"No more words tonight - I will just
breathe the air. I'd like some peace
tonight..." (from the song "Peace")
If you've ever had your heart broken or felt the loss of someone close to you, these songs will resonate with you!
Biography:
Monica first began writing music in 1998, as a response to the death of a family member. She made the decision to record a cassette of her songs and turned to producer Olaf Pyttlik to work on the recording. The project soon evolved into the experience of writing and recording her first CD, ‘The Expectation of Home’. Five years later, Monica has shared the stage with Jane Siberry, the Cowboy Junkies and Kathleen Edwards, and has played at SXSW, Canadian Music Week & Prairie Music Week. She has been featured nationally in magazines like Billboard & Maclean's and been played on radio stations across North America, including the CBC, XM radio and on the National Public Radio show “All Things Considered”,
Moving from dynamic, full-bodied pop songs to haunting guitar/voice numbers, both of Monica's albums have been released on her own label, Night Sky Records. Her recordings seek to blend her acoustic performance style with an electronic edge, while maintaining those qualities that draw people to her music – a beautiful voice and the ability to communicate on an emotional level with her audience through her songs. Lyrically, Monica writes honest explorations of comfort and hope, while trying to convey the difficulty in believing that these things can be found. Working again with producer Olaf Pyttlik, her new CD, 'Orbit'(cdbaby.com/monicaschroeder2, continues to delve into the universal themes of love, loss and the beauty of a sad song.
"Featuring one of the most spellbinding voices to grace Canadian music ... her acclaimed, independently released debut, 'The Expectation of Home', is a true gem. This Manitoba singer/songwriter is Canada's finest undiscovered artist."
-- Larry LeBlanc, Billboard Magazine
"Monica has a beautiful voice - emotive, fluid and clear. This Manitoba-based pop musician could make the white pages sound like Yeats."
-- Now Magazine
"Monica's amazing ... She first sang longing and Margo and I just looked at each other. We both realized she's real. I'm excited when you hear somebody outstanding like that."
-- Michael Timmons (Cowboy Junkies)
Reviews for 'the expectation of home'...
"The disc knocked me out. Schroeder's songs remind me a bit of fellow-Canadian Jann Arden, but the production of the record, with its drum loops and hints of electronica mingled subtly under occasionally muscular guitar work, surprised me with its progressive undercurrent, reminding me a bit of William Orbit's production of Beth Orton's first record."
-- Prism Magazine
"Folk music with an alternative beat. That's how I would classify Monica Schroeder, although I suspect most would dispel the folk part of this Winnipeg singer's work. You may not have heard of this lady, but for goodness sake run out and look for her release 'the expectation of home'. This lady has found a place in the shadows, has made it her home and invites the listener to join her there for a time. Simply put, this CD takes you places we must all visit on occasion, and when you're lead by this lady's voice, you welcome the trip."
-- Yorkton this Week www.calmardan.com
Career highlights...
*In the fall of 2005, A Different Drum released a full-length remix album (“Move Me”) around the world, with songs taken from each of Monica’s first 2 CDs and the song “Poison” hit #1 on the Amazon.com Trance and Dance charts!
*She has also contributed lyrics and vocals to a song by the electronic project Pristina (“Love”), for a CD to be distributed by Tooth & Nail Records in the fall of 2006. Monica also just came back from New Mexico where she was recording songs for a new album of original material, to be released on A Different Drum this fall.
*In February of 2004, Indie label, Universal Records licensed “The Expectation of Home” for release in the Philippines.
* Debut album was nominated for Pop Recording of the Year at the 2001 Canadian Independent Music Awards.
* 3 nominations for debut album, at the 2000 Prairie Music Awards: Outstanding Pop Recording, Producer of the Year and Outstanding Graphic Design.
* Songs from both of Monica's albums have appeared on the DVD releases Dawson's Creek, Joan of Arcadia and Party of 5. The song Peace also appeared on the lifetime show, Strong Medicine.
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