Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
The main platform you can follow me on is IG @iammonetanais. I also have a FB page https://www.facebook.com/monetanaismusic/ and TikTok @monetanais and my company website is https://pr.miezeer.media.
I have my hands in multiple aspects of the entertainment business! I’m first and foremost a music artist, also a model, actress, screenwriter, and recently started working as a publicist.
I have so many goals and dreams, and everything seems to be coming to a head right now. My producer Microphonist and I have started working on new music for my brand and finding my sound. It’s not an easy process! We’ll spend hours in the studio together creating a new song from scratch, adding the lyrics and getting something recorded.
Most independent artists have a day job of some sort to help support themselves and I’m grateful to my company Miezeer for giving me the opportunity to grow with them and continue working in the entertainment industry. Everything works hand in hand. I’m running the PR department at Miezeer and am their publicist, which means helping people get known in their industry. One of my clients is this amazing Indian-American music artist Shannon K who doesn’t limit herself to music and takes every opportunity. I love that I can grow with my clients by getting them on digital billboards, in magazines, on podcasts, and much more.
Tell us a bit about your influences.
I come from a musical family and musical background. Some family members like my brother and late grandpa play multiple instruments, my mom is a vocal coach and worship leader, and one of my cousins was a mega-famous artist during the1990s - 2000s. Constantly being around these influences truly shaped my goals and I soon found my passion. People often ask who influences my music most, but I pull from so many different genres and artists. From Etta James and Adele to Beyonce and Christina Aguilera to Michael Jackson and Earth Wind & Fire, there’s rarely music that doesn’t vibe with me.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3E1tWjq49IxBu7MZfXrz67?si=wu58U9PbQSyrkBsPZ9H8-Q&nd=1
How did you start?
At a young age, my mom pushed me into the arts. I started dancing at age 3, was involved in musical theater by 7 and a few years after that I joined the church kids choir. I was shy as a kid by the way! When I say she pushed me she really did haha. This is when I fell in love and found my calling. I allowed my creative mind to take me places I didn’t know I could go. There’s more to that story, but getting out there to show people who I am through the gift of my voice began when my choir director invited me to record for various children’s albums in the recording studio. Receiving a paycheck at the end of every session shocked me. I thought, ‘Wow, I get to do something I love and get paid!’.
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
One of the biggest challenges for an artist is understanding what it truly takes to make it into the industry. It’s taken me a long time to figure it out as well because it’s a journey, a process. There’s so much competition out there and so many ways to emerge as an artist with the help of social edia and technology, but how does one stand out? I’ve learned it takes resources, finances, and a detailed vision. Artists, have your brand together! When people see you and hear your music they should recognize that it’s you. Additionally, don’t be afraid to invest in yourself! Work hard now and market yourself properly to gain traction. Most musicians are lacking these aspects and that’s why so many fall short.
What worked for you marketing-wise? What advice or tips would you give to new artists?
Get yourself out there and start waiting! Now that I’m a publicist, I’ve seen the game and how important marketing your brand is. Get yourself in front of new audiences for a better chance at gaining a fanbase. Invest invest invest!
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
The next five years I imagine will be spectacular. I like to split up my goals into different categories: personal, spiritual, physical, mental, and financial. I’ve been building my fanbase and will continue this, I’ll act in a few movies, invest in real estate, travel the world on tour, have platinum-selling albums, and retire my parents. I’ll also be at the Grammys in 2024.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
I’m currently working on a few singles that will be part of my album coming in the early new year. Then for the holidays, I’ll be releasing at least two songs, one with my friend and fellow artist StaJe (@stajeofficial on IG) and a single. I can’t wait for you guys to hear new music from me!
@iammonetanais