"The Box" Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Editorial Contact:

Monique DeMoulin, Recording Artist, Songwriter

Email: Monique@moniquedemoulin.com

Phone: 661-269-5507

Website: http://www.MoniqueDeMoulin.com

Monique DeMoulin, Songwriter & Recording Artist, Released Her Newest Single, A Moving, Heartwringing Original Song, “The Box,” In Collaboration with Fellow Recording Artist Rick Tucker and Grammy Winning Producer Bill Hare

Fresh on the heels of the successful release of her original song, “Part-time Princess,” and signing with Larchfork Publishing and Rock Garden Conspiracy, LLC/Gold Pan Records, the prolific and immensely talented Monique DeMoulin has released “The Box,” now available on cdbaby and iTunes.

San Jose, CA – immediate release – On the heels of the release of her newest single, Part-time Princess, Monique DeMoulin, vocalist, songwriter and recording artist, announced the release of an original song and her first single from her upcoming EP with Larchfork Publishing and Rock Garden Conspiracy, LLC/Gold Pan Records. The Box is a deeply personal song to Monique, and she is excited to bring it to life, thanks to her collaboration with Rick Tucker and Grammy Award winning producer, Bill Hare. 

“’A little girl writes…a little girl heals.’ Those words have deep meaning to me,” said DeMoulin, describing her newest single, The Box. “This song is a personal favorite for me. I love the universal message it conveys, and that message is, that healing a childhood pain can often become that thing that moves us into a fulfilling path as an adult. There is something so bittersweet about a child missing a parent, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have happiness in her life, too. And that is the core of this story:  Life can be rough at times, but there is still happiness to be found – and happy endings.” 

DeMoulin is currently in the studio working on her first EP, performing with The Monique DeMoulin Band, and supporting independent artists as DJ “Missy D” for Jam City America radio.

To learn more about Monique DeMoulin, or to contact her, visit her website at http://www.MoniqueDeMoulin.com and her blog at http://moniquesmusicnotes.blogspot.com/. You can download her music at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/monique-demoulin/id412669997.

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About Monique DeMoulin

Born in Palo Alto, CA, Monique attended Adrian Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, where she formed her first band, Hexagon, with Bill Hare (who is now her producer). In 1983, she participated in the Miss Teen California pageant and took first place for her talent. While attending Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, NV, Monique studied music and vocal performance, and received the Jim Paris and Bank of America music scholarships. After college, she found herself in the position of being a single mother, and dedicated herself to her five children, rather than music as a profession. This choice ultimately benefitted her by adding an incredible richness to her life that would take her talents to another level. 

In June 2010, Monique released her first single, Have I Told You, which topped the charts on cdbaby™, making it to #1 in the Smooth Jazz category and #2 in the Adult Contemporary category. A few months later, she released, What Makes You Stay. It also topped the cdbaby charts, as #1 in downloads in the Vocal Pop category. In July 2011, she released her stunning version of You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me, the famous classic written by Jim Weatherly (“Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us”). Following its release, Monique was contacted by Weatherly about recording his not yet released song, It Wasn't Me. With his support, Monique and her Grammy-winning producer, Bill Hare, developed and released It Wasn't Me with the spirit, sound and exciting styling that is uniquely the "Monique spin." 

In 2013, Monique’s career stepped into high gear with the release of her sassy, girl-empowering original song, Part-time Princess. As a result of this song, she signed on as a recording artist with Larchfork Publishing and Rock Garden Conspiracy, LLC/Gold Pan Records (http://rockgardenconspiracy.com). Part-time Princess was then opted to be used in the short film, “The Adventures of Shelby.” Her passion for helping other independent artists live their dreams led her to becoming a very popular DJ (“Missy D”) and station manager for Jam City America (http://www.jamcityamerica.com).

Monique currently resides in San Jose, California, where she performs with The Monique DeMoulin Band, is working on her first EP, and continues to give life her sublime and enchanting Monique spin.

"The Box" ....... A personal journey within a song!

