We were first introduced to MONACO in late 2018 with their wildly-infectious track, “Such A Vibe.” While we’ve heard more since then, a lot of exciting changes were going on behind the scenes that have led up to this very moment.
Frontman Daniel Davis decided to take MONACO back to its original format as a solo project with a twist. Now known as MR. MONACO, Davis is ready to unleash what he has been so passionately working on!
You might remember a different version of “Blush” from 2018, but be prepared to fall in love with the rework. With the new project of MR. MONACO set to the vibe of a modern take on Phantom of The Opera, our scene is a masquerade ball but instead of an opera house, we are transported to a fictional club in West Hollywood where classical music is replaced with pop.
“Blush” was written from the protagonist’s point of view in pursuit of the woman he’s affectionate for. (Spoiler alert: it’s still about his wife and always will be and we are so here for that kind of true love!)
After learning about this new era of MR. MONACO, we just had to hit up Daniel himself to get all the details in this exclusive interview! But first, a message from Davis on “Blush” and everything that has been going on within the past week.
–
“As many of you know, the new single was already scheduled for release and sent to music stores for June 5th. However, given the tragic murder of George Floyd, it has caused all of us to pause and reflect on our own lives and how we should take time to better understand one another. We must be united against evil. I still believe love is stronger than hate, that good can overcome evil. But not apart. We are better together. We are stronger together.
We were first introduced to MONACO back in 2018 with a more indie-pop-sounding vibe. What inspired this sonic shift and the name change to MR. MONACO?
To be honest, pop music was always my natural leaning. Specifically with nuances of hip-hop, cinematic sounds, etc. However, the concept behind the project I felt like was so experimental, I was afraid as to whether or not I could pull it off. I still loved the name MONACO, and so I used it for the indie project. I had always loved indie rock/pop and in college I always wanted to have a band. I started realizing much of that sound was when I was younger and it didn’t reflect the growth and maturity I’ve experienced since then. My life has changed so much since then. I had all these ideas pent up inside me that I felt like now is the perfect time to express it. This will be a total departure in sound and brand new solo project. But for those who pay attention, you’ll recognize my production style and how I write songs. I am and have always been MONACO. I wrote all of the music. Now it’s time for Mr. MONACO.
My wife, who has served as my muse and inspiration for all of MONACO’s songs understood I was leaning back into my original roots and came up with the new name. She said “Mr. MONACO sounds cool. It fits that classy, sophisticated vibe you’re going for with your music. It sounds like a movie character.” Given the concept of the project, it fits perfectly.
This project is centered around a masquerade ball. How did you come up with the concept and will this next release be a concept record based off of this theme?
I came up with the idea back in 2015. I wrote a song called “Masquerade” that never saw the light of day. It’s finished now, and even better than before. I was inspired by Phantom of The Opera.
I caught myself identifying with both the protagonist and the antagonist at the same time. I felt like the hero and the Phantom. I know what it’s like to fight for what and who you love, yet feel disenfranchised and outcast at the same time.
Meeting my wife was almost like finding God. She truly rescued me. She’s seen both my best days and my worst days and loved me the same. This project serves a metaphor for the Dark and Light that exists in all of us, and is a call to accept that both sides exist and we can use it for good. This will be an album, but my idea is to release them as a Part 1, 2, and 3 installment. It will tell a story and give background on the characters via the lyrics of the song. Much like a movie soundtrack.
You mention your influences of Michael Jackson, Prince, and Justin Timberlake and from what I’ve heard, I can definitely hear those legends all coming through, but you’re able to modernize it into something brilliantly cohesive. How are you able to pull from your influences while still remaining true to your own identity?
I’m glad you’re able to pick up on it! I think it’s because they were all major influences growing up. I also grew up singing black gospel as a kid and attending black churches. They have had a significant impact and influence on my life. As a kid I used to watch Michael Jackson’s music videos and imitate the dance moves in front of the TV. His song “The Way You Make Me Feel” made me want to chase after a girl at school and sing to her in hopes to win her over. That would have been awkward because I wouldn’t have had any backing music! I believe this song will honestly serve as a great introduction to the new direction. However, the new songs are going to feel a lot different. Others will be noticeably darker, and others will have more soulful elements, and gospel. It will make sense even more.
Fans have been anxiously awaiting a proper MONACO release since 2018, but I think we all can agree that watching you figure out your next move while going through the motions and changes of the creative process feels like a privilege in this digital age. Some may be receptive to the new sound/project while others may not. Do you feel a certain pressure put on you after releasing your previous material and if so, how do you handle it?
Thank you! That means a lot. It was a difficult time trying to figure out the band deal. Ask any band, they have probably had five different versions, names, and members until they settled with a permanent project. I absolutely loved every minute with those guys and am so amazed at their hearts. It sucks when life schedules get in the way, but just as I was figuring out my own walk, turns out many of them were as well and discovered their true callings in life. I stay up to date on their journeys and am inspired by where God has taken them. They are making a real difference in the world.
As for the new sound and direction, I don’t feel any pressure at all. Art is art. We live in a society that is very diverse and a melting pot of culture. I think as long as you’re transparent that you are shifting your focus and invite people to join in your journey, it becomes an adventure.
To not embrace diversity of thought, art, or philosophy is in and of itself an admission of closed-mindedness. I have 100% faith that the loyal family that’s been built with MONACO will appreciate and celebrate the diversity of these songs.
The ones who don’t, that’s fine. I can still choose to celebrate they have their own flavor palette, and I wish them well! Either way, it’s time for the fun to begin.
What are your hopes for the rest of 2020 and what can listeners expect from MR. MONACO going forward?
I hope that this music can serve as a positive break away from all the hardship going on in the world. We’re all fighting for truth and for justice right now, but what do you do when you’re tired and weary?
We need to be able to take a breather. It’s healthy, it’s necessary, and we don’t get told enough that it’s okay to be human. There are greater objective lessons to be taught about humanity in these songs that serve as audible theater.
There are characters in this story. I think people will not only be able to relate, but find excitement, joy and twists along the way that everyone can enjoy.
–
https://soundcloud.com/mrmonaco/blush
