Monique Brumby

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’ 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.”

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

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.

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

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.

When the man comes around: a case of cash for rock

Melissa Fyfe

Wild horses: Premier John Brumby, with musician Monique Brumby (no relation), will no doubt get a lifetime backstage pass after $25 million in promises for musicians, venues and the industry. Photo: Craig Sillitoe