Marin Rylee shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Marin, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me at the moment is rolling out of my bunk on a tour bus to see who else is awake. Then I wrestle my clothes on in a tiny bus bathroom, grab my suitcase and go adventuring to find my dressing room in a venue I’ve never seen before. Once I’m in my dressing room I’ll shower, wander around till I find catering and then hopefully do a workout with the resistant bands my husband gave me. Then after hanging out for a few hours, we’ll go onstage for soundcheck and run our dance number with the band. After that, it’s showtime!
I’ve been touring with the band Lord Huron as a featured dancer for a couple months now and I’m having the time of my life! Living on the road is a wild experience, but getting to travel and see parts of the US that I’ve never been to before is a dream!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marin Rylee. I’m a professional dancer, indie artist and songwriter from Los Angeles. I’m also a partial owner in LionEyes Entertainment, a record label and entertainment company dedicated to leading the industry into Web3.
Since moving to Nashville, I’ve been fortunate to work with artists such as Dolly Parton, Kane Brown, Blake Shelton, Miley Cyrus, Shania Twain, Lord Huron and more as a dancer and choreographer. I love to perform, I love being on stage, and I love telling stories.
Though dance is my main source of income, I’m also a pop recording artist who writes and produces. I recently released my first EP “Fracture” which you can stream everywhere except for Spotify. My goal is to create music that makes you move, groove and feel something.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my husband. We’ve been married for over a year now, and it’s been the best year of my life. My husband
“Grant” is the strongest, sweetest, most supportive man I’ve ever met. He’s also extremely hot. Just wanna throw that out there.
I’ve been in the arts my entire life. I’ve never wanted to do anything else, but being an artist is not for the faint of heart. I struggle with a ton of self doubt and self criticism on a weekly basis. But no matter what I’m feeling, Grant is always there to remind me what’s in my head vs what’s true. He wont inflate my ego, he’ll be realistic, but always kind.
No matter what I’m dealing with he’s supportive. He pushes me to be better, tells me I’m beautiful and helps me remember I’m where I’m supposed to be.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Over this past year especially, I’ve learned to stop worrying about what people around me think. Everyone knows social media is fake, but when you’re constantly putting yourself and your art out there, you can clearly see who doesn’t support you.
It’s not hard to give a like, a share, or even a comment. It’s not hard to go stream a song or add it to your playlist. After years of promoting myself and trying to do the “right” things… I’ve decided I don’t care what anyone else thinks because they’re not watching anyway.
I know the art I’m putting into the world is great. I know that the time and effort I’m putting into my craft will pay off. But the struggle has taught me that I need to go full steam ahead without worrying about the possible criticism and feedback. They’re not listening, so I’m gonna go find people that will.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the reason I’m here and breathing. God has given me these talents and I’m doing my best to steward them well. All glory is unto him. Any success I have is because of him.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
My legacy will forever be a family legacy. LionEyes Entertainment is a company my dad founded. Any music I create is a collaboration with my mom who is a brilliant vocal producer. My dance training was paid for by my grandparents. Nothing I’ve done has been on my own. I work hard, I grind, and I do believe I’ll find success. But the people who came before me, my husband who pushes me to be better, and my family and friends around me will share in my legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marinrylee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinrylee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_3j0R7EgBFxE6kwPd_Eghw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lioneyesrecords
- Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinrylee?_t=ZT-8zQV2nSM34Q&_r=1
LionEyes Records Website: https://www.lioneyesrecords.com/
Image Credits
Maria Alarcon
Nicole Mago
Elliott Lopes
