Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Marino
Hi Monica , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Music has been my refuge since I was a child. At seven, I found solace and joy in singing along to Hannah Montana and other pop hits on YouTube. With newfound confidence, I auditioned for my elementary school chorus with “True Friend” and landed a spot. Ecstatic, I knew this was just the beginning.
In middle school, the lack of a choir led me to the dance and cheer team, where I discovered another love for performing. This solidified my passion for being in the spotlight.
High school offered a return to choral singing, and I even joined the a cappella team. The highlight was singing at the Holiday Candlelight Shows at Magic Kingdom – a memory I cherish to this day. Surrounded by supportive and talented singers, I felt a true sense of belonging, especially given my somewhat unstable family life. The choir room and stage became my sanctuary, allowing me to express myself freely and feel empowered.
College presented a different challenge. I auditioned for the a cappella team twice without success. Dejected, I questioned my abilities and considered giving up singing altogether. Despite the rejections, I couldn’t stay away from music. I found solace in the university’s practice rooms, pouring my heart out in song. However, singing in my dorm was met with a neighbor’s complaint, leaving me self-conscious and forced to sing in solitude. This internal conflict – being a “normal” person in public and a passionate singer in private – was a constant struggle.
The turning point came during a stressful junior year. Battling anxiety’s physical symptoms and overwhelmed by life decisions, the doctor questioned, “What do you like to do for fun?” that triggered a powerful response: “to sing”. Her advice was simple: “Go sing!”
That same summer, I had met Kat Hall, a fellow musician. Sharing my doctor’s “prescription” with Kat, she didn’t miss a beat. She invited me to join her that night at a Taco Tuesday gig. It was a revelation. We discovered a natural synergy, harmonizing, trading leads, and even incorporating Spanish into her sets. Singing together became our happy place.
After graduation, Kat invited me on an East Coast tour. This ignited a fire in both of us, leading us to California to pursue music full-time. As Kat’s backup singer and featured artist, I started gaining recognition. People inquired about my own music, inspiring me to finally take the leap.
In 2021, I embarked on my solo journey as Moni Light. I began writing music and crafting sets to perform with a band. Today, the Moni Light Band is a force to be reckoned with, a fusion of Latin, reggae, rock, and cumbia that keeps audiences dancing and carefree.
Ready to ignite your next event? Book the Moni Light Band through our website! https://www.monilightmusic.com/booktheband
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road in the Moni Light journey. There have been several challenges along the way:
Self-doubt: After not being accepted into the a cappella team in college, and dealing constantly with the “imposter syndrome”, I struggle with self-doubt and tend to question my talent as a singer, even after all the shows and wonderful experiences.
Fear of what others think: The negative experience with my neighbor, and others claiming at times, that when I sing “it is annoying”, made me self-conscious about singing in front of others, leading to a period of isolation and internal struggle. This leads me to only be 100% comfortable either alone, or in a safe, warm setting with people who wont judge.
Balancing personal life and career: Juggling the demands of the new life in California, personal relationships, and my musical aspirations is challenging and sometimes overwhelming.
Building a career in the music industry: Navigating the competitive music industry, finding opportunities, and building a fanbase has required perseverance and resilience.
Financial constraints: The initial stages of building a music career often involve significant financial investment without immediate returns. I have had to balance full time work and overtime often, just to make ends meet to stay living in California. To the point where I end up with no energy or time to practice my craft. It has gotten very frustrating at times but I have persevered and always try to make the best of it all. It is always worth it.
Despite these challenges, my passion for music and my determination to pursue my dreams have kept me going. My collaboration with Kat Hall provided a much-needed boost, and the positive reception to my performances have fueled my confidence. The constant support and encouragement from the band is undeniable and I know I am extremely lucky.
Overall, my journey has been one of overcoming obstacles and embracing my unique voice. I hope my story serves as an inspiration for anyone who dreams of pursuing their passion, no matter the challenges they may face.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As Moni Light, I’m a singer-songwriter and performer who blends Latin, reggae, rock, and cumbia rhythms to create a unique and energetic sound. I’m passionate about using music to connect with audiences and inspire them to dance and let go of their worries to find their inner light.
I specialize in:
Live performances: I deliver high-energy shows that engage the audience and create a memorable experience. I love covering, “La Vida es un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz, “Oye Mi Amor” by Mana, “La Tortura” by Shakira and Alejandro Sans, and many more with the similar style!
Original music: I write and produce original songs that reflect my cultural heritage and personal experiences. My latest release is “Gotta Grind” – find the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTUJezWA4pk that we released 11/11/2024.
Collaborations: I enjoy collaborating with other musicians to create new and exciting projects. My time with E. N Young and Kat Hall as their back singer has taught me so much and opened so many doors to this industry. I am currently working with other artists with feature verses in their songs and more harmony development.
I’m most proud of:
Building a dedicated fanbase: I’ve been able to connect with a diverse audience and create a community of passionate fans and now friends.
Overcoming personal challenges: Despite facing setbacks and self-doubt, I’ve persevered and achieved my goals. There are many more to come that I am very excited about.
Sharing my music with the world: I’ve had the opportunity to perform on various stages in California and share my music with people who are present and open to the vibrations.
I believe that what sets me apart from others is my unique blend of musical styles, infectious energy, and ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. I full on accidentally cried at a recent show with Rag Tribe Festival in San Diego. It was not expected but very powerful for those of us there.
I strive to create music that is both authentic and entertaining, and I’m always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people might not know that before I found my passion for music, and still every other day, I struggle with self-doubt and anxiety.
It takes a lot of courage and inner strength to overcome those challenges and step into the spotlight. The inner light.
My journey has taught me the importance of self-belief and the power of music to heal and inspire. Thank you for reading!
Pricing:
- Hourly Rate: $100 per hour, per musician.
- Flexible Lineup: Choose from a duo, trio, or full band to fit your event’s needs.
- Please note: This is a general pricing guideline. For specific event inquiries and customized quotes, please contact us directly through our website: https://www.monilightmusic.com/booktheband
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monilightmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monilightt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monilightt/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@monilightmusic
Image Credits
Faith McGee
calitrippin [Photography]
