“Image is the most important thing. I have to look good to feel good. I have to feel good to sing my ass off…”

We are currently shaking to “The Glow” – a track produced and performed by MONOGEM. It´s fresh, funky and kewl in such an effortless and light way that we really can´t sit still even while writing those lines. Good no one can see us. The self-titled debut EP of the Californian based Electro-Pop/Soul duo is out (February 3rd) via spotify and iTunes. And we asked front singer and songwriter Jen Hirsh and producer/songwriter Scott Smith to chatter a bit with us about Glow, their getting-together and challenges.

Photo by: Shervin Lainez

MONOGEM sounds like….

A dreamy disco-tinged pool party.

How did you get together as Monogem?

This all evolved very naturally. I [Jen] started branching out from writing solo to working with various producers and writers. When Scott and I had finished a couple demos, we noticed a certain feeling…a style…a vintage but still modern sound that just clicked so casually. This sound has been clearly defined on the upcoming Monogem EP and I can’t wait to amplify and embellish it with all of the new material to come.

What would you cite as a main influence, musically and otherwise?

Michael Jackson, Dance parties, James Murphy, Helmut Lang, Sade, Black & White, Mariah Carey and Disco Balls…

How important is image?

Image is the most important thing. I have to look good to feel good. I have to feel good to sing my ass off…

“The Glow” is about…

“The Glow” is about opening up your mind and releasing whatever might be holding you back. I actually wrote it during a huge transition, musically. I was used to pouring my heart out on stage but singing songs I didn’t write. I was scared to jump into this new style, but all I wanted to do was write music that I would want to listen to. This song was my first stab at this new project, and it’s actually my favorite.

What did life teach you yesterday?

Yesterday I learned that the only person capable of making any change in my life is ME.

What sort of challenges does working in the music industry bring along?

The challenges in the music industry are endless. I could write a long list of things that most people already know, but the rewards in this business are better than anything I know.

Instagram or Facebook?

Insta all the way.

What´s next?

Monogem EP is due on February 3, music video for “Wait and See” is in the works, and SXSW plans are underway!