Monique Brumby

Monique Brumby Interview: From the Soul of an Artist – Josie Parrelli

Monique — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:51:27 +0000

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

Monique Brumby Interview: From the Soul of an Artist – Josie Parrelli

This week, my friends, I am talking with Australian singer/songwriter Monique Brumby. I was first introduced to Monique’s music when I was living in Perth – I can remember hearing ‘The Change In Me’ for the first time on the radio; I loved the truth and depth within the lyrics and the honesty in Monique’s voice. that song went on to receive a nomination for the ARIA Award (Australian Recording Industry Association) for ‘Song Of The Year’. I continued to follow Monique’s career and was then acquainted with Monique when I invited her to be a special guest performer on my television show ‘Chartbusting 80s’. We had a great time and that performance and interview still remains one of the definite highlights of the shows reign.

Monique and I then worked together, duetting a song at the Melbourne Fringe Festival; when I say duetting I mean that Monique was the amazing singer and I threw in a few bars here and there . Working with Monique is always fun, she has become a friend and we continue to respect and support each other’s creative endeavours. I’ll always be a fan of Monique’s and it is exciting to follow her amazing journey, and see where her craft has taken her; not to mention her dedication to her craft, and Monique being a fantastic mentor through The Aardvark Organisation, which sees her working with kids with chronic illnesses to help them write songs and make music Monique’s passion and love for her work, and the encouragement she gives to so many others in the industry is truly inspiring.

Here is Monique’s story From The Soul Of An ArtistEnjoy my friends…

Where did your musical career begin?

I started performing live at school in musicals and then as a busker at age 16 in Salamanca Market Hobart. I learnt to play guitar with weekly lessons at school and started writing my own songs as soon as I could play more than one chord. Shortly after that I started singing in a cover band in Tasmania and had my first experience as a touring musician as we played in different parts of the state. I also started playing solo gigs in bars and restaurants around Hobart performing my original music.

In 1993 I lived in the UK and travelled before heading back to Australia where in 1994 I moved to Melbourne and was encouraged to give a demo of my songs to an A&R manager at Sony Records. The rest as they say is history.

I signed my first recording contract at the age of 20 and made an album with producer David Bridie. It was a whirlwind start to anyone’s career. There was a lot of pressure and at times I found this hard to handle particularly when I started doing back to back interviews and there was enquiry into my music and personal life. Things happened very quickly for me at that time.

‘The Change In Me’ was one of your biggest hits, earning you a nomination for the ARIA Award (Australian Recording Industry Association) for ‘Song Of The Year’ what was the inspiration behind writing the song and what was it like when the song topped the charts?

The inspiration for that song came after a relationship break-up. Out of painful times come ideas for songs and so that song was written quickly and I think it’s heartfelt and honest content made it a song that people relate to. To have it nominated for ‘Song Of The Year’ was needless to say at the time a huge thrill for me.

You’ve won 2 ARIA Awards for Best New Artist & Best Female Artist and received additional ARIA nominations how does it feel to receive recognition from the industry?

I think there are many artists who aren’t recognized yet are deserving of acknowledgment by the industry. The reality is that in Australia if you don’t have a manager or label with connections and clout it is difficult to break through to even be nominated for awards. To have people come to live shows or contact you directly to express appreciation for your work is more meaningful. It’s a shame that “meaningful music” and “commercial success” don’t always equate. I think that for any artist to break through they need a healthy amount of luck. Talent is one thing but that may only take an artist so far without backing that can get their music out to a wider audience and sustain that level of recognition.

Tell us about your fifth studio album ‘Half Moon Half Everything’ due out in 2012.

‘Half Moon Half Anything’ is a working title at this stage as this album is still being finished and to be honest I am finding it difficult to know which songs to choose to go on it. I have 17 tracks recorded but I am currently experimenting with different instrumentation and styles.

I study sound production and am so am very hands on with the production of my own work. This is good and bad. Good in that I have incremental input and ultimately final say in my artistic expression however this can sometimes slow the process as I am also a perfectionist and with my own songs I am very critical. So I have wonderful band members and music colleagues around me to help me find perspective and not be so hard on myself.

