In an exclusive interview with The SL Enquirer (SLE), artist MARIE sits down with Lanai Jarrico following her debut solo show. After spending five years performing as part of a renowned BLACKPINK tribute group, MARIE is stepping into the spotlight with her own original music, distinct visual identity, and fresh performance style. From her initial solo work on YouTube to bringing her live set into Second Life, MARIE shares what it felt like to perform her own material for the first time—and gives us an inside look at her ambitious plans to expand the project into a full girl group targeted to launch by Christmas.
Interview with MARIE
Lanai: MARIE, thank you for taking the time to sit with me for this exclusive interview. I have to say, you put on a fantastic solo performance at the AIVA Launch party! I’m so excited for you to share your news with our readers. Before we get into that, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in your music career as a member of BLACKPINK tribute?
MARIE: Thank you! I got started about five years ago when my friend Kalisa and I decided to create the BLACKPINK tribute together. We really started it from nothing and just learned as we went. I’d always loved music, fashion, and performing, so it became something I really enjoyed and wanted to keep getting better at. Over the years, I learned so much about performing, putting shows together, and connecting with an audience. I think eventually it just made me curious about what it would be like to take all of that experience and try something that was actually my own. And that’s kind of how MARIE started.
Lanai: I’ve been to BLACKPINK tribute concerts and love the energy and aesthetics that you ladies bring during your performances in Second Life. What has it been like for you performing with the group for the past 5 years?
MARIE: Honestly, one of the best parts has been the friendship. We became such a tight little circle over the years, and at this point it really feels more like family. We speak pretty much every day; we’re always sharing ideas, changing things, trying new things, and looking at how we can make the show better. It’s been really nice growing it together like that.
When I look back at where we started compared to the show we have now, it’s kind of crazy. We’ve just kept improving it little by little over the years, and it eventually became this award-winning show that we’re all really proud of.
Lanai: As you should be. Your collective hard work shows. Now it is your time to shine! Can you share with our readers how you intend to develop MARIE as a solo artist?
MARIE: I think the main thing I want to do with MARIE is show that she isn’t just one sound or one mood. With the songwriting, I want to explore lots of different sides of her. Some songs might be really soft and airy vocally, and then others can be much more confident or aggressive with heavier rap sections.
I like the idea that you never completely know which version of MARIE you’re going to get next, but it still all feels like the same artist. I want the music to keep evolving with the visuals and the performances too, so every release adds another little piece to who she is.
Lanai: Performing original material can be a whole different experience compared to tribute shows. What did it feel like taking the stage and performing your own music for the very first time at the launch party?
MARIE: It was exciting and a little nerve-racking! Performing my own music felt much more personal than a tribute show because I was sharing something that truly represented me. Seeing people enjoy it made the whole experience really special.
Lanai: I loved the visuals in the background along with your song selections. It was very entertaining to watch. How would you describe your music and style as a solo artist?
MARIE: My music is pop at its core, but I love blending different influences and creating a world around each song. I’m drawn to music that feels emotional, cinematic, and addictive. Something you can connect to lyrically but also completely lose yourself in.
As a solo artist, my style is very expressive and visual. I love playing with femininity, glamour and a little bit of edge, while still making everything feel authentic to me. I want the music, fashion and visuals to all feel like part of the same universe, something instantly recognisable as mine.
Lanai: I think you established just that! I checked out your YouTube playlist. You have a lot of great music. Do you write your own lyrics and beats?
MARIE: Thank you, I really appreciate that! I write my own lyrics, and for the music and production, I’ve been using Suno to help bring my ideas to life. I usually have a clear vision for the mood, sound, and direction I want, then I experiment with it until the track feels right and fits my style.
Lanai: Looking ahead, I hear you have some big plans to expand this project into a full girl group with a launch target around Christmas! What can you tell us about that vision and what listeners can expect?
MARIE: Thank you, Lanai! Diamond Entertainment is introducing four virtual idols — Marie, Naga, Asa, and Grace — with solo pre-debut covers leading up to a group debut around Christmas.
We’re combining K-pop, AI, and Second Life to create not just music, but a story fans can experience and grow with.
Lanai: Do you have a group in Second Life and/or a calendar that fans can join to stay up to date with your performances?
MARIE: Yes! I’ve attached the Second Life group link so fans can join and stay updated. The calendar is still a little way off while we focus on revealing the members and releasing our pre-debut content, but we’ll be sharing more soon.
Lanai: Thank you for sharing this exciting news with our readers, I look forward to see what happens next! Do you have anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
MARIE: Thank you, Lanai! Diamond Entertainment is introducing four virtual idols — Marie, Naga, Asa, and Grace — with solo pre-debut covers leading up to a group debut around Christmas.
We’re combining K-pop, AI, and Second Life to create not just music, but a story fans can experience and grow with. Dream. Train. Shine!
Additional information:
YouTube: MARIE - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Diamond-Ent-Official
Discord: https://discord.gg/VaPqVHRTv
Calendar: TBC
SL Group: secondlife:///app/group/49efe54f-91af-8e59-9086-e23acce079e4/about
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