Ethan Martin, better known by “El Monko”, brings a unique twist of guitar, piano and drums to his creative process. In this article we will dive deep into his latest release, a project that was inspired by nostalgia, relatability, and life in general.
About El Monko:
El Monko, is a multi talented musician- he became a virtuoso at playing guitar, piano and drums, which is a rare combination. It actually sets him apart from many different artists in the music industry. His unique journey started very early in his teens when he decided to create a home studio and experiment with tools like FL studio which became a huge moment that turned the tides and marked the beginning of his musical revelations.
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Influences and Ethos:
El Monko draws his inspiration from a wide range of sources such as artists like Sleepy Hollow, Kid Cudi, and Witt Lowry being notable influences. But what really sets him apart is the commitment he displays when creating new music that digs deep and goes beyond the surface, providing an aspect that we can peer into showing the realness of life. After witnessing tragedies and losing friends close to him, he creates music that serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of our actions, and does not glorify substance abuse, which is highly commendable.
The Project and its Quirks:
With his latest release, El Monko serves as a testament to innovation and a unique approach to making music he focuses on short form songs, which are often riddled with a heavy dose of catchiness, nostalgia, and even a high aspect of relatability. This project defies the usual convention. It delivers a unique auditory experience that tends to linger in your head long after the music stops playing.
Recording Anecdotes:
During the recording process,, El Monko encountered a few moments of silliness with his friends and roommates, where the phrase “Feelin’ like Samson” was crafted and left them all stinned and bewildered, prompting him to share an animated short of the biblical story of the account of Samson. The following hilarity at the idea that El Monko was to be a Christian rapper added a touch of light-heartedness to the studio sessions.
Suggested Improvements:
In the future, it would be great to see El Monko continue his exploration of thought-provoking themes. Diving even deeper into the deeper complexities of life could add another layer of depth to his already impressive body of work. Additionally, experimenting with different production techniques could provide a fresh sonic landscape for his listeners.
Follow El Monko and discover more:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5RAgHVZPj247i2Oaty2bS9?si=63ydmcAAQ0GXoTzNB635uw
https://www.instagram.com/monkomusicc/
https://soundcloud.com/elmonko
https://www.youtube.com/@elmonko420
