Among the busy streets of Manhattan, the energy buzzed inside New York’s legendary venue The Bitter End. Chilean-American singer Marilyn Hucek welcomed EnVi to the first stop of her tour on January 21.
Within the crowd was a sense of familiarity; those who had followed Marilyn from past shows, mixed with others eager to witness the rise of music’s next top artists. From the back of the venue, the atmosphere felt peaceful and relaxed. The stage sat directly in front, offering everyone a clear view, while one of the bartenders continuously walked by to refill drinks lined along the tables. Intimate and steadily filling by the minute, all eyes remained fixed on the center stage.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Before hitting the stage we asked Marilyn how she calms her nerves before performing, “I like to take a moment and reflect, sometimes it feels like I am a superhero putting on my cap and welcoming her to hit the stage with me,” she shared; and that’s exactly how it felt. A new persona stepped onstage, ready to share her passion with the crowd. Throughout the setlist, a few standout performances immediately caught EnVi’s attention.
Love to Hate You – Ranked top among the songs that we were excited to hear was “Love to Hate You.” Marilyn shared with EnVi, “I’m most excited about Love to Hate You, because I have a special guest accompanying me, his name is Kevin Hunter, and it’s such a vibe! The song is energetic and we sound great together!” She wasn’t wrong. As Kevin joined her onstage and the spotlight was shared between two talented musicians, Marilyn’s vocals shone against the backdrop of upbeat guitar riffs. A song about a past relationship that’s impossible to forget (even when the heartbreak is unbearable) resonated deeply with audience members who might have experienced something similar.
I Made It – The next song felt like an anthem for dreamers unafraid to choose their own futures. Predicting her own path, the lyrics felt more like a declaration than a dream: “I feel the pressure to go far, dreaming of headline tours.” The song served as a wake-up call to anyone in the crowd harboring doubts about what lies ahead. Marilyn’s vocals filled the room, and she made it clear she isn’t afraid to reach for the stars.
Neil Young – This song marked the moment when the crowd connected with Marilyn on a deeper level — dedicated to one of the most important people in her life, her father. The emotional track centers on Alzheimer’s and brought tears to many eyes. With lyrics like, “You might not remember me, but you remember Neil Young,” the performance felt full circle, especially given that the same stage Marilyn stood on had once been graced by Neil Young himself.
Me Salvaste El Alma – One of the ending songs, “Me Salvaste El Alma” was written alongside a few fellow Latinas in Nashville, and translates to You Saved My Soul. Sung in Spanish, the song tells the story of a significant other helping someone rediscover themselves through love. As Marilyn performed, couples in the crowd cozied up together, and with lyrics like, “Your love gives me the air to breathe,” the intimacy and warmth of the room were undeniable even across languages.
HIGH NOTES
The concert felt unlike any other I’ve attended. It almost felt as if I were a long-lost friend watching Marilyn achieve her dreams and fully belong on the stage she was meant for. Singing new songs and speaking to the crowd as if we’d been there from the very beginning, the intimate moments felt refreshing in a city where everything moves at a fast pace.
Marilyn’s personality shone from the beginning to the end of the performance, making the entire experience feel personal and homey. She took the time to thank everyone in the crowd, even getting to know them one by one. Conversations floated through the room about her next destination; someone from the crowd shared that they were going to their DC show as well. When we asked Marilyn what city she was excited to play, she said, “It’s honestly a hard question, I feel like every show has its own unique vibe and they are all special!”
In a venue where some of the greatest music icons of past and present generations have played, the future looks bright for Marilyn, almost as if fate itself is choosing her as the next portrait to be framed and hung on the walls of The Bitter End.
VERDICT
With an energy like no other, Marilyn was a true sensation on stage. With a possible return next summer, we’re keeping an eye out for any news of Marilyn’s return to New York.
Marilyn also exclusively shared her plans for the year with EnVi. “My fans can expect new music! I feel like I’m sitting on gold, so definitely new music!” she said. As members of the audience who were lucky enough to hear an unreleased track, we can confidently attest that Marilyn truly is sitting on gold.
Marilyn’s newest album, “Marilyn,” is out now. For more updates, check out her Instagramand YouTube.
Looking for more recaps? Check out EnVi’s review of ONEW in Chicago here!
