Bio
The music of Mexican alt-rock and pop composer Monica Lyrae is conceived within an introvert’s mind trying to decipher dreams, face inner demons and make sense of the universe we live in. Her cinematic, dark and genre-bending sound is infused with classical, industrial and pop sensibilities. In her musical storytelling she showcases a plethora of vocal styles, intricate string quintet arrangements, intense piano parts and a colorful timbral production with synths and electronic beats.
Lyrae’s first step as an independent artist dates back to 2012, when she produced and recorded her EP ‘Condemned to Dream’. Her song ‘Sepia’ won her a place in Berklee’s 17th Women Musicians Network Concert and the 2014 BMI Peermusic Latin Scholarship. Her passion for film and visual arts led her to earn a Bachelor of Music in Film Scoring with a minor in Literature from Berklee College of Music.
After years of growing as a composer, Monica felt the urge to go back to her own music. In 2019 she started to produce and record her first concept album ‘Spirals’. The songs in the album, albeit written during a challenging time in her life, showcase a bold and confident musician who can depict stories in both soft and distinct ways.
Coming off the successful release of her single ‘Sorrow’, she followed up releasing her album’s singles ‘Unforgiven’, ‘The H is Silent’, ‘A Long Farewell’ and ‘Numb’, which garnered Lyrae international coverage and airplay. The full album release is yet to be announced.
In 2023, with the reopening of cultural activities after the COVID pandemic, Monica brought her music to the Monterrey music scene live for the first time accompanied by Charles Leal (drums), Diego Montemayor (bass), Sebastián García (violin) y Aristeo González (Cello). They also participated in the band Omega Anima’s tour, with whom they shared the stage in Saltillo and Torreon. Around mid-year there were some changes in the band, and today her band is formed by Charles Leal (drums), Paloma Valencia (cello), and Celina Guajardo (violin).
Monica's songs are her most sincere form of expression, and writing with such freedom allows her to deliver a unique sound. Beyond being a musician she is a storyteller, so she makes sure that every detail, from words to her visuals, offer a full and fresh experience.
Photo by Leyda Luz
Releases
Music Videos
PRESS PHOTOS
Press Reviews
“The new release of Monica Lyrae really builds an epic atmosphere. With majestic strings, plucked dark melodie, piano backing and mysterious reverbed percussive one-shots as a base, the vocals instantly are shining like a diamond, having a certain wisdom attached. While the singer switches seamlessly between emotionally vulnerable to positive and upright, the song changes its form and texture as well. While some might say the song feels a bit indecisive, I think the two main vibes of the song complete themselves in an outstanding way. The defensive parts are picked up by the strong parts, while the carefully fragile parts prevent the energetic parts to release too much energy. (This is what they call a ‘masterful orchestration’, guys.) All in all, the song is defining its own boundaries in regards to the main theme it stands for. It’s rare that a song tells its story in both soft and distinct ways, and this tune lives through not one but several lifespans.”
- KMS Reviews on ‘A long farewell’
Merch
Visit Monica Lyrae’s new ONLINE SHOP