Photography by Nicole Dalhuisen Photography

As most of you know, I recently released a tune titled, "The Box", an emotional journey of a little girl holding onto a dream in her tight little fist. To say that writing "The Box" was difficult would probably be an understatement, but like many musicians, sometimes songs close to us need to sit in the vault until we're ready to re-visit them. Writing the lyrics was the easy part, they were something that kinda just poured out of me, one of those Thirty min deals, it was the music I struggled with.  The lyrics are powerful, so the music needed to be just as intimate. I have Rick Tucker of Rock Garden Conspiracy/Gold Pan Records to thank for finally, after two years of sitting on the song, giving the song life. Rick wrote a beautiful basic melody line on piano and helped spark something else within me to bring to my Producer Bill Hare. 


Recording day: I was actually nervous for Bill to hear what I had so far on the song. Being that he's a Grammy award winning engineer and Producer, the bar is very high when I walk through the doors of his studio, but, I knew I had something very special. Bill liked what I had so far and we proceeded to lock ourselves in the studio for the next Twelve hours. Bill's wife Jennie was nice enough to throw us food and coffee here and there and by the time evening rolled around we had laid some great tracks. Sometimes it's very difficult to block off that much time with Bill as he's hugely in demand, but I know he knew how much this song meant to me, and how long I had waited to write and record it, and there was no one better than HIM to help me make that happen. 

The song in it's released form is very close to that day I left the studio. Very little has been added since. It was important to me that the song remain very true to it's original form. Not over done or over produced, simple yet intimate. We accomplished that. 

"A little girl heals"

Monique


Special thanks:

"The Box"© Monique DeMoulin, Rick Tucker
Engineered and Produced by Bill Hare
Single Photography: Nicole Dalhuisen
Photo editing: Cherie Davidson
Model: Kayla Dalhuisen

Bill Hare, my producer, my friend.

It's almost comical to me that I've been accused of being verbose with my blog, and yet I sit here and try to articulate just the right words to express my gratitude and love for this man right here.............>

I've known Bill for over Thirty years. We grew up living next door to each other, and along with that came forming a band, and a deep connection of mutual respect and friendship. Life took many twists and turns for us both, Bill and his Mother opened a Recording Studio, and I ran off and got married. Then in 2010, after a short stint with another Producer, it seemed natural to me that I work with Bill. I'm not really sure why I hadn't before. I guess I kind of felt that my commitment level to my career wasn't to the point that I could work with someone of his caliber yet, that maybe I needed to figure out first what I wanted. I mean, he's working with major Labels, huge names, why would he work with me? It was really then that I discovered some awesome things about myself too.

See, Bill is the kind of person that guides an Artist with an easy hand, he's laid back, goofy as hell, and probably the most gifted musician I know. I don't even know how many instruments he plays, but I can tell you that every song I've released, he's played the majority of the tracks. He's known all over the world for his Engineering in the A Capella world, been portrayed in the novel "Pitch Perfect", he's received probably over 100 CASSA awards, and last year, a Grammy! Or is it two? A Capella Groups from all over the world line up to work with this man, and yet, (Don't tell anyone) many times he's pushed aside work for ME! How lucky am I?

Bill's taught me a lot. Both in my professional world, and personal life. I've learned that many times I will stumble in this crazy business, but I'm to suck it up, deal with it, learn from it, and get right back up! I've learned how to listen and appreciate all different kinds of music, and hear what's there, and what isn't. I've learned the ability to sit behind the board and literally feel him work. I've learned that when I'm sitting in the vocal booth and he pops into my headphones with direction, I know he knows what I'm capable of, and he knows how to get me there! He did pop in and call me a "Bitch" once though. I think I still owe him one for that!

I've also learned over the last three years how crucial a supportive producer can be in a music career. Someone who listens to your ideas, shares thoughts without criticism, can stand back when your adamant, and can follow behind you making sure you're grammatically correct. (He's not getting his hands on this blog post)

The interesting thing about Bill, and I relayed this to a reporter last year when I was asked, " What's it like working with a Grammy winning producer like Bill?" To which I replied, " I don't know, he's just Bill." Bill is one of the most down to earth, modest people I know. I know he's proud of the Grammy that sits in his Studio, but he's even more proud of all the great music he's mixed and mastered.