As with my previous albums there are strong melodies that are underpinned by drums, bass and guitars mainly however with this album I am experimenting a little more with fusing this sound with a little electronica and soulful grooves. I listen to all styles of music for inspiration and studying sound has opened up the technical side of things. I want to make an album that has songs on it that people can dance to but still has thought-provoking lyrics. I want to simplify everything I do to cut out all unnecessary crap and just get to the heart of each song and express that to the best of my ability. I run protools and logic music software at home so am using midi as well as real instruments that we recorded in our house earlier this year.

You are a passionate artist and person and you have been mentoring and producing work for young people through the Aardvark Organisation, with a CD launch for the Aardvarkians. Tell us about how you got involved?

I was approached by the founders and directors of The Aardvark Organisation to see if I would like to work with kids with chronic illness to help them write songs and make music. I was keen to be involved, as I have worked previously as an artist mentor through the FReeZa Central Organisation. It has been one of the best projects that I have been involved in. We meet every Tuesday in a rehearsal space in Melbourne and write songs and play music. This work culminated in the creation of a CD that we are launching in Melbourne in a couple of weeks.

The best thing about working with the “Aardvarkians” is witnessing these young people come into their own, overcoming shyness or feelings of insecurity to be confident and happy souls while expressing themselves musically.

How do you think reality television such as X-Factor, Australia’s Got Talent, Idol etc have influenced the industry? Would you like to be a mentor or judge on these shows?

Ultimately these shows are a popularity contest and things that are popular ie. junkfood, watching too much TV, smoking etc. are not always the things that are best for the health of the consumer nor possibly contestant in the long run. You only have to reflect on the past “idols” or X-Factor winners to see that winning one of these shows doesn’t mean you are going to have a career in the industry. I always think there is a risk of ruining a person’s life, particularly if they are young or just naïve and easily manipulated.

I can speak from experience on this as I was a 21 year old who won ARIA’s and had the world at my feet but internally I was conflicted and not a happy soul at this time in my life because I felt I was too young to handle the attention and pressure that fame brings. I think that artists need development over time not only as creative people but as business people so that they can manage their own careers and keep a handle on what is going on in the business and career path decision making areas. For people trying to start out on a career path and to develop a style and have a career with longevity, winning a contest might not be the best avenue for them in life.

I’d like the pay packet that goes along with judging on these shows but if I was asked to judge on something like this I would be conflicted because I know how hard it is to break through and even harder to sustain that level of success. Everything has a price.

If shows like these were available when you first started in the industry would you have considered entering them?

I probably would have, and I know several artists who have been gigging and playing for many years who have entered these contests. I think that there is a perception by a percentage of people out there that a career as a famous singer is as easy as going on Idol. For some people it is but for most it is a disappointment or as we’ve seen many times “ a humiliation”.

I think that if you have talent and are willing to work hard all the time to improve as an artist and as a person then good things and the right career path and life path will open up for you. Fast tracking to fame and notoriety has a life span unless you are a one in a billion who are able to sustain that level of fame and this often means having a kick arse team of people promoting and marketing you and this means shit loads of money and people in your corner who are good at networking. As I have said before, talent takes you only so far as there a many talented people in the world who are never recognised by the masses. This poses the question I suppose of how we define “success”. How do you the reader define it in your field of expertise?

You have worked, writing and producing, with Paul Kelly, Emily Davis, Mosaik, Timmy Lloyd, and Stu Tanner. Are there any artists at the moment that you would like to work with?

I have recently worked with Wally (Goyte) through the Aardvark project and I’d love to record a song with him because I think he has immense talent and is a lovely human to boot. I’ve not told him this but you never know he might stumble across this interview! Ha!

Kelly Clarkson (yes she is one of the “one in a billion” Idol winners) who would have to be on the top of my list because of her vocal ability. I dream of writing a song and having Kelly Clarkson’s people call me up telling me that she is recording it for her next album. Stranger things have happened right? Ha!

I’d also like to produce albums for great young emerging bands and songwriters because to tap into new talent is an exciting prospect. I see a lot of great music around Melbourne all the time.

This year you joined forces with Rebecca Barnard and Kerri Simpson for ‘Sheila’s of The 70’s’ how did that come about and tell us about the show –

It was a “stars align” scenario really. I called Kerri to see if she was interested in doing a themed show for the Darebin Music Feast and she said that her and Rebecca Barnard had recently talked about doing a show ‘Sheila’s Of The 70’s’.

