MONTE is a Brooklyn-based rock band fronted by multi-instrumentalist Caitlin Montclare. Inspired by classic punk and metal, Montclare is a musical force to be reckoned with. She is a Jane-of-all-trades: guitarist, singer, composer and bassist—stunning audiences with her fierce live performances, delivering energetic guitar solos and powerful, harmonic vocals. Blending rock, punk, and pop into a signature sound that is original, surprising, and relatable, MONTE’s in-your-face lyrics and shredding guitar riffs are cleverly balanced by melodic harmonies and catchy hooks.
How long have you been creating your art?
I have been a performer for 15 years. MONTE is a new project that was started about one year ago.
Where are you from? How does that influence your art?
I’m from a suburb outside of New York City, then moved to NYC eight years ago. New York is extremely influential to my art. We’re surrounded by culture, music, art and are constantly flooded with a cacophony of sounds on a daily basis. From screaming and honking cabbies to subway buskers, to the undeniable underlying pulse of this city, NYC represents what Rock ‘n Roll is. It is rebellion, grit, and fearlessness, and that’s what MONTE represents.
What are you currently working on or recently finished?
We released our Debut EP in September 2018 and are currently mixing our second give song EP Inner Demons scheduled for release late spring. We are also in the process of shooting the video for our next single “Grrrl Fight.”
What is your inspiration? And why?
Growing up, there weren’t a whole lot of women/womxn to look up to who could really shred on the guitar the way I wanted to. I would listen to Iron Maiden, Van Halen, and the classic guitar gods we all look up to, but where were the ladies? Of course Joan Jett’s look and attitude made an impact on my image and personality, but Lita Ford was the first female guitarist I heard who can really shred and that pushed me to seek out other female guitarists who were more than just a gimmick with big boobs, blonde hair, and lip fillers. What drives me is the idea that I could to be that inspiration for another little girl who wants to pick up and ax. I want girls to have the confidence to pick up an instrument and slay without the fear that they might not be as good, or as fast, or as technical as a male counterpart. I’m so happy that we’ve been moving towards a new era of the female guitarists and that more than 50% of people play the guitar are women/womxn.
Why is music important to the queer community?
Music has always been important to the queer community. Music in clubs was used as a place to seek refuge from the homophobic city streets during the disco era and used as a way to express ourselves during the queer punk movement in the late 70s and early 80s. Music can also create a space for people who don’t have a voice and it enables them to use it to it’s fullest potential, especially in regards to the queer community.
What do you hope to achieve as an artist?
I hope to achieve equality for the LGBTQ community and people of color in rock music. Everyone’s voice deserves a chance to be heard.
Top 3 Major Influences.
Lita Ford, The Lunachicks, and L7.
Finish: Art is….
anything that can evoke an emotion, or rile a feeling inside upon seeing, hearing, or touching.
How can we all support your work, talent and gift?
By listening and supporting. come to our shows, buy merch, buy/stream our songs, visit our website monteofficial.com.