Bill, I know I can speak for all the thousands of talented musicians who've had the pleasure of working with you when I say, 'Thank you". Thank you for believing in me, and sharing your gift with us!

                                                Now get back to work!

Me and my crazy life!

I actually found time to watch a movie last night. I had never seen Julia and Julie, the story about a blogger who was working her way through the Julia Child cookbook. It did keep my attention, although several times I thought to myself," I should be actually doing something!" It did remind me that I needed to write in my own blog though. I'm surprised Cherie hasn't poked me with a reminder.

Life with the band is finally settling down. We've brought on a new Bass player, wait....I should probably back up. Two months ago the band went through a total reconstruction. Upon losing our drummer, (eh, it happens) we decided everyone would switch instruments. Yup! My Guitar player Lorenzo Soto is originally a drummer, so he moved to Drums. I will say, he kicks some major ass! My Bass player Eric Alvarado, who is originally a Guitar player moved to Guitar. Cutie pie Paul on keys is the only member that stayed where he was. (I've never seen Paul at a gig without a smile) This meant all we needed was a Bass player. Yea, back in the day Bass players were a dime a dozen. Where did they all go? We found Michael Riehle and we're essentially spending loads of time re-learning the same songs on different instruments. We did manage to pull off a couple gigs during this time, but hey, this is all a process right?

I've just finished recording a new song with Bill Hare that I'm totally excited about. "The Box" has been an emotional ride for me since shelving it two years ago, but I was able to come back to it finally and it sounds really great. I'm anticipating it's release in July. They say that every musician has a few songs that sit on the shelf till their ready. This would be the case with "9,000 miles" as well. While "The Box" is barely in the can, Bill and I have started another tune I've recently pulled from the vault, and it's coming along nicely. It's funny though how lyrics that seemed so cool a year ago sound stupid now. So as Bill works the music, I'm re-writing lyrics.

Life with the Label is....well, strenuous. Yea, that's a good word. I guess their working on a tour with Live Nation or something, so there's a push for me to finish all my original songs, hence the late hours, way too much coffee, ( If there is such a thing) and pushing myself to the limits in every aspect. But hey, be careful what you wish for right?

Oh, I met the love of my life too. Somehow in all the craziness THAT happened. At some point down the road I'll share the details, but for right now the details are all for me.

I hope that everyone is happy and enjoying the start of their summer.

See you soon!

I found this on my Facebook wall this morning! Post from Mercury News, San Jose!

Milpitas hills producer helps San Jose vocalist advance career
Milpitas Post Staff
Posted:   05/29/2013 02:52:48 PM PDT

On the heels of the release of her newest single "Part-time Princess," vocalist and songwriter Monique DeMoulin of San Jose has also signed with Larchfork Publishing and Rock Garden Conspiracy LLC/Gold Pan Records as their newest recording artist.

DeMoulin, a disc jockey ("Missy D") for Jam City America, credits her original song "Part-time Princess" as the turning point of her career. It was produced by Grammy-winning producer Bill Hare, who lives in the Milpitas hills.

"This is such an exciting year for me," DeMoulin said. "With the independent release of 'Part-time Princess' on iTunes and cdbaby.com, everything started to shift. I went to NAMM with my single in hand, my tiara in place and my dream in focus, and this part-time princess was determined to fully live her dream and I met Rick Tucker from Rock Garden Conspiracy, became a part of Jam City America, my song 'Part-time Princess' was opted to be used in a short film ('The Adventures of Shelby'), and before long, I signed on with Rock Garden/Gold Pan Records."

DeMoulin's current projects include her first EP, featuring her rendition of "Have I Told You," as well as original song, "The Box," a collaboration between DeMoulin and Tucker. Other songs in development include "Sober," "Slow Burn" and "Walk Away."