We started rehearsals and found that it was fun, uplifting and probably would be well received by a lot of people. We did 2 sold out shows at The Northcote Town Hall and now have been asked to perform the Sheila’s at other venues. We filmed the shows and have recorded some tracks to pitch the show to festivals given the response we’ve had.

If you weren’t an artist what other profession would you have considered or entered into?

I would have liked to have been a horticulturalist because working outdoors and in nature is so enjoyable. I did want to act when I was 19 after being in several musicals back in school but music chose me that’s for sure and it’s an addiction that I can’t give up.

What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish that I knew more about contracts and the business side of the industry because I think that my career was mis-managed in those areas early on.

Your favourite quote or saying?

“The whole is equal to the sum of its parts”.

What words of wisdom would you pass onto the next generation of emerging artists?

Don’t look for the quick fix in anything you do. Instead work meticulously and diligently to improve not only your craft but also other areas of interest around it. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted in your career and in life and treat people with respect and courtesy always, but don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if you feel you are being mistreated. Listen to all advice but don’t take any as gospel… and GOOD LUCK!

What’s next for Monique Brumby?

Next year is a mystery…more study, a trip to Nashville to record and the release of another album. I’d also like to continue mentoring and producing.

PS: When is our amazing duet out? Hahahaha

Oh Josie, Our duet is highly anticipated after the heady days of Chart Busting 80’s. XXX

Inpress Q & A with Monique re. ‘Underground’ launch – Sat May 28

Monique — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:42:51 +0000

Q & A with Monique Brumby in the lead up to her ‘Underground’ single launch at the Northcote Social Club Sat May 28

Best record you stole from your folks’ collection?
Rod Stewart’s greatest hits – Sailing, Downtown Train, You’re in my Heart, yeah I did sing along. I listened to Rod quite a bit. Him in his silky pink shirt and my mum had the hots for him. That husky tone sure won over the ladies.

First record you bought?
Aretha Franklin album, can’t recall the title. I used to go into Aeroplane Records as a teenager in Hobart and buy my albums second hand there. Aretha, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone – all wonderful artists who have inspired me just by their brutal honesty when they sing.

Record you put on when you’re really miserable?
Berlin by Lou Reed if I wanna feel sadder otherwise I listen to Stone Roses if I wanna feel good about my sadness.

Record you put on when you bring someone home?
Maxwell, Fiona Apple maybe. That’s a tough one ‘cause I recently got married so when I bring my wife home we listen to whatever floats our boat at the time. If I bring my whippet home from the park she likes to listen to me play guitar. She gets all dreamy, funny thing.

Most surprising record in your collection?
Screaming For Vengeance – Judas Priest

Last thing you bought/downloaded?
Sainthood – Tegan & Sara. I like quirky singer songwriters. Some other favs are Patti Smith, Ron Sexsmith and Suzanne Vega.

Name: Monique Brumby & band – ‘Underground’ single launch show

1st single release from Monique’s forthcoming album ‘Half Moon Half Everything’

Venue: Northcote Social Club

date: Sat 28th May @ 8pm

with special guests Nick Batterham & band and Izzy Losi

Tickets: $15

New single ‘Underground’ FREE download of single @ www.moniquebrumby.com

Monique Brumby – Beat Magazine interview May 25th, 2011

Monique — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:21:29 +0000

Monique Brumby

On the surface, Monique Brumby’s new single Underground could be about hanging out in a basement nightclub where people are allowed to be whom they want to be. But, as with most of Brumby’s songs, the meaning is deeper.

As she explains. “I was thinking about secular groups like the Armish people. I’m fascinated with how they live different lives from mine, and how the men in the community build their houses in the old style way. The opening line, ‘This place was built on love and mortar’ is how the cornerstone of a good community is love and compassion. The people in the song, the labourer, the pastor, the nurse, the priestess, they all contribute in their loving to a community regardless of sexuality and religion.

“The underground could be a club, where people can go where they are treated with total equality and can show a different face to the one they show to the world outside. But the ‘underground’ could also be someone’s apartment. Or just the way a piece of music affects you. It’s a sexy song but it also one which people can relate to on a spiritual level.”

The song’s video was shot by Thomas Meadmore, who’s making a documentary on what draws people to a music career, based around Speed Orange’s Tony Jackson and also featuring Brumby and Tim Rogers.

