For
the longest time, Marq Dollentes has lived just outside the spotlight. Although
he’s well-known in showbiz circles as a Creative Associate for Pop Diva Kuh
Ledesma, most people don’t know that Marq is also quite a talented performer.
But that’s set to change with the release of his new solo single, the uplifting
“Lipad.”
“I
can’t remember when I started singing, because I’ve always loved to sing. When
I was in college, my roommates—who I’m still great friends with, by the
way—would get so annoyed with me because I’d sing so early in the morning. Not
just in the shower, but everywhere,” laughs Marq.
Aside
from OPM stalwarts Gary Valenciano, Kuh and Martin Nievera, he was inspired by Ed
Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Maxwell, Michael Jackson,
the Weeknd, and Whitney Houston. Marq also loves listening to bands like
OneRepublic and the Script.
“I
would say it’s generally pop with some Broadway, R&B, rock, and soul thrown
in for good measure,” Marq says of his musical influences. “I love music in
general, so you’ll be able to hear a little bit of everything in my own music.”
Marq
wrote “Lipad” with his friends Ajit Hardasani and Joseph Piamonte, the latter
of whom plays keyboards for Marq’s band Celestial Hearts. He says he came up
with the lyrics on his own and worked on the melody with Ajit and Joseph.
“This
song describes where I am in my life right now. It took me a while to find my
own voice as a solo artist and I wanted to let others in on my journey through
a song. Although I’ve done so many songs before, this is the first one where I
feel most authentic musically and vocally. When I worked on ‘Lipad,’ I didn’t
feel like I was boxed in by a particular genre. I was really able to be who I
am,” Marq says.
He
collaborated with Jodar Media for the music video. At first, Marq’s idea for it
was to tell a simple story of a little boy wanting to fly a paper plane and
getting bullied. After many discussions with his team, the video eventually
spawned another story of a woman in despair after her lover left her.
“It’s
a story of inspiration and victory,” Marq says. “We shot in different out-of-town
locations like Paradise Ranch in Pampanga and discovered a few amazing actors,
like Filipino-American Antoinette Ellis. We also got the chance to make friends
with Aeta children.”
Marq
loves Celestial Hearts and working with the Pop Diva, but spreading his wings
as a solo artist is something he has always dreamed of doing.
“Honestly,
I enjoy being onstage with my band Celestial Hearts because of the collective
energy. I love the collaboration that happens when you perform with a band
and you become one entity. But I also enjoy going it alone because it’s a
different kind of rush,” he explains.
He
hopes that “Lipad” will inspire those who want to make music too.
“My
desire is to share this song with a large audience in the hope that it can
touch hearts and inspire people to go for their dreams, and to keep going no
matter what. I’ve been writing and singing songs for a while, but it seems that
‘Lipad’ has it’s own energy and force. I’m just here to enjoy the ride without
too many expectations. I’m just going to put it in God’s hands and allow Him to
let it fly.”
Those interested can contribute to
the promotional campaign for “Lipad” by going to https://www.airfunding.net/project/64028. Fifty percent of what’s raised
will be donated to the Kool Aeta Farm, a livelihood program for our Aeta and
non-Aeta brothers and sisters, to help it mount a music camp for children in
April 2020.
Follow Marq on Facebook at Marq Dollentes – Lipad and Instagram at
@hit_the_marq.
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