Getting to know multihyphenate artist King Marie
“I've been able to love, have experiences and live life. As an artist, that's the basis of having something to write about.”
– King Marie
Her artistic excellence and impressive beats will get anyone on their knees, worshiping. SPRHDRS got down with multihyphenate artist and one of Chicago’s influential artists, King Marie. We also snuck a peek at her creative pursuit, the challenges she faced in the industry, family, inspiration and all else that falls in between.
First and foremost, we love your name! King Marie — very boss! But please share with us what your real name is, and what pushed and inspired you to baptize King Marie? Oh, and what are your pronouns?
My full first name is Christine Marie, very Filipino to have two first names. I already knew I was a queen but I wanted the King title too. I didn't know it at the time, but subconsciously I wanted to push the boundary of why only a man could hold that title. I made it mine. My pronouns are she/her/King.
Let's talk about your career trajectory. Were you always interested in music? How did you start? And if not music, where would you have been instead?
I grew up in a musical household so music has always been a part of me. My mother is a singer/entertainer and both of my older brothers are DJs. So truly, music is more than a career for me. It's how I connect with my family, my friends, how I express myself, how I've found myself, and so much more. I have a BA in Fashion Merchandising and worked in the industry for a few years. I love fashion as well but music has my heart.
What's your experience like in an industry that's well believed to still be male-dominated? How has it progressed overtime and what's your vision for your industry?
When I first started DJing there were only a few women DJs in my city. (I also hate the term "women DJ".) Over the span of my career, I've been able to see the industry grow with many talented women DJs and have had the pleasure to play alongside them all over the world. I'm not a fan of industries being described as "male-dominated" because I feel like it gives power to a concept that doesn't really exist anymore. I honestly feel like I know more women musicians that make and create opportunity for other women musicians and do it better. We prioritize putting each other on because we know what it feels like to not be counted out. My hopes for the music industry is for artists to truly be treated equally, paid equally, offered gigs based off of talent and skills, and for more balanced lineups.
The cover of King Marie’s album “222.” (Image courtesy of King Marie)
Your most recent project was “222,” released in 2022. You mentioned you wanted this album to showcase your versatility through R&B, house and hip-hop records. How do you continue to explore your artistry and grow as an artist?
I think the more I grow as a human, the more I grow as an artist. In the past year following the release of “222,” I've had the opportunity to create with different producers and artists in different cities. I've been able to love, have experiences and live life. As an artist, that's the basis of having something to write about. I'm very grateful.
Tell us how you prepare for a song. What comes first, the words or the beat? And how long do you usually work on a song?
Honestly, it's always different. Sometimes a melody comes into my head first or a phrase or words inspire me and compels me to write in poem format to put a melody to it later. Depending on what producers I work with the beat might already be existing and I've written to it before we record in the studio. Other producers will make the beat in real time and we create a song from scratch in the session. This is my most preferred way because the energy in the room is carried into the record but I'm open to it all.
Last year, you opened for Lil Nas X. What was that like, and how did it happen?
So much fun! His fans are so sweet and it was the largest crowd I've ever played for. It was a pretty last minute booking. I was actually in New York playing a gig when I got the offer. So within a 12 hour span, I agreed, finished playing a gig in New York, booked a flight and headed to Chicago first thing in the morning to open for both shows at The Aragon that weekend. A mutual friend referred me for the show. I think it was a beautiful idea that Lil Nas X wanted to make sure that they supported a local DJ for each tour stop.
You were also nominated for a regional Emmy Award for your work with the Chicago Bulls/Bulls Entertainment. Take us through that experience, and especially sharing that moment with your mom. How did all of that feel?
Honestly, it was pretty surreal. I had no idea. I woke up to a group text message one morning with the news we were nominated. It took some time for me to process especially since I had to keep the news to myself until the awards. Being able to take my mom as my date meant the world to me. She's my inspiration and my biggest supporter.
You are very proud of your Filipinx identity, as you should be, and your Instagram bio says “this is what Asian looks like.” What do you mean by that statement?
My passion projects are titled “FILIPINX” and “This Is What Asian Looks Like.” “FILIPINX” was started to highlight Filipinx creatives in the Midwest. It started as an art exhibit showcasing 17 visual artists with an all Filipinx DJ line-up, food truck, vendors, and rum sponsor. Since 2017, there have been celebrations of Filipinx clothing designers, musicians, chefs, business owners and more.
“This Is What Asian Looks Like” started as a group photoshoot series of Asian creatives of different descents to break the stigma of all Asian people looking the same. In 2021, it traveled to 6 different cities — Chicago, Atlanta, DC, New York, and Miami — as a party highlighting Asian DJs and creatives in each city.
“I'm not a fan of industries being described as ‘male-dominated’ because I feel like it gives power to a concept that doesn't really exist anymore”
– King Marie
Being based in Chicago, what is it like thriving in your industry for you? Were there any challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Filipino artistry isn't as common in the Midwest as either coasts, so it definitely had its challenges. I think what kept me motivated the most was making sure I was the role model I didn't have or see growing up. I also started my passion projects to find and provide for my community.
Any words of encouragement you'd like to impart to your fans and all other BIPOC creatives trying to make a name in your industry?
Be true to yourself, be a good person, and keep yourself surrounded by others who can see the vision as clearly as you do.
Lastly, anything you want to share that we haven’t covered here?
New music soon, soon!
Photos courtesy of King Marie.
Claudine Sta. Ana & Shayne Nuesca contributed to this interview.