The EP will also include a duet with DeMoulin and Tucker on the song, "Sweet Memories."

DeMoulin is busy writing and working in the studio, and outside of that, performs with The Monique DeMoulin band.

PRESS RELEASE                                        

Editorial Contact:
Monique DeMoulin, Recording Artist, Songwriter 
Monique[at]moniquedemoulin.com
Website: http://www.MoniqueDeMoulin.com

Monique DeMoulin, Singer and Songwriter, Signs With Rock Garden Conspiracy, LLC/Gold Pan Records; Announces Original Single, Part-Time Princess, Used in New Short Film, “The Adventures of Shelby”

Recording artist and songwriter, Monique DeMoulin, is having an exciting year with the release of her original song, Part-time Princess, signing with a record label, interviewing independent artists as Missy D for Jam City America.... In her words, she’s “living the dream.”

San Jose, CA – immediate release – On the heels of the release of her newest single, Part-time Princess, Monique DeMoulin, vocalist and songwriter, announced she has signed with Larchfork Publishing, and with Rock Garden Conspiracy, LLC/Gold Pan Records as their newest recording artist. DeMoulin, a DJ (“Missy D”) for Jam City America, credits her original song, Part-time Princess, produced by Grammy winning producer, Bill Hare, as the turning point of her career.

“This is such an exciting year for me,” said DeMoulin. “With the independent release of Part-time Princess on iTunes and cdbaby.com, everything started to shift. I went to NAMM with my single in hand, my tiara in place, and my dream in focus, and this part-time princess was determined to fully live her dream—and I met Rick Tucker from Rock Garden Conspiracy, became a part of Jam City America, my song, Part-time Princess was opted to be used in a short film [“The Adventures of Shelby”], and before long, I signed on with Rock Garden/Gold Pan Records!”

Current projects include her first EP, featuring her sublime rendition of, “Have I Told You,” as well as the original song, “The Box,” a collaboration between DeMoulin and Rick Tucker. Other songs in development are “Sober,” “Slow Burn,” and “Walk Away.” The EP will also include a duet with DeMoulin and Tucker on the song, “Sweet Memories.” Monique is busy writing and working in the studio, and when she’s not in the studio or on-air, she’s performing with her band, The MoniqueDeMoulin Band.

DeMoulin is not only advancing her own career, but is passionate about helping other independent artists live their dreams. “So many positive things are happening, including the partnership of Jam City America and Rock Garden Conspiracy, making it one of the first independently owned companies solely focused on the advancement of unsigned and independent artists. This is very exciting for the music industry, and those who work so hard to put out incredible music, and devote their lives to their talents. And now that RGC and Jam City have been accepted in to the Aha Radio network, more incredible voices and talents can be heard than ever before!”

To learn more about Monique DeMoulin, or to contact her, visit her website at http://www.MoniqueDeMoulin.com, and her blog at http://moniquesmusicnotes.blogspot.com/. You can hear some of her music at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/monique-demoulin/id412669997. Learn more about Rock Garden Conspiracy at http://rockgardenconspiracy.com. 

The Monique DeMoulin Band

                                                      The Monique DeMoulin Band
                                                      Live at Neto's in Santa Clara, CA

         The Monique DeMoulin Band was formed in 2011when Monique decided to take her voice live. The line-up includes Lorenzo Soto on Drums, Paul Smeets on Keyboards and Guitar, Eric Alvarado on Bass, and Branden Retter on Lead Guitar.

" What I love the most about the band is the fact that we are all so close. Yea, rehearsals get a little crazy, and no one is excluded from being picked on, but we're all there for each other no matter what."

What's very unique about the Monique DeMoulin Band is each member sings, so they are able to perform live with multiple harmonies, even jumping in with lead vocals to give Monique's voice a break.

The Monique DeMoulin Band is a Top 40 Cover Band sprinkled with a few original tunes!
To inquire about booking, please contact them at Monique@MoniqueDeMoulin.com

Cheers!