The video already included scenes of dancing girls and black-draped furniture, with Brumby blindfolding herself, face-painting a cross, smoking cigars and spewing out red chunks of pomegranates. Meadmore then decided, “I see candles”. They got 400 candles donated by IKEA Richmond.

“We shot it in a day in our apartment in Brunswick (which she shares with her wife of three months, Sophie Turner, who plays in her band). We were just hoping the landlord wouldn’t pop around and see all these lit candles – the ultimate landlord’s nightmare!”

Underground is also the bridge to Brumby’s fifth album Half Moon Half Everything (due out October 1). It was also recorded in her apartment thisJanuary during a week of heavy storms. The mics were set up in the kitchen, and the pair’s cat Twiggy Stardust and whippet April Rain would be wandering around during the sessions with her band.

The songs on the album reveal more about Brumby than ever before. In the past she was awkward about discussing her sexuality. “I was scared if I talked about my sexuality, they wouldn’t talk about the music.” She found it irritating that it was automatically assumed that she was an item with any female she played music with, or any female music industry exec she worked with. “There was that extra level of questioning that a heterosexual wouldn’t get,” Brumby reveals.

Now she’s cool with it, and wants to reach her music to a wider audience. In February she opened for the Don McLean tour and Underground went Top 10 in the AIR charts and is getting extensive airplay. A strong advocate of helping young acts, she’s produced Adelaide singer/songwriter Emily Davis and Melbourne band Mosaic. Two songs she co-wrote – Melting with Paul Kelly ended up on his 1998 album Words And Music, and Breakable with Krisa Povere on the latter’s 2009 debut album – sees her wanting to write for other artists as well.

As for that ‘half moon’ reference in Brumby’s upcoming album title: “I get emotional and tearful when the moon is half. Since I was 25, I’ve been attracted to the moon. Before a gig I look at the moon because it’s an indicator of what’s going to happen! A half moon represents a midway point, something on the cusp, not started not finished. I always think of myself between worlds.”

MONIQUE BRUMBY and band launch Underground at The Northcote Social Club this Saturday May 28 with guests Nick Batterham and band, and Izzy Losi. Info and tickets from northcotesocialclub.com.

BY Christie Elizer

‘Underground’ single review

Monique — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:12:59 +0000

Robert Gearon – The Friday Breakfast Lounge – 3mdr 97.1fm www.3mdr.com

‘Underground’ Review

“The theme of parallel underground worlds has been done before. Monique Brumby’s “underground” from her forthcoming album “Half Moon half everything” sits with the best of them. Her world of double lives is nailed from the captivating opening riff until the riveting operatic finale. This is another outstanding release from this inspiring Australian artist.”

LOTL interview, May 2011

Monique — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:22:04 +0000

What’s the first song/ artist that made a big musical impact upon you and why?

Suzanne Vega was a big inspiration for me. When I heard her song ‘Marlena on the wall’ I was mesmerized by the melody and mood that she created. I think she is very unique and diverse as a songwriter.

You’ve been in the biz for a number of years now, won numerous awards and been hailed as a hot young singer how did that early success affect you? And what kind of pressure did it put on you to succeed with later albums?

I think that being thrust into the media spotlight can be very stressful for people, especially if you are young and still searching for your identity. Early success affected me in different ways; it made me strive to be a better musician because expectations were high but it also made me anxious and reclusive as I realised that people would prejudge my character based on a fleeting image they had seen of me or a song the had heard. I think as I’ve gotten older I am much more comfortable with myself and I look back with wonderment at what actually happened to me in the early part of my career. The pressure to make better albums is a pressure I put on myself for sure and so I strive to always be better at the art of music.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your music and lyrics?

The lyrics for my first single ‘Underground’ came about because I was thinking about secular groups of people in society and thought about what life must be like to be Amish or in the Brethren or some such group. I wrote the song about all people going ‘underground’ when the sun goes down to find the innate part of them selves. It is also a song about diversity and people from all walks of life searching for that other, hidden or darker side of them selves. A lot of the time I record song ideas on my hone and then work on them in my home studio which is where we recorded the new album ‘Half Moon Half Everything’.

How would you describe the Monique Brumby sound to the uninitiated?

I would describe my music as lyrical pop music with elements of melodic rock fused with a little blues and soul.

