EPK
SWEET FACE ALBUM REVIEW
by Stacey Zering of Ink19
Montana Monet is an artist and performer with a passion for exciting pop music. Recently, she released a brand new EP titled Sweet Face, which has stunning production, and it sets the bar higher with some truly amazing songwriting chops. The release features four songs, including the opening track, “New Creation.” This cut is a breath of fresh air with its high standards in terms of arrangement and artistry. This track gives the audience a nice first glimpse [of] Monet’s magnetic voice. The song begins with a lovely intro with piano, some strings, and a bass riff. Eventually, Monet comes in, going for a timeless approach that makes me think of artists like Regina Spektor.
The second cut on this release is a tune titled “You’re Not Alone,” which actually feels like a hopeful and forward-thinking song with a lot of attitude and a positive edge to it. The track begins with some beautiful acoustic guitar melodies, and it sets the mood to a faster pace with a nice drum pattern and killer electric guitar riffs. Monet’s vocals on this cut make me think of legends like the late Dolores O’Riordan from The Cranberries.
“Blue Bird” is definitely one of my favorite tracks on this release, and I particularly enjoy how Monet managed to really impress me for the way the melodies are so tastefully layered and so beautifully arranged. At first the song has a cool piano ballad vibe, which reminds me of some great late ’70s icons such as Fleetwood Mac. I love how Monet’s vocals are so emotional and far-reaching on this beautiful effort.
Last, but definitely not least, the EP ends on an appropriately sweet note with “What’s Up,” which is a catchy song that has a nice pop edge to it. This track features the inner simplicity of folk music, but it is also more far-reaching, going for a deeper and more balanced tone with some lyrics that are personal and inspiring. This is a fantastic cover of the classic 4 Non Blondes hit, and I really love the fact that, in a way, Monet stayed true to the original arrangement giving it her own twist.
The original review can be viewed here.
BIO
Montana Monet is a young female vocalist and song writer with a unique voice from the greater Twin Cities area in Minnesota. Singing longer than she's been able to speak, Montana is passionate about being a musician and performer and is naturally suited for it; she loves to share her music with others.
A captivating blend of old soul, dreamer, and free spirit, Montana's personality is reflected in her music, which is not constrained by genre but is most influenced by pop trends.
Montana began performing when she was 6 years old. Past performance venues include St Paul Saints Baseball Games at CHS Field in St Paul, MN; performances at the famous Mall of America, the nation's largest retail, festival, and entertainment complex; and at venues in the greater Twin Cities area as the lead singer in a kid’s band. Montana also volunteers her singing talents to local Senior Care and Memory Care facilities.
In 2017, Montana released her debut album Under The Lights; the album featured her original song "Baseball (Levi's Song)". At the same time, she released music videos for "Baseball (Levi’s Song)" and "Lost Boy". Her second album, Sweet Face, was released in 2020.
Q&A WITH MONTANA MONET
Q: When did you start singing?
A: I don’t remember a time without singing.
Q: Why do you love to sing?
A: Singing makes me happy!
Q: What is the inspiration behind your original song, "Baseball (Levi’s Song)"?
A: The story is that I started attending baseball games when I was only days old. My older brother, Levi, loved the game, and it was baseball season. I must have gone to hundreds of games over the years. This song is a tribute to him, but it is also about pursuing your own dream and having a goal. It’s not always easy, but hopefully it’s worth doing.
Q: What is your dream?
A: I want to share my heart and voice with people and want to work with some of the stars that are super talented and that I admire so much! They made it happen. LA or Broadway would be pretty cool too!
Q: What effect do you want to have in your life?
A: I want everyone to be happy. Everyone has a voice to share, and I hope to encourage others to GO FOR IT!
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I love creating art, specifically, painting and working with clay. I also love spending time walking in the woods with our dog and observing other wildlife. Nature is inspiring!
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“Congratulations on winning the Dakota County Fair Open Division Talent Contest.”
— Minnesota State Fair
St Paul, MN
“8-year-old wows the crowd at Sunday’s Saints game – and not for the first time.”
— Kristi Belcamino
St. Paul Pioneer Press
St Paul, MN
“We are thrilled and welcome to Create a Memory that magnificent talent and heart of Montana Monet to sing our national anthem.”
— Create a Memory Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
“Montana Monet is an example of an exceptionally talented young girl following her dream.”
— Create a Memory Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
“She should be on Broadway auditions.”
— Suzanne Hilleary
MSG Entertainment
“Your video and the lyrics are absolutely beautiful. I think that this song should be played at every ball park. Don’t stop doing what you’re doing, you are destined to reach the top of the music charts!”
— Gerard Cole
Manager
America’s Got Talent Top 5 Finalist Voices of Glory
“Sometime this young lady will be a nationally known singer”
— Drake White
Drake White & the Big Fire
“Everyone who attended this year’s event was simply amazed at Montana’s talent.”
— Ronald Zamansky
Create a Memory Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
“Montana’s rendition of the national anthem was one of the best I have ever heard.”
— Governor Mark Dayton
Governor of Minnesota
St Paul, MN
“Montana showed every one of the 550 children that they have talents and that they too, at a very early age, can use those talents.”
— Create a Memory Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
“Montana does a great job and we love having her sing. All the Best!
— Tom Whaley
Executive Vice President
Saint Paul Saints Baseball
St. Paul, MN
“My residents were thrilled with your performance!”
— Jennie Fick
Timber Hills (Presbyterian Homes)
Inver Grove Heights, MN
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Published Music
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Original Song "Hold On Me" released January 2022
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Original Song and Music Video "Summertime" released April 2021
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“Sweet Face” album released February 2020
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Original Song “New Creation” 2020
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Original Song “You’re Not Alone” 2020
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Original Song “Bluebird” 2020
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“Under the Lights” debut album released May 2017
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Original Song “Baseball (Levi’s Song)” released May 2017
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Music Video “Baseball”
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Music Video “Lost Boy”
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Lyric Video “Fireflies”
National Anthem Performances Include
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Mayor's Art Gala (multiple years)
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City of Burnsville Art Festival
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Minnesota Music Cafe (music showcase with Elite Music, August 2019)
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WCHA Semi Finalist Game, University of MN, Ridder Arena
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Saint Paul Saints Baseball
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UMN Gopher Sports (Men's basketball, Women's volleyball and gymnastics)
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Ramble Jam Music Festival
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State Baseball Tournament
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Target Field – Home of the Twins
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Various Fairs
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Branson Missouri
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Canturbury Park Race Track
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Minnesota Gospel Opry
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Other notable venues include: Hard Rock Café, Mall of America, Music in the Park Series
Rock Bands and Role
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Spider Monkey – lead singer
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Trouble and the Clefs - lead singer
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Soundwave - lead singer
Awards
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American Prize Annual National Competition In Performing Arts – Finalist in voice category, Community Division 2017
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Dakota County Fair Talent Competition – First Place 2014, 2015
Other Accomplishments
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“Fit Model” assignment at a New York fashion house – NY, NY 2015
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Front page feature article, St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper 2015
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Front page feature article, Dakota County Tribune newspaper 2017
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Feature article, Dakota County Tribune newspaper 2020
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Treasure Island Casino, Performance 2018