Lancaster-based songstress Grace Monaco is an interesting young artist with a fantastical point of view. An indie-pop self-produced artist with a similar vibe to early Lily Allen/Kate Nash. Her new EP has just released alongside lead single ‘Pedigree‘ and it’s a cool, floaty alternative pop record with a sense of humour. I asked Grace a handful of questions about her project:
Hi, how are you today?
I’m good. How are you?
Tell me about your new song, ‘Pedigree’ and your new EP.
The song ‘Pedigree‘ is about handsome and socially popular boys who are a bit pampered and indulged.
The four songs in my EP sort of split themselves half and half; ‘Karen‘ and ‘Pedigree‘ are more social commentary with humorous observational lyrics, whilst ‘Hot and Cold‘ and ‘Red Wine‘ are more personal and emotional songs. I like writing in lots of different styles, so my next EP might have a different tone again.
Can you explain the concept behind your music video for Pedigree and what inspired it?
I saw a stand-up comedy sketch by Steve Martin, where he told jokes to a bunch of dogs on stage. I decided to do my own spin on this and perform my song to a few neighbours’ dogs. It was really good fun but trying to coordinate a bunch of dogs was a bit stressful; my own dog was the worst behaved by far!
What was your experience in putting the EP together?
It was very DIY. Other than ‘Karen‘, I produced everything myself using Logic. I feel much more confident in my production skills at the end of this process compared to the start. I also directed the two music videos, with help from some friends. I’d like to put out another EP later this year.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
“All Good Children Go to Heaven to Escape from Bad Washing Machines”.
What was it like?
I was 4 years old. I liked pianos but I hated washing machines.
What’s your local music scene like?
At the minute the scene in Lancaster is non-existent because of COVID, but one good thing is there are quite a few live stream sites which have started. Kanteena is a good new venue that opened up last year. Two of my favourite local bands are Life in Neon (Joe the bassist also plays with me live) and Good Boy Nikko, who make great J-pop/bedroom pop.
How would you describe your music in five words?
Like a nice bubble bath
Which artists do you admire?
I am really inspired by artists that had a run of consistently strong singles, like Madonna in the 80s or Katy Perry in the early 2000s. That’s something that I want to emulate.
What would be your dream collaboration?
After lockdown is over, I am really looking forward to jamming with a jazz/funk band called Dalton Collective. We’re planning on cooking up some Amy Whinehouse and Daptones vibes.
What’s the best band you have played with so far?
Good Boy Nikko are brilliant. Also, Martha Hill was really good.
Who/What are you listening to right now?
Duolingo. Maybe my next song will be in French!
Thanks for your time
Merci beaucoup!
