This A-Profiler we bring you Marlon Dane, a singer/songwriter who started off in a group and had a difficult time adjusting to being a solo artist. Dane adjusted and now can be found singing in his car regularly. Find out more about this Filpino American artist who we'll certainly be hearing more from in the very near future.

Your site URL:
www.marlondane.com

Hey Marlon, I was checking out your dot com and I went straight to your journal page and notice on your last entry you were headed off to the Philippines. Can you speak fluently and what dialect do you speak?
What's Up Ray! Yeah, I can speak Tagalog fluently. Tagalog is the only dialect I can actually speak but I do understand a little Ilocano!!! haha

What does being pinoy mean to you?
Being Filipino is being part of a culture, a family full of hard working individuals striving to make the best for themselves and for their families. You hear it all the time. People know and are aware of how Filipinos struggle to make ends meet - how Filipinos dedicate so much for the future or their lives and their children's lives. Aside from all the "chismiss," (gossip) is that how you spell it? Haha. I love being Filipino. I'm proud of who I am and what my family has brought me up to be.

You recently shared the stage with Frankie J, can you describe that experience? Did Frankie J pass on any knowledge to you?
Hmmm...the experience was awesome! =) Actually what happened was every summer, Sea World would put on an event called Club Sea World where rising artists would perform. At the time, Frankie J was the headliner and I was part of an American Idol-like competition that opened up the show. So technically, I did share the stage with Frankie J. I didn't get a chance to speak with him though but if I did, I would ask him how he was able to jumpstart his career living and being FROM San Diego. It's funny cause people always compare me to Frankie but I don't mind cause he's actually one my favorite artists.

Do you get a different emotional feeling when you write and produce your music versus performing in front of an audience?
That's a definite YES!!! When I in my room writing or producing a song, I'm able to sit and think about the situation of the song. All of the different instances that have brought me to feeling the way I do and make me want to WRITE about in the song. I'd say there's deeper emotion when I first pen a song at home or in the studio. On the other hand, performing in front of an audience is more physical emotion with your adrenaline being amped up and your nerves just going crazy! Haha...it really is a phenomenal feeling being about to connect with you audience emotionally through music. You hear people yelling out your name, taking pictures of you, running up and hugging you and also singing your very own lyrics. It's awesome man. That's what I love about performing. Just being able to put a smile on people's faces.

What do you normally listen to when you want to unwind?
Man, I listen to it all. Any type of music helps me unwind. It's crazy; I can go to bed listening to Alternative Rock. I can go workout at the gym listening to R&B Slow Jams or Classical stuff. I'm weird man...haha...I really like country music too. I'm actually in the process of getting XM Satellite radio installed in my car so I can hear all the old school jams I haven't heard in FOREVER!!! I'm pretty excited!!!

Do you think you fit better as a solo artist versus being in a group?
I used to sing in a group back maybe late 90's early 2000's. Hey, everyone was doing it! Haha...but nah, when I first started off as a solo artist after the group, it was pretty hard adjusting. On stage, all eyes are on YOU. That was what freaked me out the most. After a little while, you're good to go. Now I LOVE being on stage whether I'm by myself or doing something say a duet with someone or what not. On the writing and producing side, it's dope having all the creative control on what you do. =) And it's less people to have to worry about playing their part and being on time, etc.

Have you ever tried out for American Idol? Do you think you could be the next American Idol?
I've THOUGHT about [it]! Not sure if it's something I want to do at the moment but we'll see. I think a have what it takes to be the next American Idol but there is some incredible talent on that show!

Where do you want your music career to take you?
I would like to find renowned success with my music career. I want to be able to touch people's lives across the world with my music. I really don't care about having all the money in the world. If I can pay the bills, buy food and clothing making music, I'd be satisfied. But that WOULD be nice. =)

Who do you think is the best new R&B artist?
There are a lot of artist I like and look up to. If I had to choose one, I said J. Holiday. BED is one of my favorite jams at the moment, but his whole album is off the hook!

What separates you from other musical artist?
What separates me from a lot of MAINSTREAM artists is the fact that I'm Filipino-American. I also do a majority of my own writing, producing and arranging.

If you weren't singing, writing, and producing music what would you be doing?
If I weren't doing ANY of it? You got me there. I really don't know what I would do. I've been involved with at least SOME aspect of music as far as I can remember! Well, I'd probably still be in school going pursuing a career as a Nutritionist or something that has to do with health and the human body.

I know folks out there who sing in the shower, do you think you sound better in the shower or in the studio?
You know what, I don't really sing in the shower. I sing in my car! I get pretty into it too! One time my friend called me up one night and said she saw me singing in my car while I was driving. She was gonna call me on my cell to say hi but didn't want to bug me cause I was so into it. She said "you shoulda seen your face!" haha. I believe it. I wish I had a recording system in my ride. Haha...but to answer your question, probably in the studio.

What's the one Filipino dish you can't resist? Thumbs up or down for chocolate meat?
I'm not a big fan of Filipino food dawg. If I HAD to choose, I said my mom's homemade Chicken Adobo. Haha...So, you wanna get Sushi? THAT I can't resist. I've never had chocolate meat and I don't plan on it. =)

What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done or given you?
I'm not too sure about this one. Most of my fans are really cool. Alot of the times, people seem afraid or shy to come up to me which I HATE. I love being able to talk to my fans and see how they are doing, but no, nothing crazy yet. Let's hope it stays that way!

What are you currently working on? Where can we find your next performance?
I currently am working on a new single that will be release here in June. It's gonna be a track called "Only One Man Can." Definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album. So far, it's had good reception from those who have heard it so I'm pretty excited. Along with that release, will be releasing my full-length debut album by the end of summer. Be on the lookout for it! My next scheduled show is June 21st here in San Diego for a Filipino Independence Day Celebration. Check out the website for more details at www.marlondane.com.

Do you have any rituals before going out and performing in front of a line audience?
YES!!! Of course along with a prayer, I've always gotta brush my teeth =)

On Diddy's show "Making the Band" he made sure his future artists are able to dance at a very high level. Can you dance and if so can you do the ocho ocho?
I can dance, just not at a very high level! Haha. I've taken Hip Hop classes here and there. I've also had to do some ballet moves for this play I did in High School. Oh and I can forget all the line dancing my aunts make me do at the family parties! Haha...but no, no ocho ocho. I do plan on incorporating dance in my performance, however. Well see how that all goes.

Thanks for taking the time out to do our A-Profile; do you have anything you want to say to your fans?
Ray, thank you SO much for giving me the opportunity to do this with you folks at AArisings. I really appreciate the time and efforts you all are putting in to get Asian Americans out into the mainstream scene because we all know how much talent is out there. I want to thank all of my friends, family and fans for your continuous love and support for me and my career. I look forward to sharing all of my dreams and inspirations with you. Thank you. God Bless.

Would you like to be featured on this site? Click here for more info.

This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam.
Special thanks to Marlon Dane.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).