He is, in short, a lyrical miracle. Always regarded as ahead of his time, the New York MC has enjoyed commercial success through the most humble of recipes.
“It’s pretty simple,” Monch says. “I’m an artist whose art is so much better – I don’t think any artist is ever truly satisfied with the last piece. You complete a piece, obtain a novel, at the end of the day, the true artist looks back and thinks he or she could have improved, so that’s how I see it.
“Imagination is strong and I think what’s good about time, is that it can also be a journey. I’m experiencing life differently, having great experiences, so much you dream about helps you share content but the technical things, it’s fun to push the envelope.”
Monch’s experiences have naturally had an impact on his solo albums and the differences heard in what he’s produced over the years – diversity in his material, he agrees, only comes from living. “You don’t want to repeat content. I like to challenge myself and the audience appreciates it when you approach music in a way you’re not comfortable with.
“You’re pushing yourself, trying out new tactics lyrically, flows, and new content as well. I don’t want to be talking about what I was in my 20s, people want to see you grow.”
Growth, both musically and personally, is perhaps most evident in 2007’s release Desire. With this album, Monch took a more soul and gospel direction with his tone and with a historical thirst for exploration across different elements. Not wanting to be repetitive, Monch has done his best to retain that mantra with the new album he hopes to release later this year. “I’m in the process of mixing most of the songs, putting in the finishing touches in a way that will bring it all together. I’m torn between telling people what it’s going to sound like, I don’t want to put that picture into anyone’s mind yet because these are real visual lyrics that I have.
“It’s energetic, fresh and it’s the hardest record I’ve ever done. I’m about showing people more than telling people but I know you’ve got to promote. If you’re a fan of hard lyrics and beautiful soundscapes, incredible musicians, live band stuff, that’s me in the next thing – it’s futuristic.”
Monch takes his time to craft his art, and it’s clear he puts a lot of thought into his work. That time has resulted in a body of carefully crafted work over the last 20 years. Contemplating his position in music history is met with some carefully thought out responses. Slowly, thoughtfully, he says, “I’m blessed, fortunate, lucky.
“I grew up in hip hop and put together all these songs that would last a long time and get a reaction. That’s a dream come true. Not only do the songs get an amazing reaction, which is insane to me, but it’s transcended the course of time. Simon Says has withstood all the trends. I’m glad it resonated with the people that support it.”
Monch’s long-time Australian supporters will soon see his incredible talent when the rapper embarks on a national tour in September. “I just want to hit the stage hard, with a lot of energy,” says Monch. “I have new music that I believe in. That’s what I like doing, performing new music to see how it resonates with the crowd before I release it. Try the vibe.”
Even performing previously untested material on the live stage, Monch says he’s never had any unexpected negativity. “None of it is pretentious – even the most ridiculous of records where you get into yourself, it’s still about the audience with hip hop, at least, I speak for myself.
“It’s about a 360 reaction. If I can get that from the crowd, I’m able to give back even more. It’s nothing without the audience. Even when it’s dark and evil and hard, it’s still about making something that people can relate to.”