It’s been less than a year since your last album yet you’re already putting finishing touches on a new release… How do you keep the creative juices flowing? What inspired you to pick up the pen and the guitar and get cracking at new tunes again?

It’s very exciting for me to be releasing another album this year. I was determined not to have a three year gap between albums this time around and so in the new year we converted our apartment into a studio and rehearsed madly and while it rained in Melbourne for a week straight we recorded the album in our living room and had an absolute ball. The cat and dog retired to the bedroom and surfaced for pats and food from everyone. I have a beautiful circle of friends and musicians around me and so they contributed to my keeping my energy levels high.

What was the creative process for writing the new album? What came first words or music?

I had loads of melodies floating around my head at the end of last year and so I put those to music and rehearsed them up with my 4 piece band and the album took shape quickly. I would be driving in my car and have to pull over to get out my phone to record lyrical and melodic ideas. I would also be slipping into a quiet nook in shopping centres or while out and about to get out my phone and sing these ideas for songs into my phone. This album is very Pretenders/Tegan and Sara inspired and so I’m excited to put it out there.

The new single Underground is already gaining praise for it’s great groove, why do you think it appeals?

We used lots of percussive instruments on this track including acoustic guitar, guiro, shakers, drums and I did a whole vocal track of percussive sounds that we mixed in. They actually sound hilarious in solo! We laughed our faces off while recording them.

How did you choose the tracks for the album? Did any kind of theme emerge? How do you think your song writing has evolved over the years?

I chose the songs that I felt had the strongest melodies and sentiments. I toured earlier this year with Don McLean (American Pie/Vincent) and listened side stage to some beautifully crafted songs. I think that some contemporary songs are currently edited down too much. So instead of having a 5 minute version of a song that tells a story, it gets chopped in an attempt to get peoples attention when actually it would get more attention in a live setting particularly if it is allowed to actually tell the story. Leonard Cohen blew my mind in a live setting last year. I urge people to go out to see their favourite artists live because they will often get more emotion and background to the artists than they might get from a recorded work.

You already have a large following in the LGBTQ community – do you recognise you may be a bit of a role model for young lesbian and gay folk? How does that impact on your performance/ music you create etc…

To be a role model makes me very happy and it is important to me that young gay, lesbian and transgendered people feel acceptance in their lives. Music is a great communicator and so for me it is an honour to play music and release albums that can connect with people in society who might feel like outsiders or not the norm. I am an outsider and so I think I can communicate that through my music as well as striving for equality and acceptance.

You’ve got a single tour planned – what are you most looking forward to about hitting the road?

I’m looking forward to travelling around parts of Australia and getting out there on stage at every show and giving 100% of myself to the people who come to support me. I can’t wait to give them the new songs live and to have the chance to catch up with people after the show.

When does the album drop?

The album is out in October 1st 2011

Monique Brumby interview Cherrie Mag, May 2011

Monique — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:10:47 +0000

You must have been pretty busy, Skeletons’ Polka was only released last year and here we are with a new album. Has this been a particularly creative time for you?
Yes, I have been very inspired to write and record of late mainly due to a move to the north side of the Yarra in Melbourne where I’m surrounded by musicians, interesting art and live venues. My band and I set up our house in Brunswick as a recording studio in January this year and recorded the album while it rained in Melbourne for seven days straight. The moment we finished recording and started packing up the gear the rain stopped. It was the most fun I’ve had during a recording session due to the fact that we had our animals around. Animals being our cat Twiggy Stardust Turner and our whippet April Rain Brumby! Having pets around makes everything more relaxed. We had microphones in the kitchen and let our neighbours know that there would be noise coming from our place. The feedback that we got from them was that it was “good noise” so that was ok!
How would you describe the new album, ‘Half Moon Half Everything’?
I would describe the music on the new album as lyrical pop with elements of melodic rock fused with a little blues and soul. The title of the album tells a lot about the content on the album. The half moon has always been significant to me as I find that I am very creative and tuned in when there is a half moon. This spiritual connection to things outside of myself always shapes my music and I hope that there are songs on this album that will really move people. Sonically it is very rich with percussion, guitars and lots of melody. My influences for this album are artists such as Suzanne Vega, The Cure, Tegan & Sara and The Pretenders. The album is made up of quirky pop tunes mixed with brooding ballads as the backbone of the album. Lyrically the songs cover topics such as what it’s like to be an outsider, underground society, love & loss and the importance of friendship . ‘Half Everything’ is a reference to the fact that my music is diverse and so as a writer I feel that I am tapped into a lot of different things at once and mix with lots of different and diverse people in my line of work.
What is the single Underground about and how did it come about?
The lyrics for ‘Underground’ came about because I was thinking about secular groups of people in society and thought about what life must be like to be Amish or in the Brethren or some such group. I wrote the song about all people going ‘underground’ behind closed doors to explore and express the innate part of themselves. It is also a song about diversity and people from all walks of life searching for that other, hidden or darker side of themselves. A lot of the time I record song ideas on my phone and then work on them in my home studio.
What’s your favourite track from the new album and why?
My favourite track to date is the new single ‘Underground’! It’s actually the only track that has been properly mixed as yet with the other tracks in various stages of production. This was a standout track for me because I don’t think it really sounds like anyone else and I like the unique nature of it because I’m always striving to break new ground musically and I hope that this tune resonates with people. It is available as a free download via my website www.moniquebrumby.com
How has the journey of this album compared with the last?
This album has been the most fun to make of all my albums mainly due to the fact that we recorded at home with my pets around and also the people involved in the making of this album are gems and we just have a great time together. This is my 5th studio album and so I know more about sound and recording techniques which has helped me to get certain emotions through that are crucial to the songs resonance.

