Monroe Moon On the Making Of “Navigator”
How does "Navigator" reflect your musical journey and growth as a band?
Monroe Moon is really a musical journey I am on with my husband, Theo Malkin. Our latest collaborators, Ryan Jamgotch (guitar), Jude Lolly (bass), and Zach Dubay (drums) brought out the Rock ‘n’ Roll side of the song that we were looking for. Their talent is inspiring, and their energy is infectious. Ryan and Jude have their own Pop Punk band here in Grand Rapids, MI called Camaram, with another drummer, Mak Mattis, who played live with us in LA last month. Camaram is pure and provocative. They shared that energy on this song, and the entire EP. I said I wanted to make rock ‘n’ roll because I never made rock ‘n’ roll before. It has been fun, I like it, and I have a lot to thank them for.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Navigator?"
We recorded at Electric Moon Studios in Grand Rapids, MI, which is Ryan Jamgotch’s studio. He doesn’t just play great guitar, he’s also a great engineer and producer, but he didn’t produce this track.
Our music manager, Stuart Craner, of The Bohemia Group, introduced the project to his friend, Grammy Award winning English music producer, Mike Exeter. Mike took on our project and we couldn’t be more honored or proud, of working with him, and the completed song. He is famed for good reason, and a true gentleman.
Have you noticed any interpretations or connections that listeners have made with "Navigator?"
I haven’t yet, but in truth I try not to notice or worry about that. I cannot control how one of my songs is perceived and in that way it has it’s own life. It’s like finding a wild animal in my head and setting it free.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
“I try not to try” by composing much of my music in a meditative state. I allow myself to be open to an honest download. Sometimes I know what the song it about, sometimes I don’t know, sometimes I only know later, sometimes it’s about me, sometimes not, sometimes it’s just a dream. Navigator came during a mediation and as I interpret it, is about the connection between one’s everyday life and the expansive inner life we all live in our minds, both are part distraction and dream, and how they merge to become our future.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a band, and how did you overcome them?
We only all played for the first time together at Whisky A Go Go in LA last month. Having such an important gig as our first, together, was nerve racking.
But the real challenge was the drive across the country that Theo and I did as a couple. (Both ways!) It was a series of little and big catastrophes that helped fine tune my patience and gratitude for this adventure of life.