the most fun playing live shows. In addition to my music projects, in 2020 during the covid shut down I started another band called Mars Wagon. I had a lot of free time since my gigs had stopped and we spent time writing together. We all loved the sound of the ‘80s synth/rock and began to experiment with bringing a modern twist to that sound.
It’s been a really fun learning experience for me because I started playing keyboards for the first time in a band. I’ve learned a lot along the way and with each new venture, being a musician still excites me every day. I perform out at gigs at night but during the day, I am a music teacher. Since I was introduced to music at a very young age It was such a big part of my life growing up. I knew I wanted to give children the opportunity to experience music as well.
Music has made me feel powerful and helped me through a lot and it’s been amazing to see how music can have that same effect on my students. Every time they get super excited when I show them a new song or instrument, it’s the best feeling ever. Music has allowed me to express myself, give myself therapy through songwriting, influence others’ lives, and share my passion with others.
I am very excited to keep pushing toward new things with my music career and see where it brings me next!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Before I began my first band I knew nothing of the music industry, songwriting, the business side, marketing, and everything being a musician encumbers, Learning how to do all of those things was one of the biggest challenges of my life.
There’s only so much reading books and researching online can do. I learned through going out and doing these things on my own. Making music is the fun part but the obstacles come from creating content to go along with your art. I had to figure out creative ways for people to listen to my music and I’m still figuring it out now.
As a musician, you have to stay active on social media to make sure you don’t lose the audience. Gaining fans and having them support you, come to your shows and buy your merchandise has been a journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a musician. I sing, play guitar, ukulele, and piano.
I am known for being the frontwoman of my band Run Raquel who has been an active band and well-known brand in the Orlando community. We have released plenty of songs, and perform regularly in the area. I am most proud of being a musician and sticking with the craft. I am proud of not giving up on my dream of doing music for a living. I found a creative way to perform, teach, and make music in my life.
I think what sets me apart is my drive to always become better at what I do. We all go through creative ruts but I seem to never give up when it comes to my bands. I strive to find more ways every day to share my voice with the world.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to release albums with both my bands Run Raquel and Mars Wagon in 2022.
I am planning on releasing regular content for these projects as well. I want to perform at as many venues as possible, travel the world, and share my music with everyone.
Contact Info:
- Email: runraquel@gmail.com
- Website: runraquel.com
- Instagram: @run_raquel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunRaquel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTJ7WLHR9AXTHKmQAZDs9w
Image Credits
Cole Kubizne
