Merely three years after writing her first song, Celeste Griffin founded Monarchs in both Birmingham, Alabama and Austin, Texas, catching the attention of the Music Capital of the World by independently releasing two EPs and playing regular gigs at Emos, Cactus Cafe, and Mohawk. Celeste has developed the music emergent in her and cultivated her own unique brand of intimate songwriting. Her rugged, feminine lyrics combined with her smoky vocals make for dreamy yet anthemic music. Monarchs EPs, The Oak EP and Those Words, Those Frames, are the sonic equivalent of a summer evening on a back porch. Griffin takes these moments wherever she goes, ultimately keeping every thread in Monarchs intimate. Monarchs identity is ultimately that of family, and Celeste collaborates with musicians in both Birmingham and Austin to find creative catalysts, such as artist Van Hollingsworth, and develop her craft organically. Currently, Monarchs Austin assemblage features musicians Alex Tomaino (guitar), Josh Halpern (drums), and Phil Ajjarpu (bass). This summer, Monarchs will record their first full length LP with producer Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Heartless Bastards) and plan to tour the U.S. extensively in the fall.
(this post taken from Monarchs’ post on our DIY Open Blog, check out other Open Blog posts in the Deli Kitchen. As for Monarchs – check them out at Stubb’s on April 8th)