Monica Yonge – Rock On

Whether it’s playing an instrument, songwriting, engineering, producing, mastering or any number of other talents, it takes all of this to make a CD. There is a lot of independent music out there and I mean A LOT!! There’s so much, in fact, that most of it gets shoved over to the side without a listen. For those who have a valid message and the talent to get it across, putting together their own CD is by no means ‘the easy way.’ Many artists and bands will be overlooked.

Monica Yonge is one of those individuals whose multi-tasking skills are shining bright. She has been able to put together a CD of her true inner self, which translates well to the listener’s ear. In a lot of ways Rock On is a fitting title for this, her 2004 debut CD, because Monica really draws from classic influences like Johnny Winter and her vocals remind me a lot of Jefferson Airplane era Grace Slick with a hint of Cher.

I can’t say that this is my favorite genre of music but I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the passion Ms Yonge portrays during songs like All Your Loving and Surfacing. Then there is All That Matters, which is so amazingly 60’s anthem- like, I could close my eyes and see tie-dye, beads and booths selling Freak Bros comic books and paraphernalia in a festival setting. I really enjoyed these songs. I think the thing that hooked me is that Monica let’s you know she’s a real person. You hear it in her lyrics and her voice. She has been angry, she laughs, she has felt pain and she loves.

If you like music like good down home rock and roll with a lot of slide guitar, an air about it reminiscent of the late 60’s early 70’s and a strong female voice. Monica Yonge’s Rock On is right up your alley.

Note: Ms Yonge is not only multi-talented but ambitious, too. She is the publisher of IndieGuitarists.com, featuring reviews, interviews and articles about independent guitarists currently unsigned by the majors.