Monogem. The name alone stops you in your tracks. A name that is surely destined for big things. “I wanted to play on audio references, either mono or stereo, and I stumbled upon the word monogem. I found out that a Monogem Ring is actually a supernova remnant in the sky after an explosion” she says.
With roots in jazz and soul and well-known in the electro-pop space, LA based MONOGEM only released her breakthrough Spanish debut ‘Soy Lo Que Soy‘ in October 2019, but is fast approaching becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Latin music scene having already made her mark worldwide for her English releases (she has written a global hit with Lemaitre & shared the stage with artists such as Allie X, Betty Who & Christine and the Queens).
MONOGEM is now gearing up for the release of her bilingual debut album later this year which features the hypnotic ‘Paraíso’ inspired by her background in Jazz and Bossa Nova which will instantly transport you to your own paradise.
We asked MONOGEM to create a playlist that transports her to her own paradise which you can check out below:
Aretha Franklin – Day Dreaming
Aretha’s voice is like no other. Something about the blend of her voice and her background vocals just gets me every time. I also love the instrumentation and mix of this record…so live, organic and real. It takes me to a special place no matter where I am when I hear it.
Solange – Cranes In The Sky
I have vivid memories of driving down PCH with the windows down listening to this monumental album from Solange. I love the simplicity of the strings and drums. This song brings me into myself in a magical way.
maye – Tú
There is nothing like a beautiful bolero to get you in a relaxing mood….this song, an ice cold drink by the Pool or the ocean waves = paraíso perfection.
Helado Negro – Come Be Me
Helado Negro has become a regular in my music rotation. His vocal delivery is magic….so effortless and calm. This song makes me feel like I’m rocking back and forth on a boat in the middle of the sea – in a good way.
Daniela Andrade – Ayayai
I particularly love the filtered effects on Daniela’s voice and also the harsh synth hook line that repeats over this smooth r&b groove. A voice like butter…takes me away.
Brazilian Girls – Lazy Lover
Brazilian Girls were literally the soundtrack to my college life….I must’ve listened to this album everyday on repeat for 5 years. It was an introduction to electronic music and also music in other languages – she sings a lot in French and Spanish. Lazy Lover makes me feel elegant, like I’m sipping a cocktail at Hotel Costes in Paris or somewhere in the south of France. I love songs that make you feel well traveled.
The Marías – Basta Ya
The Marías have a way about their songwriting that feels so classic but they add such a modern twist at the same time…I also love the way they write in Spanish. Basta Ya was the first song I heard of theirs a few years ago…I die over the jazzy trumpet.
Listen to the playlist on Spotify