« Press :: Interview with Monica McIntyre, by Traycee Lynn

Writer Blocks
Society for Urban Literary Arts

Q:WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

A: I'm originally from Hyattsville, MD; I came to Philadelphia in 1995 to go to Drexel University for Fashion Design.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING THE CELLO?

A: I've been playing the cello for 19yrs. I started playing when I was 7.

Q: WHO ARE SOME MUSICIANS THAT HAD AN INFLUENCE ON YOU AND IN WHAT KIND OF WAY?

A: I love Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, John Lee Hooker, Nina Simone and Jimi Hendrix. These musicians, though spanning many genres, had at least one major thing in common; they truly spoke from the heart. Whenever I hear any of these musicians I literally stop in my tracks and have to make a concerted effort to focus on the task at hand. They've taught me what passion feels and sounds like.

Q: HAVE YOU PLAYED ANY OTHER INSTRUMENTS?

A: My only other instrument for now is my voice. I've been jonesing for an acoustic upright bass; it just has this powerful, unique energy. One of these days I will also learn to play the guitar.

Q: ITS SO RARE TO SEE A CELLIST, HOW DID YOU END UP PLAYING THE CELLO OVER THE MORE COMMON INSTRUMENTS LIKE THE PIANO AND GUITAR?

A: Well, my parents took my sister Marcia and I (she was 9) to the DCYO (District of Columbia Youth Orchestra) and we were both going to be violinists. However, the line for 7yr. old violinists was extremely long while the line for 7yr. old cellists was nill...the rest is "herstory".

Q: TELL US ABOUT THE NEW CD AND HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT IT?

A: My cd, Blusolaz, has been quite a challenge from the recording of it to the manufacturing. I've learned a lot about myself, the good and the ugly, while creating this work. Blusolaz, is a combination of soul, blues and jazz, hence the name. It documents a lot of the heartache and growth that occurred in 2002. Many of the songs demonstrate my first attempts at songwriting. I am quite proud of Blusolaz, not every project that is started ends the way one would like; however this project came fairly close.

Q: WHAT TRACKS DO YOU FAVOR THE MOST ON YOUR CD AND WHY?

A: I think my favorite tracks are Move Me and Bruised Fruit. Move Me, gave me a chance to compose a string trio which I've never done before; I was quite astonished that it came out so well. I think in metaphor and Bruised Fruit represents some of the best writing, in that vein, that I've ever done. Also both of these tracks highlight the amazing chemistry between my sister and I. She sings all the background vocals and plays the violin on the album.

Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING MUSICIANS?

A: You have to go for it. Don't be afraid to fail miserably. If you understand that music is your passion you can't sleep on it, make every effort to do it. The opportunities will not come to you, you've got to go to them.

Q: DO YOU WRITE YOUR SONGS ALSO?

A: Yes, I wrote all the lyrics on Blusolaz. Matt Davis (an amazing guitar player, composer) helped me tremendously with compositional choices, and arrangements. With the newer material that I've been writing this year I'm doing everything myself.

Q: HOW CAN PEOPLE GET A COPY OF YOUR CD?

A: My cd is available online at http://www.cdbaby.com/blusolaz its also being sold at the Sound of Market music store on 11th St. between Market and Chestnut.

Q: I SAW YOU PLAYING AT TRANSFORMERS, THE CHOREPOEM PLAY BY DAUGHTERS OF THE DIASPORA. THAT WAS PHENOMENAL! I NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE THAT. HOW IS IT COLLABORATING WITH OTHER ARTISTS?

A: I love working with other passionate, forward thinking people. Davina' Stewart is one of my favorite poets. She is taking the art form beyond its current limitations. Felicia Webster and I cross-polinated to create soundscapes/backdrops and really challenged one another. You don't often find women who can sing, write, beatbox and act. It was a blessing.

Q: WHAT DO YOU WANT THE LISTENERS TO GET FROM YOUR MUSIC?

A: I hope that listeners can hear the realness of my experience. As human beings we go through so much of the same stuff, I hope that my music can be a safe harbor for people at those times.

Q: WHAT CD'S ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?

A: John Lee Hooker's, Blues Legend

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS AND UPCOMING FEATURES?

A: I play with a few groups around the city: Natural Selection (r&b), Tania Alexandra (aggressive folk) and Ruth Naomi Floyd (jazz). I'm working on an upcoming show for the CEC (Community Education Center, 35th/Lancaster) as part of their New Edge Mix Residency. I will be working with a number of amazing artists such as: Tamara Xavier, Davina' Stewart, Melvin Butler, Tania Alexandra and Josh Robinson. The show will be dealing with healing and how our art can hinder or uplift us while in pursuit of it. The show will take place Jan. 23-25th.

Q: HOW HAS LIVING IN PHILADELPHIA IMPACTED YOUR ARTISTY AND MUSIC?

A: Before I came to Philadelphia I only played classical music. This city has presented me with many opportunites to grow and change due to the incredibly gifted and open artists here. Also, Philadelphia being the conservative/cynical town that it is (which I've grown to love); has helped me grow a thicker skin, which is a necessary tool for endurance.

Q: WHAT IS A MAJOR LIFE EXPERIENCE THAT HAS HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

A: This year has been the year of the blues not only for the world but for me as well. I've had an intense musical break up and romantic break up this year. These experiences have taught me about true compassion, reconciliation, and the courage to keep moving forward. I've learned so much about myself this year and am looking forward to the rewards this kind of learning promotes for 2004.

Q: IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ANY ARTIST OR MUSICIAN PAST OR PRESENT, WHO WOULD IT BE?

A: Wow! What an incredibly difficult question to answer, there are so many...I think it would have to be Jimmi Hendrix, the mans music is still ahead of its time...I find myself playing duets with him while listening to his cds and I think we could have ripped some stuff up.

Q: HOW CAN PEOPLE REACH YOU FOR BOOKINGS AND FURTHER INFORMATION?

A: I have a website that people can check out http://www.monicamcintyre.com

Q: ALSO, THIS MONTH WE DID A POLL TO ASK PEOPLE WHAT ADVICE DO THEY HAVE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ABOUT TO ENTER THE "REAL WORLD". IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU KNOW THAT YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN THEN?

A: If they're students about to enter college I would say take some time off before plunging into school. I wish I'd traveled or worked before going into college, I think it would have given me more time to settle myself.

Q: OKAY MONICA THANK FOR THE INTERVIEW, PLEASE LEAVE US WITH A LIFE LESSON, OR A FAVORITE QUOTE:

A: "Tread quietly carefully, quite carefully..."