21.Jan.2010 Biography
Monique Brumby has just completed her 4th studio album SKELETONS’ POLKA co-produced with renowned producer Mark Opitz (Paul Kelly, Divinyls, Cold Chisel, INXS). SKELETONS’ POLKA was recorded by Colin Wynne (Living End, Jeff Lang, Bic Runga) @ Thirty Mill Studios Melbourne and is due for release March 1st 2010. Monique will be touring nationally in March & April 2010 to promote the release of the album & the first single from it titled ‘They’re Still Alive’.
THE SONGS that make up SKELETONS’ POLKA express the underlying pulses of society and tap into universal themes. Monique’s powerful storytelling is emotive and lyrically insightful. The first unique offering from the album is the rollicking rockabilly/pop/rock tune titled ‘They’re Still Alive’. The song is about coping with losing a loved one to dementia featuring Mark McEntee (Divinyls) on guitar. Other guest artists include David Bridie on piano and vocals, guitarist Shannon Bourne, Bruce Haymes on keys and Candice Monique on vocals. The album fluctuates from what has become Monique’s signature style – brooding rock ballads to punchy lyrical pop/rock, revealing emotive and distinct melodies and hooks.
ARTIST BACKGROUND – Originally from Tasmania Australia, Monique is currently based in Melbourne and released her first album on Columbia Records in 1996 after a very successful musical partnership with producer David Bridie. She won 2 ARIA Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Artist in consecutive years. Monique has also had 3 additional ARIA nominations including Song of the Year for her original song ‘The Change In Me’. Her songs that have featured on numerous film and television productions and she has co-written with varying artists including David Bridie, Paul Kelly (co-wrote ‘Melting’ released on Paul’s 1998 ‘Words and Music’ album) & Krista Polvere (co-wrote ‘Breakable’ released on Krista’s debut album in 2009, produced by Malcolm Burn).
DISCOGRAPHY – Monique has released 3 EP’s; ‘Mary’, ‘Eventide’ and ‘Silver Dollars’ and 3 albums; ‘Thylacine’, ‘Signal Hill’ and ‘Into The Blue’. Monique has produced albums for artists Emily Davis and Mosaik and she has toured extensively headlining her own shows as well as sharing the stage with acclaimed artists such as the Bangles, Shawn Colvin, Paul Kelly, Luka Bloom, Pete Yorn and the late Jeff Buckley. Monique’s recorded works have won her legions of fans and great respect from her peers and music critics alike.
LIVE REVIEW – “Monique Brumby is a performer comfortable with the stage with her supremely confident voice, easy between song banter and more than capable song writing. Her spirited individuality – part Mary Margaret O’Hara vocal weirdness, part fearless storyteller Patti Smith – a unique offering. Her prolific output is matched by the rigor with which she hones her song writing skills.” – Andy Hazel, Inpress mag.
REVIEWS – Time Off Magazine’s Ben Preece: “A divine lady, a magnificent songwriter and above all a damn fine vocalist.” Drum Magazine’s Michael Smith said “When you care about what you do, you take the time to quietly fashion it to make sure it not only says what you want it to say, but you hope it also reveals itself to the listener. That’s the way Monique Brumby makes records.”
