P&P Spotlight: Marilyn Hucek

Marilyn Hucek and her band (consisting of Hays on guitar, Isaac on drums, and Danny on bass/backing vocals) brought her debut headlining tour to Philadelphia on January 27th, 2026, in support of her highly anticipated autobiographical record MARILYN. The show opened with three energetic tracks, followed by a lively sing-along to“Pink Pony Club.”Then, they slowed it down with two quieter, more intimate songs before picking up the pace again and keeping it high for the rest of the night. 

Image credit: Marilyn Hucek, graphic designed by Karly Ramnani

Marilyn’s authenticity shines through in the storytelling within her lyrics. For instance, her single "Vulnerable," recounts her experience of trying to rekindle a love after five years. She included Spanish songs such as “Vivir Mi Vida” and “Me Salvaste El Alma” to celebrate her Chilean heritage.

Perhaps the most personal song on the setlist was “Neil Young,” written about Marilyn’s late father’s diagnosis and subsequent struggle with early onset Alzheimer’s. Although he eventually forgot her name, he always remembered his favorite Neil Young record. As Marilyn sang about how the record made her father’s eyes light up in a way that nothing else did - how his troubles melted away when he heard the music - there was not a dry eye in the room. Marilyn reflected during the show that music has always been healing to her, and it is clear it was healing to her father, too.

Another highlight was the unreleased “Polar Plunge,” a song about trying to break out of numbness. The song touches on how Marilyn felt amidst grieving her father after his loss, and how she desperately did a literal polar plunge to try to feel something again. This track inspires listeners to engage in something physical for emotional relief. Even if it’s something as simple as exercising or singing, and much less intense than the titular “Polar Plunge,” it’s a cathartic yet productive coping strategy. Arriving this spring, “Polar Plunge” contributes another layer to Marilyn’s father’s story. Fans of MARILYN will find “Polar Plunge” a great compliment to the album, with just as pleasant of a guitar line to bop your head to as the rest of her songs.

All pictures in the gallery above were taken by Ollie Reinert.

Despite the incredibly detailed narratives in Marilyn’s songs, listeners across the board understand and relate to the feelings and themes that they represent. Her music discusses love, loss, grief, and, above all else, resilience through all of it. Each song on the setlist, whether it was a cover or an original, was executed with a uniquely Marilyn twist. If you feel inspired to dive deeper into this up-and-coming pop phenom's world, here's a playlist we've curated to help you get started!

YOU'LL LOVE MARILYN HUCEK IF YOU LISTEN TO: Hilary Duff, Taylor Swift, HAIM, Holly Humberstone, Ashley Kutcher, Grace Enger, Maisie Peters, Romy Mars, Kacey Musgraves