Marc Dickson Ramos is among the talented music artists to watch this 2020. Given that this homegrown talent from Laguna has good singing voice, his stage presence is commanding. Likewise, he is the frontman, singer-songwriter, vocalist and guitarist of the band called Asterisk Music.
Behind that confidence, Marc admits still feeling the pressure at times. “Bilang baguhan na singer-songwriter, palaging may pressure na baka magkamali. Pero normal lang ang magkamali dahil parte yan ng buhay natin upang mag-improve as better individuals”, says Marc.
His genre are alternative rock and pop rock. With music influences to include Eraserheads, Itchyworms, Rico Blanco, and Ebe Dancel.
With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the music industry and cancelling events – Marc would rather look on the brighter side. “Ngayong pandemic, mas naging focused ako sa songwriting. At dahil walang gigs, sa mga online platforms muna ako nagbabahagi ng music ko. Maraming time para matuto. So umaattend ako sa mga online songwriting workshops, sa isang poetry masterclass, at nag-giguitar lessons din ako.”
Marc is working on plans to make his music reach a wider audience. “Plano ko ibahagi sa mundo ang aking music. At iparating sa mga tao na kung ano man ang kanilang pinagdaraanan ay hindi sila nag-iisa.”
And now Marc shifts to some ‘real talk’, discussing the dilemma experienced by his fellow music artists. “Ang kadalasan na struggles ng isang artist ay yung pag-hoholdback sa sarili niya. Pati na rin yung pagda-doubt niya dahil sa mga taong gusto siyang pagtawanan at hindi nagugustuhan ang kanyang mga songs.”
His advice for them is to continue pursuing their passion. “Huwag ka matakot magkamali. Huwag ka titigil dahil lang sa isang pagkakamali. Pwede kang huminto muna at magpahinga, pero huwag kang susuko. Huwag magpapa-apekto sa sasabihin ng iba. Imbes na ma-down ka sa mga panglalait nila ay maging mas motivated. Ang mahalaga ay wala kang tinatapakan na tao.”
“Kung ano man ang ideas mo for a song, isulat mo lang. Once na naisip mo na ito ay huwag na papakawalan yung idea. At magpahinga din para maiwasan ang maburn-out.”
Marc also extends gratitude to those supporting and encouraging him. “Gusto ko pasalamatan ang Alab at Sinag Pilipinas. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga kaibigan ko, relatives, lalo sa aking family na walang tigil sa suporta sa akin. At syempre kay Lord na nagbibigay sa akin ng fuel of strength.”
And his message for Mendira. “Maraming salamat Mendira sa pag-feature sa akin. Maraming salamat sa pagkakataong makapagbahagi ng aking kwento bilang artist. God bless po sa inyong lahat!”
Marc’s followers definitely want to hear more of his music. And while this star on the rise is establishing a name for himself in the music industry, he is taking the right steps towards the direction of success.
