Manila, Philippines — Tim Marquez of One Click Straight, a devoted musician, reflects on his musical journey, the influences that mold him, and the challenges of keeping authenticity alive in a demanding industry. This article offers a glimpse into Tim's insights on creativity, honesty, and public perceptions.
Early Beginnings
"I had my first composition when I was very young. I think, what, six years old? It was called 'Dolphins on the Way.' That was my first, and it was on the piano."
Tim’s early exposure to music was supported by his parents, who enrolled him in piano lessons. This foundation sparked a lifelong passion that led him to who he is today.
Now, Tim stands firm in his commitment to music, stating, "Music is life. Up to college, I took music production. And it never ended, it never stops, and I will continue to make music ‘til the end."
Influences and Models
When asked about his influences, Tim notes he also takes inspiration from non-musical sources, “I love movies, so I watch a lot of films. I’m a fan of Taika Waititi, David Lynch, and Christopher Nolan.” He emphasizes how cinema shapes his creative process, particularly the profound themes found in films like The Dark Knight.
Beyond cinema, Tim attributes much of his motivation to his supportive network, including friends and mentors who believe in his work. “I have a lot of friends and the people that believe in the stuff I do. It really means a lot,” he explains, drawing motivation from their support.
Talking About Artistry
As an artist, Tim also grapples with maintaining authenticity while navigating external expectations. He acknowledges the human nature and desire to please. “How to be liked? Because we’re people pleasers sometimes. We want to belong,” he admits, recognizing the tension between pleasing audiences and staying true to oneself.
“Putting out something that’s not fully yourself is the worst thing an artist can do,”
“Putting out something that’s not fully yourself is the worst thing an artist can do,” he asserts. He advocates for standing firm in one's identity, emphasizing, “You just have to be strong in staying true to yourself. You fight for who you are, and at the end of the day, it’s worth it.”
Pressure and Trends
Tim readily acknowledges the pressures artists face to cater to popular tastes and the latest, fast-paced trends.
"There's a lot of pressure for artists to do something that's easily consumed or like, welcomed by society. At the end of the day, we all want to belong."
Tim discusses the impact of public opinion on not only his work but the entire industry, and to artists’ craft, recognizing its dual nature, both good and bad.
"People's opinions matter, but they shouldn't take away your integrity and they shouldn't take away who you are. Sometimes it is for the worst, but I think sometimes it is for the best."
He sees the value in engaging with feedback as a means of growth, but not at the expense of compromising one's artistic vision.
"At the end of the day, it's about community and it's about sharing with each other this energy, and that's through music."
Mixing all together
Tim Marquez's musical journey serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating the complex world of arts. His experiences and reflections underscore the importance of authenticity, the power of diverse influences, and the resilience needed to maintain artistic integrity in a demanding field.
"Hi, I am Tim. Stay true to who you are. Every time."
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