T.H.E Interview – Miss Monique

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miss monique interview

Miss Monique on the impact of the pandemic, “Land Of Sunshine” EP, future plans and more.

Aditya – Hey Miss Monique – how are you, how has 2021 been for you?

Miss Monique – Hey, thanks I’m doing well. As for everyone, it was a year of new rules. I was happy to be back on tour, to see the real crowd, felt their vibes and enjoying the music all together again. In 2021 I was traveling a lot: had my first Colombian & Mexican tours, and a lot of great events in Europe. I released a few new EPs on Tiesto’s label AFTR:HRS, Nora En Pure’s – Purified Records, Black Hole. Also I had a chance to record videos for my YouTube channel from beautiful places like an old fortress in Turkey, in the amazing jungles and beaches of Tulum, the Dead Sea and many more. I can say that this year was full of enjoyable moments and very bright memories.

Aditya – How was the pandemic for you and what effect did it have on your music taste and style?

Miss Monique – For me, the pandemic situation was like a bad dream that you have to accept the new rules, or you will lose in this game. I used that time for me to be closer to my listeners, we supported each other a lot. Also I worked in the studio on new releases which came out in 2021, worked on new videos for YouTube and for my label Siona. The pandemic definitely made me appreciate everything what I have but it didn’t change my taste of music.

Aditya – Do you feel a weight of responsibility as a female in the dance music industry?

Miss Monique – I do not divide artists into men and women. I believe that you need to look at the results of creativity, and not at what gender is an artist.

Aditya – Is representation important do you think? So young people of all backgrounds, ages, races, colours, sexualities and religions can see themselves on stage and aspire to be the same?

Miss Monique – As I mentioned, I’m not that person who puts attention to people’s ages, races, colours, sexualities or religions. Only on their talent behind the decks and in the studio :)

Aditya – What are some of the key bits of music making gear in your current set up?

Miss Monique – Around a year ago I bought for my home studio a Moog37 and now I can’t imagine my tracks without this babe.

Aditya – How do you work, do you have an idea in your head you work towards or do you just experiment and jam and see what happens?

Miss Monique – Most of the time ideas come when we start work in the studio, you experiment and jam and they become themselves. Of course there are some days when you are start working on the project and nothing comes into your head. In this case I think it is better to just leave the project and come back later. But most of the time I don’t have this kind of situation as there is so much inspiration around: listeners, amazing events, new countries, beautiful places and travels in general.

Aditya- Tell us about your “Land Of Sunshine” EP for Purified Records – what inspired or influenced it, where and when and who was it written for?

Miss Monique – In the past years I produced very groovy and big energy releases, so this time I decided why not try something melodic, light. Out Of Sight was born before my Mexican tour. I was very excited about this trip and have got inspiration for this track. As for Land Of Sunshine it was produced after the tour. I got so much good energy from all places that I visited in Mexico, from crowd vibes, to nature. I think this track describe my emotions perfectly.

Aditya – Being a label owner, what do you look for in the demos?

Miss Monique – When we listen to the demo, I expect some unique and original production methods from the artist. Most producers are divided into two categories: the first try to fit into the mainstream and copy the tracks that are popular now, while others play too much with experiments, but all the dynamics and danceability are lost. We are looking for artists who maintain this balance.

Aditya – What’s next for you?

Miss Monique – I’ll continue to travel the next few months more. From February 2022 I’m planning to make a pause with events and stay in the studio for the next 4-5 months for work on my first album. Also, together with my team we are planning my first USA tour in Autumn 2022, I’ve never been there before, so I feel very excited. Of course we’ll continue to develop our Siona Records and work on my YouTube channel.

Akshay Bhanawat

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