How would you say you’ve changed as a live performer over the years?
I believe that you have to perform a lot get a handle on how to give a great live performance under all circumstances. I have performed literally thousands of shows over the course of my career in all types of venues from outdoor festival concerts to theatres, clubs and bars. What I have learnt is that you are only as good as your last performance. Every gig is a challenge, a challenge to play well, to give people value for money and to entertain them. The number one role that I have as a live performer is to entertain people. If I can make them feel depths of emotion that is good too but I think that as you mature as a musician you become more aware of who you are, what you want to express and how to read an audience to give them a great time. I love live performance because I love feeling the energy and always if the audience is giving a lot, the performers on stage will too. I think all of these things I’m mentioned are little contributors in how I’ve changed as a live performer over the years. I also have an expanding back catalogue so having more songs to chose from helps a lot.

You’re going to be touring this album quite extensively, what do you love about being on the road?
Yes, I’m touring through May to launch the single and then later in the year to launch the album. I love travelling with band mates and my favourite part of touring is playing the shows. The in between bits I don’t take for granted but it’s the show time that really means the most and so I put all my energies into making that show on that particular night the best I’ve ever played. When it works there is no greater feeling in the world and to deeply move people through playing music is something that I cherish and always strive to be better at. I love meeting the fans too and hanging out to sign Cds after the show which I do at all my gigs. I value so much the people that come along and that is a very special and important connection to me.

Brumby heads underground By CLAIRE TURFREY – The Advocate, Friday, April 29, 2011

Monique — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:32:35 +0000

Brumby heads underground

By CLAIRE TURFREY
DEVONPORT-born musician Monique Brumby has never been afraid of delving deeper with the subject matter for her songs and the first single off her upcoming album is a prime example.
Recorded in the lounge room of her Melbourne home, Underground will feature on her fifth album Half Moon Half Everything, out in October.
‘‘When I started writing this song I was thinking about duality in people, how we have these hidden desires,’’ she said.
‘‘I thought about where do people like the Amish, who have hidden desires or drives, what do they do, how does everyone conform to be the one thing?
‘‘I thought well, there would be an underground, which is more like the deep psyche or a place that people go out at night to explore a life outside of their mundane lives during the day.
‘‘For me I’ve always sort of felt a little bit outside of the mainstream in a way, I think just being a musician and living that lifestyle.’’
Single available for free download
Tasmanian-born singer-songwriter Monique Brumby has re- leased her latest single and performs in the state next week.
MONIQUE Brumby has decided to offer her newest track to download for free through her website.
‘‘To be honest I think these days, in the climate that we’re in where everyone’s competing for airtime and for people to take notice of their music, I think it’s good to give people something for free,’’ she said.
‘‘For my fans and people that follow me, I’d rather them have the song for free and if they love it they’ll get
A dramatic track, Underground features an operatic flourish which highlights Brumby’s impressive vocal range.
‘‘We did that vocal in our lounge room and it was getting close to midnight and I just went for it and the take stopped and Nick, who was recording it and co- producing, just sat there and went ‘Holy (expletive), what the (expletive) was that? That was awesome!’, I was like ‘OK, cool, use that’,’’ she said.
excited and be more likely to come along to a live show.
‘‘I think that artists now are ap- proaching singles as a promotional tool in a different way, they’re more like an avenue to get people to listen to your music and come to your show so it’s important to get out and have a tour that coincides with that, which is what we’re doing.’’
❚ To download Underground, visit www.moniquebrumby.com
‘‘It was the natural choice for first single because it’s kind of obscure but it also has a bit more of a broad appeal, people that like your more alternate rock like it and also people that like a bit more mainstream melodic stuff.’’
❚ Monique Brumby, with Jonno Coleman, performs at the Tonic Bar, Country Club, Launceston, on Thursday and with The Colemans and Tokyo Room at the Republic Bar, Hobart, next Friday.
www.theadvocate.com.au
The Advocate, Friday, April 29, 2011

