A B o u t
Monsterboy is a break-out music project of blended genres based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. The project began as a solo project, but after an interview by MTV.com at Bonnaroo, the project became a duo, and for touring will be performing as a trio. By pairing traditional instruments with rock and EDM elements, their brand of alt-hybrid-pop resonates with the “music misfit” and “band nerd” in us all. The chemistry between the members lies at the heart of their performances, a musical love story that captivates their audiences.
Monsterboy started as a collection of songs by Chris Long that never quite fit with any of his previous musical projects. These songs meshed genres with unusual instrumentations and just weren't possible given prior projects’ resources. A new mantra was adopted for this project: “Just write the song as it should be,” using whatever instruments, genres, and influences to do the song justice.
Early into the birth of Monsterboy, Veronica joined Chris for live performances and the duo performed with an unplugged-style set, creating an acoustic coffeehouse atmosphere with a postmodern jukebox twist. The pairing of acoustic guitar and vocals with the handsome tone of a baritone saxophone, the couple delivered a refreshing take on a familiar sound. Playing this gentle giant of the saxophone world, often like a cello, the couple brought attention to their new releases while also doing their own takes on top 40 pop/classic covers. Monsterboy's electric sets highlighted the multi-instrumental skills of both artists. Live performances are accompanied by synced video programming inspired by music festivals.
Later, Shawnee C joined the group in live performance as well, and her skills as a DJ and percussionist provided the perfect musical balance. With her help, the group was able to add a new aspect to performances, allowing a traditional and tribal instrumentation style to blend with EDM and pop to take audiences on a journey of musical exploration. Chris provides the vocals, accordion, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar. Veronica's expertise lies in the lower saxophones (tenor, baritone, and bass), keys, and kalimba. Shawnee C provides the EDM electronic elements, percussion, and keys.
Monsterboy has played various events and festivals across Arkansas since its inception, Nashville, TN in 2017/2018 and Austin, TX in 2018/2019. The group also currently receives airtime on Arkansas radio from KABF, NPR, 100.3 the Edge, Shindig music, and Shoog Radio. The group will also be added to the Arts on Tour Roster, which is a program headed by the Arkansas Arts Council, in the summer of 2020. Musicians in Monsterboy are active members of the AFEA.
Monsterboy started as a collection of songs by Chris Long that never quite fit with any of his previous musical projects. These songs meshed genres with unusual instrumentations and just weren't possible given prior projects’ resources. A new mantra was adopted for this project: “Just write the song as it should be,” using whatever instruments, genres, and influences to do the song justice.
Early into the birth of Monsterboy, Veronica joined Chris for live performances and the duo performed with an unplugged-style set, creating an acoustic coffeehouse atmosphere with a postmodern jukebox twist. The pairing of acoustic guitar and vocals with the handsome tone of a baritone saxophone, the couple delivered a refreshing take on a familiar sound. Playing this gentle giant of the saxophone world, often like a cello, the couple brought attention to their new releases while also doing their own takes on top 40 pop/classic covers. Monsterboy's electric sets highlighted the multi-instrumental skills of both artists. Live performances are accompanied by synced video programming inspired by music festivals.
Later, Shawnee C joined the group in live performance as well, and her skills as a DJ and percussionist provided the perfect musical balance. With her help, the group was able to add a new aspect to performances, allowing a traditional and tribal instrumentation style to blend with EDM and pop to take audiences on a journey of musical exploration. Chris provides the vocals, accordion, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar. Veronica's expertise lies in the lower saxophones (tenor, baritone, and bass), keys, and kalimba. Shawnee C provides the EDM electronic elements, percussion, and keys.
Monsterboy has played various events and festivals across Arkansas since its inception, Nashville, TN in 2017/2018 and Austin, TX in 2018/2019. The group also currently receives airtime on Arkansas radio from KABF, NPR, 100.3 the Edge, Shindig music, and Shoog Radio. The group will also be added to the Arts on Tour Roster, which is a program headed by the Arkansas Arts Council, in the summer of 2020. Musicians in Monsterboy are active members of the AFEA.
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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 2019 Summer Sessions '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 |
HighlightsArts on Tour 2020 Roaster Member: Vetted Artists for performance and classes for the Arts on Tour Grant Program
Sally A. Williams Artists Fund: three time grant awarded by the Arkansas Arts Council 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 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 |