Artist Information
Biography
Monica Eby - Singer/Songwriter & Performer
Growing up in a large musical family, Monica was influenced by the music her older siblings were listening to, including Steve Miller, the Eagles, BTO, Boston, Chicago and Fleetwood Mac. Her Midwestern roots, where country music and classic rock go hand-in-hand, are apparent in her song writing and vocals. Monica Eby and husband Todd first hit the Omaha music scene in 2001 as founders and members of a singer/songwriter collective called “Group Therapy.” beginning as a songwriters gathering in their home. As several promising artists began to emerge the group began booking and playing various coffeehouses and pubs. In July of 2003, Monica began laying down the tracks for her debut album “I Can’t Wait” which has garnered much press and notoriety for an Indie - debut release.
Monica linked up with producer/musician Scott Gaeta of The Music Factory (gaetadog@aol.com), who proved to be the perfect match to help develop her songs into a fully produced album, with the expertise to take the project to a national level. After 16 months in the studio Monica’s CD “I Can’t Wait” is creating a buzz for a debut release, getting great press coverage and getting radio play! The songs will snag you right away with her catchy, 80’s pop tune “Crazy” to a gutsy, blues number, “I Can’t Wait.” She reels you in with heartfelt, country-flavored ballads like “Already Gone” and “Surrender,” then pierces your heart with the powerful lyrics of “Thousand Mile Stare.” Then she blows your socks off with rock-n-roll tunes like “It’s Been So Long” and “Sweetly.” Too late for Monica’s debut CD release of “I Can’t Wait”, is “Welcome Home” a song dedicated to the heroic men and women who are serving our country and fighting for the advancement of freedom. It was written to let them know “that we are praying for them, we are proud of them and we are anxiously awaiting their safe return,” says Monica. “Welcome Home” can be downloaded for free from her web site at www.monicaeby.com.
Monica’s band is an amazing group of musicians for her live performances including Steve Shirley, a seasoned electric guitar player of 25 years and manager of Russo’s; Cody Valasek on bass, lay’s it down thick and smooth as butter; and Todd Eby, the band’s foundation and an innovative drummer and doubles as the marketing and creative genius behind Monica’s promotions and CD artwork. The band has a rare energy and chemistry that delivers a top notch and engaging show.
Her recent work has culminated in Monica’s picture being on the March 2005 cover of “Her” magazine, with a full-length feature article about the passion she has for her music and for touching the lives of others through it. Here is a listing of Monica’s performance highlights: The Music Meltdown, Omaha Songwriter’s Festival, Omaha’s “Taste of Omaha”, Comstock’s “Windmill Festival” 3 years running, Cheyenne County Fair, Sarpy County Fair, Richardson County Fair, Polk County, Fremont Rodeo, and selected to open up for super-star Chris Isaak just to name a few. Monica also continues to perform locally in music clubs and bars playing well over 100 gigs in 2007 alone!
Most recently Monica was chosen to play at the Blue Bird Cafe in front of a gathering of major record labels. Out of 112 applicants, only 12 were chosen that had submitted 3 of their original songs. The 3 songs Monica submitted were: “Thousand Mile Stare”, “Already Gone”, and recently recorded “Maddision & Mission” (a song in loving memory of a police officer who died in the line of duty)
The Show:
What you can expect at a Monica Eby show is a well polished performance and experienced band that can deliver a wide range of musical styles flawlessly, combined with Monica’s crystal clear vocals, energetic performance and warm sense of humor -- will have your audience on their feet dancing, laughing, and singing along! Monica’s band is an amazing group of musicians for her live performances. Bill Roundtree a seasoned pro on lead guitar, the energetic, fresh sounds of Cody Valessek on bass and Todd Eby the band’s foundation and an dynamic drummer who also doubles as the marketing and creative genius behind Monica’s promotions and CD artwork. The band has a rare energy and chemistry that delivers a top notch and engaging show, that is family friendly and contagious to all ages! and song list that appeals to a wide demographic combining various musical styles that are sure to please the most diverse of audiences!
Recent Highlights:
2007 was a spectacular year for Monica performing more than 100 dates this past year alone! Touted as one of the hardest working female artists around! Opening up for superstar Chris Isaak at Stir Summer Concert Series at Harrah’s Casino was one of her most thrilling moments! -- and appearances at the following: The KAT Radio Station, Morning Show 104.7 w/ Glennboy and Glo, Sarpy County Fair, Cheyenne County Fair, Polk County Fair, Richardson County Fair, Omaha Junior League Benefit, JDRF Benefit Concert, West Fest - Taste of West Omaha Concert, Adoption Coalitions Benefit, Lydia House Benefit, Comstock - Windmill Festival and Shadow Lake Towne Center Concert Series were many treasured highlights!
