Emerging from Richmond, Virginia in the latter half of 2021, 19-year-old R&B and burgeoning Neo-Soul artist Moneá has already made a powerful impression on both sides of the Atlantic. She is ready to take her fans on a spiritual trip of self-love, togetherness, and understanding your value with her recently released, highly anticipated 777 EP, containing the special lead tune ‘Universe.’
Moneá is the daughter of a Massachusetts military father and a Petersburg mother. Despite just being 19, Moneá credits her musical influences to Erykah Badu’s Neo-Soul vibes as well as seasoned peers Jhene Aiko, Sza, and Frank Ocean. Moneá’s contemplative lyricism takes centre stage during ‘Are You Listening?’ the second single from the forthcoming project, softly whispered yet certain. This single confronts people who did not take Moneá professionally when she was first starting out, navigating innovative production with comparably dramatic melodies.
Named after the angel numbers, Moneá explains that the 777 EP “is a literal body of work to show the journey that I went on to be where I am today mentally and spiritually. I put my emotions in this EP and wanted to share things that I’ve learned and realized, and in turn, that could help others. I want people to understand that everything is working out for them and we have so much more power in ourselves than we think”.
The artist grew up in a family where she was exposed to a wide range of musical genres thanks to her parents. During her primary school years, Moneá immersed herself in music, engaging in chorus and school plays. After graduating from high school and enrolling in college, she pursued her other interest in cinematography while simultaneously nurturing her love of music.
Ultimately, Moneá’s goal is to help others in their journey of learning to love themselves and trusting in the process of life. Broke Magazine sit down with the Neo-Soul artist to discuss her journey, how her music has developed and what she has planned for the future.
How did you gain an interest in music? Has music influenced you since childhood?
When I was younger, I was the type of kid to recreate music scenes that I saw in movies or music videos or imagine myself as a lead singer in a famous band. I used to storm around the house singing my heart out as if I was performing for the biggest crowd. I never took any lessons growing up, but I did perform in musicals and chorus. I always wrote poetry but never really wrote songs. A year ago, I found the music scene in Richmond. I started as a photographer and would photograph these music events, then as I became friends with a lot of the artists in the scene, I began to make my music. I saw how much joy I got from writing lyrics and singing, I decided to take it seriously and I have been ever since then.
Do you like the music scene in the US, is there anything you would improve?
I haven’t explored the whole US music scene but in my state of Virginia, I enjoy the amount of diversity in the music scene and the love that I’ve received from my city. Richmond, Va is such a host for talented artists and it’s a great city to start. They have plenty of open mics and showcases that an artist starting can explore with!
As a Virginia based artist, describe the day in the life of Moneá?
Usually, I wake up and do my morning routine of meditating, journaling, and yoga, then I like to do vocal warm-ups. My days are never consistent and I always have a different schedule but mostly I would go to the studio to look for beats for a new song. I’ve been doing a lot of shows recently so at night I’m at rehearsals, preparing for the shows!
And, what encourages you / the sound you create?
my life is what encouraged the sound of my music. the way I would describe it is flowy, dreamy, and chill. Even though life isn’t always those things, that are the feelings that I try to accomplish as I continue through life, so through that, I make music that makes me or others feel like that.
In 2021 you dropped your first single, “Brunch in the Garden”, how has your music developed since then?
I would say that Brunch in the Garden was something fun to introduce me to as an artist. It developed more into the spiritual neo-soul sound. Since then, I’ve begun working with a new producer Solomon who has definitely helped me establish that new sound. I still have so much to learn but I love the way everything is going with my sound.
Your latest 777 EP takes your listeners on a spiritual journey inspiring self-love, unity and knowing your worth. What inspired the body of work?
My spiritual journey inspired this body of work. I’ve been on it for a couple of years now and it was such a beautiful rollercoaster. I went through a lot, found out about who I am and learned about the world. That’s where 777 comes in. It takes you on my journey of self-discovery and encourages listeners to discover their selves and manifest their wishes through this self-discovery.
As you touch on subjects such as spirituality, how important do you feel being spiritual is in your life?
To me, spirituality is something that is always around me and always in my life in some way. Being spiritual has changed my perception of the world, myself, and how I live every second of the day. without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. so to me, it’s very important to me. my journey is forever continuing.
And what would you suggest to people who are interested in being more spiritual?
I would say to spend some time learning about yourself, even if that requires you to be alone and spend some moments in solitude. From that, you can learn about what you want to change or improve on. Nobody’s journey is going to be the same and you have to understand that being on a spiritual journey isn’t always going to be sunshine. There will be some days you encounter rain but you’ll get through it. I also have a TikTok ( @soulfection) where I post spiritual tips and tricks!
Out of the tracks on the album, which are your favourite and why?
My favourite would have to be ‘Loner.’ It’s about how being a loner isn’t a bad thing that everyone makes it out to be. Growing up, I loved being by myself and people would just throw around that I’m a “loner”. I think this song pleased my inner child in a way by letting her know it’s okay.
How do you wish to expand your music and other talents over the years?
I wish to explore more out of Virginia and travel around the world sharing my music with others. Especially even come to the U.K and learn about the music scene there.