MonLee speaks on Music, the Isomers and Made of Music

After agreeing to an interview getting producer cum artiste MonLee to a seat down was a problem as the artiste seems always engaged. No weekend passes without the act getting out and performing for his teeming fans. Finally, when we did seat, MonLee apologised and we got talking. Check out the interview below with Nuelnonny for Echonaija. Thanks to Ada & Abel for editing.

History

MonLee is from a family of five siblings, three boys and two girls. He is the fourth child.

I grew up between Lagos, Abuja and Jos…. Secondary school was in Jos. Gidi is the root but I don’t want to sound like I’m claiming Gidi. University was at Federal University of Technology Minna, though I finished in Cotonou. I served in Jos. Music for me started way back in Junior Secondary School, JS3 to be precise and has continued till date. I worked as a sound Engineer during my days in University at Campus Radio.

I started producing in 2010, I’ve worked on singles for myself and others…I released my first body of work in 2011. I started performing as an artiste in 2016, prior to this, I was a producer.

Signed?

I’m unsigned, affiliated to Isomers.

What are the Isomers like?

The Isomers is a band, 4 friends with different music interests. I’m the hiphop, RnB and Pop guy, Oluwaseun is the Rock head, Isaac is into folk music while Mou is into Electronic and Blues. We have 2 Extended Plays (EPs) together and have just made a debut album.

Always wanted to do Music?

Well, sure, music came informally but I might consider getting a degree in South Africa. Music was much more of an opportunity/privilege.

How many projects have you worked on?

The project in 2011 wasn’t mine. Personally, I have worked on 5, one of them is a deluxe body. They are all either EPs, Mixtapes or Cover Albums. I have worked on about 10 projects for other people since I started production singlehandedly and plenty more as a group producer.

Artistes you have worked with

I have worked with Boogey… the project just dropped… you guys should check it out, Yela Tommy Maverick. I can say I have affiliations with Omawumi, Ruby Gyang and Charlie X.

I am the official producer for Isomers.

You’ve got Songwriter on your bio

Yeah, I write songs I compose, I write for people too though most of my writing now is with the Isomers.

Ever consider having people write for you?

Well, two of my recent singles were written by Facebook friends, Mou writes, I’m the guy who turns people’s write ups into MUSIC.

Do you freestyle or write from scratch?

I write but I’ll say I’m in between, sometimes I just listen to a beat, record 4 bars… back and forth.

Style of Music

Right now, I call what I do Alternative Acapella, I would have called it just Acapella but it is not cos I have infused weird sounds like bopping, belching, clapping, hitting bottles, beat boxing and so much more. I also have elements of Soul and Hip-hop.

We know your roots are Hip-hop… what happened

I actually do not have a reason for switching, I interpret what comes to me. I am infusing my own style so when you hear me, you won’t mistake me for Pentatonix or some other Acapella band. I plan to add more hip-hop into my future projects.

What inspires your music?

My experience and people’s experience are my biggest inspiration. My relationship with God, pain and pleasure are big on the list.

Do you still produce?

My production rate has reduced since I put a fee (laughs)

What are you currently working on?

I’m pretty done with my album… I won’t release it until I’m sure people will buy. I’ll surely continue doing other stuff in between.

What should we expect?

I started Made of Music and it is based on the idea that you can make music with everything… hit your leg with an object, the sound off that is music when added up at a digital audio work station. When combined with other sounds, a few twitches and music is born. It is not just about the music but how I make it. For example, on One Punch Man, my experiences were shared on how someone added weed to my beans… I used a fart sound when talking of beans to give life to the story… I used my mouth totally- no music instruments.

Are you shooting videos yet?

I have shot one video already though it is unreleased. I do not know what I want to do with it yet. I’ll keep you guys informed on what I want to do with it since the song is not out yet.

How do you make your Instagram videos?

I do split screen videos where I split each part and split the song into 9 or 10 screens and then you get to watch me sing each part. Usually, I record the audio first then I use my phone to record each part… basically suffer head. Sometimes, I record the audio and video at the same time. I then push it to my system to align the video then split.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2Yhy6Bbo0/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Enjoying Airplay

Well, I get most of my airplay on Cool FM, We FM, Wazobia FM, all in Abuja. Music by Isomers has featured a couple of times on Cobham’s Top 12 countdown. My first time on air, someone took my song to the station and they loved it. It was on Abuja Top 10 Countdown and it peaked at number 1. The radio airplay is funny sha because I once had to pay to get an audio recording for an interview I was featured on. I got mixed feelings about radio but before my album drops, I plan to have a radio tour. My music will surely be on all sales and listening platforms when it drops.

Moving to Lagos?

Lagos is not a place I can stay as regards living, I can just pass by. Although the music sells in Lagos, I’m inspired in Jos and Abuja… Lagos is the place to make the sales. The music is not in Lagos but it sells there… Even Buhari sold in Lagos.

Influences

KanYe West, Jon Bellion, Johnny Drille, Cobhams Asuquo, Laura Mvula, John Legend, Labyrinth, Imogen Heap (she’s a crazy acapella act)

Got Johnny Drille’s attention. I did a cover for one of his songs and he is into my sound, so is Aramide.

Who are acts you want to work with

Cohbams Asuquo, Aramide, Brymo, Johnny Drille.  Johnny Drille might happen soon.

What’s your biggest song?

By the Angwan… it’s kinda easy to answer.

What are those things people do not know about you?

My name is Manasseh; I cannot drive… Yet! I got into my first relationship last year. I flunked out of school and had to start all over… I hate school but I love education.

Listen to Music from MonLee and the Isomers Here