Current Happenings:
Monica is currently recording her 2nd CD due to be released in the spring of 2008. The newest CD is a deeper reflection and development of the artist. Finding inspiration from the unpredictably of life experiences and the ever turning motion of her surroundings. Personal changes and insecurities, the tragedies of life around her and the flirtatious feeling of new love and fresh experiences, all have a place here in the recesses of this artists interior displayed in her most recent recordings. Songs like “Ride” and “Let’s Fall Asleep” give snap shots into the therapeutic nature of Monica’s song writing. “Welcome Home” a song dedicated to the heroic men and women who are serving our country and fighting for the advancement of freedom. It was written to let them know “that we are praying for them, we are proud of them and we are anxiously awaiting their safe return,” says Monica. “Welcome Home” can be downloaded for free from her web site at www.monicaeby.com for samples and free downloads on her website as well as updates as Monica prepares to release her sophomore CD in the spring of 2008.
Instrumentation
Monica Eby - Vocals/Acoustic Guitar
Bill Roundtree - Electric Guitar
Cody Valasic - Bass Guitar
Todd Eby - Drums/Percussion
Scott Geata - BG Vocals/Keys/Guitar/Mando
Discography
Debut CD Disography: "I Can t Wait"
Crazy Written by Monica Eby ©2004
Todd, from the first day we met, I have been crazy for you!
I felt just like a fool, when you walked into the room / And you looked at me, And I could not speak / It took me by surprise, Disabled my disguise / When you touched my hand, I could barely stand / You bring out the worst and best in me / Now I m giving you all the rest of me / Right here right now, I m giving you all I ve got / Cause I --- gotta be with you, I m crazy for you / I --- gotta be with you, I dont know what to do / I --- gotta be with you, I m Crazy for you / Crazy for you --- Crazy! / I gotta be with you / I get so freak n shy, That I break into hives / When you walk my way, I begin to shake / I m look n for romance, If I get just one glance / Then I know for sure, That I will be yours / You bring out the worst and best in me / Now I m giving you all the rest of me / Right here right now / I m giving you all I ve got / Cause I --- gotta be with you, I m crazy for you / I --- gotta be with you, I don t know what to do / I --- gotta be with you, I m Crazy for you, Crazy for you ---Cause I ve --- gotta be with you, I m crazy for you / I --- gotta be with you, I don t know what to do / I --- gotta be with you, I m Crazy for you, Crazy for you --- Crazy! / I gotta be with you, I gotta be with you / I gotta be with you, I gotta be with you / I gotta be with you!!!
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Thousand Mile Stare (Jacob s Song) Written by Monica Eby ©2004
To All those who have experienced a devastating loss or heart breaking tragedy... one which causes you to see everything differently. This is for you. In dedication to Jacob s Mommy & Daddy.
Every day she goes to the window just to see her boy play / Every day she swears she hears him calling out her name / Every day something reminds her of the last thing he said / Every day his brother asks his Mama why Jacob went away / She s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / She s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / Every day Jesus is waiting just to wipe her tears away / Every day he tries to hold her as she pushes Him away / Every day He sends His angels just to tell her he s OK / Everyday He reminds her that His love will never fade / She s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / She s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / She s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / She s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / When the air s too thick to breathe and Life begins to fade / He is everything you need and He ll never go away / He s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / He s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare / He s got a thousand mile, a thousand mile stare
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Surrender Written by Monica Eby ©2003
We can make it through any fire, just as long as I know I have All of you.
I know that you think about me / I know that you say you care / But I get this funny feeling and I don t know, I don t know, If you ll be there / When I come home at night and I turn out the light / Will you be there, be there waiting for me / When I reach for your touch, Lord, I need it so much / Will you be there, be there waiting for me / I need your sweet surrender / I need your sweet surrender / I need your sweet surrender / I need your sweet surrender / I know that you said forever / But what does that really mean? / Here today and then gone tomorrow / and I don t know, I don t know if I believe! / When I come home tonight and I turn out the light / Will you be there, be there waiting for me / When I reach for your touch, Lord, I need it so much / Will you be there be there waiting for me / I need your sweet surrender / I need your sweet surrender / I need your sweet surrender / I need your sweet surrender / I know that you said forever / But what does that really mean?
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I Can t Wait Written by Monica Eby ©2004
Ahh! making up can be so much fun!
