A B o u t
Why ‘Monsterboy’?
Like Dr. Frankenstein’s patchwork creation, a Monsterboy song is a collection of elements that shouldn’t work together - and yet by some strange alchemy, do. The alchemists are Chris Long and Veronica Wirges, husband and wife duo out of Little Rock, Arkansas. The chemistry between them lies at the heart of their performances, a musical love story that captivates their audiences.
While this is not the couple’s first joint venture - Veronica managed Chris’s previous project - they never expected to perform as a duo. But when a pair of chance-won tickets sent them to Bonnaroo in 2017, Chris seized the opportunity to play an open mic during the festival. The creativity of the set caught the attention of an MTV.com reporter, leading to a backstage interview and the question “Well - why not?” Chris & Veronica let the momentum from that performance carry them all the way back home. Once there, it wasn’t long before Veronica pulled out her old baritone saxophone, and the beginning of 2018 saw her joining Chris in the studio and on stage. Monsterboy had officially come to life!
Taking multifaceted creatives like Prince and Beck as their inspiration, the couple loves to explore the breadth of their combined skills. They also create custom video and visuals, reinforcing the mood and adding visual interest to their live shows. Songs are composed in the studio, often using classical or tribal instruments in non-traditional pairings, then built by layering vocals and sounds both organic and electronic. Unconcerned with genre, Monsterboy marries indie pop with elements of alternative, folk, and grunge to match whatever vibe the song demands. Even the covers are reworked to feature Veronica’s iconic bari sax and blended with an array of unlikely influences, turning familiar crowd favorites into fresh experiences. And like Frankenstein’s famous Monster, when the diverse parts of a Monsterboy song come together they come alive in unexpected and electrifying fashion.
Monsterboy is seeing increasing attention from music industry press, with releases appearing on KABF, NPR, and 100.3 the Edge in the Central Arkansas markets, and a recent premiere on Shoog Radio. Monsterboy has also been selected for an upcoming feature on ReverbNation’s homepage, and has had two songs chosen for review by senior curators for artist development programs, festival performances, and sync opportunities. The couple also enjoyed a recent live interview and performance on the state-wide ABC TV show, Good Morning Arkansas. They have worked with local, regional, and international organizations including the Arkansas Arts Council, Artist Inc., and Musician Cell Groups to refine their skills.
Being a duo gives this power couple extra versatility in live performances. Their acoustic set provides an intimate vibe for coffee shops, college campuses, and house shows. Larger stages at venues and festivals give both musicians the chance to showcase their multi-instrumental skills. Monsterboy has supported acts such as GGOOLLDD, Wild Moccasins, and Vesperteen; and has featured during festivals like SXSW and Solar Flux. They look forward to touring regionally in 2019, and plan to take the act further afield with their first international tour in 2020.
Meanwhile, they continue to release a single every three weeks in a waterfall of music that gives fans the opportunity to experience the full range of Monsterboy’s creativity.
Like Dr. Frankenstein’s patchwork creation, a Monsterboy song is a collection of elements that shouldn’t work together - and yet by some strange alchemy, do. The alchemists are Chris Long and Veronica Wirges, husband and wife duo out of Little Rock, Arkansas. The chemistry between them lies at the heart of their performances, a musical love story that captivates their audiences.
While this is not the couple’s first joint venture - Veronica managed Chris’s previous project - they never expected to perform as a duo. But when a pair of chance-won tickets sent them to Bonnaroo in 2017, Chris seized the opportunity to play an open mic during the festival. The creativity of the set caught the attention of an MTV.com reporter, leading to a backstage interview and the question “Well - why not?” Chris & Veronica let the momentum from that performance carry them all the way back home. Once there, it wasn’t long before Veronica pulled out her old baritone saxophone, and the beginning of 2018 saw her joining Chris in the studio and on stage. Monsterboy had officially come to life!