‘Underground’ Single Review

Monique — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:48:45 +0000

“Her last two albums saw Monique Brumby take significant steps forward, especially in a new-found confidence in her song writing and the way she augmented her voice as a theatrical instrument. Away from the mainstream spotlight, she allowed herself to grow. ‘Underground’ is another move forward, a jaunty acoustic pop piece with Buddhist-like simplicity that celebrates club land life. The vocals range from smoky huskiness to a neo-operatic flourish at the end. As with all her best stuff, there’s a darkness in the characters in the song that is compelling.”
—CHRISTIE ELIEZER, The Music Network, Pollstar Magazine

Monique — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:02:44 +0000

I was really excited to hold a songwriting workshop at Princes Hill Secondary School last Fri 19th Nov. Congrats to all involved in the workshops leading up to this event as it was obvious just how much the kids got out of it. The talent was outstanding from young rappers writing their own lyrics about respect to a great bunch of students who got up on stage with me and played a song we wrote togther. Here’s a little piece about The Respect Through Music Project and here’s hoping there can be more great workshops next year. Thanks to the awesome crew at Mushroom Marketing for getting me involved. Mx

Hip-hop hurray: students rapt at chance to mix with stars

Richard Willingham

November 19, 2010

Princes Hill Primary schoolchildren at a music workshop with singer-songwriter Monique Brumby and hip-hop artist Pez, who helped the students write their own songs. Photo: Vince Caligiuri

LEARNING how to write lyrics with renowned hip-hop artists and then having them professionally recorded has been the highlight of Julian’s time at primary school.

The year 6 Princes Hill Primary student was lucky enough to be at one of 12 schools, six primary and six secondary, that were part of a pilot project involving two of Melbourne’s top hip-hop stars.

Pez and Mantra ran music workshops at the schools, giving students an insight into the secrets of songwriting, under the theme of respect.

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Working in teams, students wrote lyrics about respect, with the best songs recorded by industry professionals.

Carl Gardiner, managing director of Mushroom Marketing, which recorded the students’ work, said although the CDs would not be commercially distributed, they could find their way on to Melbourne radio.

Julian’s classmate Aggie said it would be a bit scary to hear her lyrics sung by professionals. Her team’s song, I Ain’t Gonna Let You Push Me Down, include the lyrics: ”I ain’t gonna let you push me down, I’m gonna stand my ground today. I ain’t gonna let you hear me cry. Just turn and walk away.”

The Vine music writer Luke McKinnon said Aggie had nothing to worry about. ”The lyrical content is mature and well delivered, but most importantly, it is reflective of the participants’ personal experiences and that is where this music really comes into its own.”

He said hip-hop had become the musical voice of the younger generation over the past five years.

Pez said yesterday that he would be keen to work with students again, saying the experience was satisfying.

”It felt like the primary school students were much more willing to participate and express themselves,” Pez said.

The Respect Through Music project will tonight stage a concert featuring Pez and performances by the students at Princes Hill Secondary College.

Other schools involved included Colac Primary School, Lorne-Aireys Inlet P-12 College and Aspendale Gardens Primary School.

A new start

Monique — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:51:56 +0000

this is the first post of many folks o feel free to check in every now and then for some updates. New gigs will be posted soon as it is the summer festival season so stay tuned. Hearts, Monique