Bio
Monica Whitlock is an emerging singer-songwriter based in New England, known for her distinctive voice and poignant storytelling. With a rich catalog of over 500 songs, she has honed her craft through years of dedication and performance, establishing herself as a versatile artist in the music industry.
Monica began her public musical pursuit on YouTube in 2009, where she uploaded an original song every day for over ten years throughout middle and high school. This endeavor started as an escape from bullying she experienced in middle school, where she often felt different due to her biracial identity as a Black woman and her neurodivergent traits. Whitlock was homeschooled until the middle of grade 7. These experiences made her feel like she didn’t belong, and she struggled with mental health challenges throughout her life. Music became a vital outlet for her emotions and a way to express her individuality.
Whitlock refers to her catalog as "sketchbook pages," reflecting her belief that each song represents a snapshot of her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Over the years, she has gained notoriety for her collaborations and work with notable artists, including Travie McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) and Shannon McArthur (Dashboard Confessional and Jesse McCartney). She has also worked with artists from the Zeus Network, HBO, and Netflix, further expanding her reach in the industry. Her songwriting and roots-up approach are deeply influenced by her journey of inner child healing and the Internal Family Systems model, allowing her to create authentic and relatable music.
In addition to her music career, Monica serves as a judge for Performers on the Go and has been involved with platforms such as American Idol on NBC and Boston WPKZ Radio. Monica Whitlock’s achievements include a sold-out vinyl record session with Leestavall in Brooklyn, NY, further showcasing her rising popularity and artistic impact.She also hosts her own podcast, #MONIMOVES, where she shares insights and inspiration with her audience. The #MONIMOVEMENT is a community initiative that Monica has created to foster connection, support, and empowerment among individuals navigating their personal journeys, encouraging them to embrace their unique paths. Or in Whitlock’s terms, “it is not a moment, it’s a movement”.
Tragically, in 2022, she lost her sister to the opioid epidemic, an event that profoundly impacted her life. Since then, she has become an advocate for those choosing recovery, using her platform to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles.
The 2023 New England Music Awards nominee has gained recognition for her contributions to the local music scene as well. Monica has performed at notable venues, including multiple sold-out shows at The Middle East in Cambridge, Loretta’s Last Call, and Rockwood Music Hall in New York. Her engaging performances at various festivals and venues have garnered her a loyal fan base, setting the stage for continued growth in her career.
Monica has also achieved impressive streaming numbers across platforms, with her songs collectively garnering hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. This success underscores her ability to resonate with listeners and reflects a dedicated fan base that continues to support her music.
In 2022, Monica released her EP Promise Me You'll Stay Long Enough to Hear This under Fueled By Passion, which received critical acclaim and further solidified her presence in the music scene. Following this, she released her 2024 EP I AM HERE ONCE, which highlights her evolution as an artist and her commitment to connecting with her audience on deeper levels.
Additionally, Monica is preparing for her full-length album, also titled Promise Me You'll Stay Long Enough to Hear This, slated for release in 2024 under her imprint, #MONIMOVES. This upcoming project is highly anticipated and will showcase her growth as an artist.
With her impressive songwriting skills and captivating stage presence, Monica Whitlock is poised to make a significant impact in the music world.
"Whitlock has established her own unique style and positioning as an artist who has found her own spot for creative expression with down-to-earth honesty. She is always in motion on expanding her catalog of music and content, and is a unique and impactful songwriter." ~A&R Factory
"Monica Whitlock, with her ethereal echoing vocals, creates an intimate space where listeners can't help but feel a deep personal connection. Her voice, with its haunting reverberations, seems to transcend the ordinary, allowing us to hear not just the music, but the very thoughts and emotions behind it. From soft breathy vocals to explosive ballad style runs, her songs create an intimate connection, inviting the listener to hear not only the melodies but the very essence of her thoughts and feelings. As she articulates her lyrical introspections, it's as though we are privy to the inner workings of her mind, feeling the weight of every word as it's carefully chosen and delivered." ~Performers on the Go
"Whitlock's specific and evocative lyrics and impressive vocals, ranging equally between a raw, lamenting quality and impressive high tempo expression are primary to the artists storytelling." ~Broadway World
For fans of Morgan Wade Never Shout Nevxaer Modern Baseball Hobo Johnson Frank Ocean Montell Fish Taylor Swift Phoebe Bridgers Lorde
"Monica Whitlock shines out as a unique and genuine voice in a field overrun with cookie-cutter pop artists. As she continues to create waves in the mainstream and indie music genres, her unique ability to connect with listeners on a profound emotional level makes her an artist to watch.” - Spotify
"Her songs go so far beyond what I tend to expect from young singer/songwriters (a cliched take on the angst of young love/loss, etc.) Her work has a mastery and an emotional depth that is impressive, and her songs convey real emotion. I had tears listening to her album of stories." ~Section36