Dublin-based artist Monjola started out playing guitar and drums, gradually delving deeper into music - first by launching club nights, and then releasing tracks on SoundCloud.
Equally adept at delivering razor-sharp rhymes or heartfelt soul, the r’n’b artist is influenced by everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Pharrell Williams and The Neptunes, J. Dilla to Snoop Dogg, James Brown to Two Door Cinema Club and Arctic Monkeys.
His new single ‘Mama Always Says’ is out now, so we caught up with him to learn more.
1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to?
I grew up listening to a lot of Pharrell and I’m still listening to him. His music aged as well as he did and like he’s made timeless shit.
2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Ad-ren-aline.
3. How do you wind down after a gig?
I just chill, to be honest - drink lots of water and try take in what I just did. Then I’m like straight on my phone to see videos I’ve been tagged in, to try see the performance from a crowd’s perspective.
4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
‘Walking on a Dream’ by Empire of the Sun - that’s my favourite song of all time. Like it’s TIMELESS. Such a feel good tune.
5. What is your pet peeve?
[No answer]
6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
James Brown - ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘The Alchemist’ for sure, and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’.
7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Spike Lee and Chadwick Boseman, if he was still alive.
8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
My go-to is sushi.
9. Describe your perfect day off.
Spending time with fam, listening to music and Netflixing.
10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
Honestly, the Monjola experience is unlike anything you’ve seen before and you’ll leave the show feeling something.
BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.
I don’t listen to podcasts tbh, but listen to my new song “Mama Always Says”.
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'Mama Always Says' is out now.
