Debuting with her brilliant debut single 'Made For You' in 2023, emerging alt-pop starlet Sloane Monroe is back once again with her progressive new outing 'Clueless'.
Doubling down on that dark and immersive aesthetic she first arrived with, 'Clueless' makes for a stellar return to form for her. With its bold and bouncing textures, shimmering atmosphere, and her own impactful vocals at the helm, she is certainly looking to turn plenty of heads with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I was four years old and my mum asked me if I wanted to play an instrument. I immediately told her I wanted to play the violin much to her surprise. Both my parent’s love music but didn’t play it themselves. She suggested picking up the piano or even the cello, but I was stubborn. Not too often you get your four year old daughter telling you what she wants to do in life haha but here we are.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I listened to all kinds of music growing up. I was playing a lot of classical and folk music, but I remember having Led Zeppelin, Lady Gaga and Skrillex on repeat. I actually just found my old iPod Classic and was downloading all my music that I thought I had lost. It was pretty funny seeing Linkin Park, Metallica and Busta Rhymes popping up in playlists right next to Mendelssohn and Dvorak.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I bought was a CD of Fountains of Wayne ‘Welcome Interstate Managers’ from Newbury Comics in Northampton, MA. Aside from cult classic ‘Stacy’s Mom’, there’s a ton of fantastic songwriting on that album. ‘All Kinds of Time’ had me sobbing one minute and then switched into ‘Little Red Light’ that sounded like you were in the middle of a car chase scene. I was obsessed. When I had learned to drive, my car only had a CD player, so it really became my personal soundtrack.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Ooph that song is always changing in my mind. I’d say my current choice is ‘I Want’ by Mk.gee. It’s so dead simple but so impactful. The balance between the lyrics and guitar movement is just perfect. I think his guitar writing actually sounds a lot like Bach counterpoint, which would make sense why he’s being hailed as a genius right now.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Lots of caffeine and a dark room. I try to turn my brain off, relax, and let whatever I’m feeling flow. The violin is my go to writing instrument, and I’ll transfer ideas to different instruments in the production process. Most important to me is the feeling behind what I’m playing or singing. I’ve played along to so many records and in so many different ensembles, that phrasing has been baked into me. I trust my memory to take me to an idea that feels good. If I can make myself feel emotional, it’s usually a good sign other’s will resonate with it as well.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Nami, Saya Gray, Eddie Benjamin and Abby Holiday. All of their productions are really fresh and contemporary while balancing familiar warm sounds. I especially love Saya since she produces all her own music. She takes such an intimate approach to production as well as being a killer bassist.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Lola Young. I think we’ve got a similar chaotic stage energy. She has such a raw sound that holds so much power over her audience. I could also see myself opening for Olivia Rodrigo, Sofia Isella or MUNA.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Hearing and seeing the impact my music has on other people. My music has been an outlet to express my love and frustrations with the world, so hearing that it makes others feel the same way brings me a lot of happiness. I also find playing live extremely addicting. It’s such a meditative experience for me. If I have a violin in my hand, it feels like I’m untouchable.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Admin haha it’s something no one mentions when you go into music. You really have to be your own business advocate. I absolutely love the creative side of it, whether it’s creating video ideas, live gig shows or promo. Sometimes I do feel like I miss out on opportunities because of the amount of communication I juggle. Hopefully in the future I can grow my team to where it all runs more smoothly.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
People will not know you’re there unless you tell them. I always assumed that if you were good enough, people would come to you, but how would they know where to look if you don’t speak up. I’ve been sitting on so many songs I’ve written over the past few years, so I’m really excited to continue rolling out the Girls in Denim project. I’ve written the words, I’ve produced the tunes, and I’ve sung my heart out. It’s coming out into the world no matter what.
-
Sloane Monroe's new single 'Clueless' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.