Taking multifaceted creatives like Prince and Beck as their inspiration, the couple loves to explore the breadth of their combined skills. They also create custom video and visuals, reinforcing the mood and adding visual interest to their live shows. Songs are composed in the studio, often using classical or tribal instruments in non-traditional pairings, then built by layering vocals and sounds both organic and electronic. Unconcerned with genre, Monsterboy marries indie pop with elements of alternative, folk, and grunge to match whatever vibe the song demands. Even the covers are reworked to feature Veronica’s iconic bari sax and blended with an array of unlikely influences, turning familiar crowd favorites into fresh experiences. And like Frankenstein’s famous Monster, when the diverse parts of a Monsterboy song come together they come alive in unexpected and electrifying fashion.
Monsterboy is seeing increasing attention from music industry press, with releases appearing on KABF, NPR, and 100.3 the Edge in the Central Arkansas markets, and a recent premiere on Shoog Radio. Monsterboy has also been selected for an upcoming feature on ReverbNation’s homepage, and has had two songs chosen for review by senior curators for artist development programs, festival performances, and sync opportunities. The couple also enjoyed a recent live interview and performance on the state-wide ABC TV show, Good Morning Arkansas. They have worked with local, regional, and international organizations including the Arkansas Arts Council, Artist Inc., and Musician Cell Groups to refine their skills.
Being a duo gives this power couple extra versatility in live performances. Their acoustic set provides an intimate vibe for coffee shops, college campuses, and house shows. Larger stages at venues and festivals give both musicians the chance to showcase their multi-instrumental skills. Monsterboy has supported acts such as GGOOLLDD, Wild Moccasins, and Vesperteen; and has featured during festivals like SXSW and Solar Flux. They look forward to touring regionally in 2019, and plan to take the act further afield with their first international tour in 2020.
Meanwhile, they continue to release a single every three weeks in a waterfall of music that gives fans the opportunity to experience the full range of Monsterboy’s creativity.
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PressMid TN Music: "Monsterboy delivers infectious and uplifting song arrangements which will stick with you long after each song ends. "
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: "first single, the fiercely catchy, radio friendly "My Heart," UALR NPR Tiny Desk: "Chris Long and Veronica Wirges of Little Rock, who combine smart, original vocals with powerful sax music." Sweet Yellow Cornbread Blog: "Their passion for music makes my heart smile. " |
Tour HistoryNotable Showcases: Solar Flux, Riverfest, Nightflying 40th Anniversary, Little Rock Pride, Arkansas Times Musician's Showcase Semifinalist, Legends of Arkansas
Local Support: Wild Moccasins, GGOOLLDD, Vesperteen, Foxxy Shazam, Hawthorn Heights, Train Wreck (Kyle Gas of Tenacious D) SXSW 2019: Goorin Bros official SXSW event, Rock the Rooftop SXSW 2018: Dirty Fest |
upcoming shows |
ListenDiscographyAll songs have been released as singles - however they are grouped by the experience that inspired them.
Summer Sessions: 2019 'Roo Sessions: 2019 Flux Sessions: 2019 ATX Sessions: 2018 Nashville Sessions: 2018 Downloadable ContentHigh Resolution Photos
Logo/Poster Design Electric Input/Stage Plot Acoustic Input/Stage Plot Link for Local Playlists, Radio, and Blogs Contact Info |
HighlightsSally A. Williams Artists Fund: grant awarded 2019 by the Arkansas Arts Council
Musician Cell Groups: Founding Members with Deane Ogden, selected Feature on MCG Playlist AFEA: Member and 2019 Showcase Artist Ari Herstand Take Academy: Fellows of College Booking and Streaming Growth Courses Reverbnation: Senior Curated Artists and selected for Artist Feature Crowd Review: Paper Cup placed in the top 99% and My Heart 97% based on songwriting, production, and commercial appeal Artist Inc Argenta: Mid America Arts Alliance 2018 fellows Think Big Little Rock 2017:Art and Culture Development think tank sponsored by Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and 50 for the Future. Social Media |