I stare at the door as I wait for your arrival / I m checking the clock on the wall each time I breathe / I m shaking inside as I feel anticipation / When you gonna come home to me? / The chill in the air makes me miss your sweet affection / The day that you left was as cold as it could be / I m taking control of this desperate situation! / I m calling down heaven to bring some relief! / And I can t wait! / I know I made a mistake! / I m beggin forgiveness for this mess that I made! / And I, I, I, I can t wait! Yeah!!! / I m beggin you baby please accept this explanation / Your love makes me crazy like you would not believe / I m pleading insanity I m seeking restitution / What s it gonna take to bring you home safe to me? / And I can t wait / I know I made a mistake! / Beggin forgiveness for this mess that I made! / And I, I, I, I can t wait! I know I made a mistake / I m beggin forgiveness for this mess that I made! / I, I, I, I can t wait! I know I made a mistake / I m beggin forgiveness for this mess that I made! / I, I, I, I can t wait! / I, I, I, I can t wait!/I, I, I, I can t wait!/I, I, I, I can t wait!!!
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Captured My Affection Written by Monica Eby ©2002
It s a Divine Romance.
Your scent is like a fragrant oil / Your lips as sweet as honey, yeah / My lover s call is like a song / Come away! Come away! / You cover me beneath Your wings / Abandoning myself to thee! / My every fear lay at your feet! / I am Yours! I am Yours! / Your love is better than wine! / The kisses of Your lips will only satisfy! / Arise my beautiful One! / You ve captured my affections / You ve captured my affections! / You ve captured my affections! /(repeat)
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It s Been So Long Written by Monica Eby ©2003
I wrote this song at a time when life was super complicated & feeling out of control (when is it not?)...Oh! to escape into the arms of my Love.
Running here, running everywhere / Running scared and it isn t fair / When will I hold you again / I can t see what s in front of me / I don t know what I m supposed to be / When will I hold you again / It s been so long / It s been so long / It s been so long / Since I took your hand / Come with me on this escapade / You ll be safe in me, hide away / I just want to hold you again! / It s been so long / It s been so long / Since I took your hand / It s been so long / It s been so long / Since I took your hand
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Already Gone Written by Monica Eby ©2003
May this song be a wake-up call to anyone who has allowed passion
& pursuit to be replaced with passivity & complacency in the most
significant relationships of our lives. Hope is there for the choosing.
I don t know how to tell you / I m leavin / I don t think I can be there to wipe your tears / I love you too much to stay right here while I m dying deep inside / And I don t know if you know I ve already gone / I don t know what to do with all of the pictures / That keep running through my head when I lay down / I don t think that you realize that I deserve better / Then a wondering eye and a love that has gone cold / It been a long, long time since your blue eyes have met mine / And I don t know if you know I ve already gone / I ve already gone / What else can I do to break this silence / Maybe when I m gone you ll hear my cry / If you would only recognize my heart still longs for you / but I don t know if you know I ve already gone / I ve already gone / If you would only recognize my heart still longs for you / But I don t know if you know I ve already gone / I ve already gone
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Walkin Out the Door Written by Monica Eby / Scott Gaeta ©2004
I pray for divine revelation of the worth every human being holds in the eyes of God. And for the courage to act on that revelation when confronted with sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
I ll tell you before the day is through / You ll have no doubt of what I ve been through / And I ain t comin back for more! / You tore up my heart from seam to seam, You pulled out the rug from under me / And I ain t comin back for more! / My love was so blind it crippled me, Now I know the truth and it set me free / And I ain t comin back NO! / Send me the bill cause I had my fill / And I ain t comin back for more.... I m walkin out the door! / Life is too short and talk is cheap / I deserve more than how you ve treated me! / And I ain t comin back for more! / Shakin my finger in your face / I ll tell you right now that you ve been replaced / And I ain t comin back for more! / And I ain t comin back NO! / Send me the bill cause I had my fill / And I ain t comin back for more.... I m walkin out the door! / I was once lost but now I m found / He lifts me up you bring me down / You told me once I would never go / Well, look at me I m standin on my feet and I m walkin out / And I ain t goin back NO! / Send me the bill cause I had my fill, And I ain t comin back for more.... I m walkin out the door!
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I Have Found a Love Written by Monica Eby ©2002
To my Mom and Dad, after 50 years of marriage... you are my inspiration!
Looking through the morning paper / Sippin coffee from my cup / Just knowing that you re near me, always seems to be enough / Walking down the hall of pictures / Going through all our old stuff / I can t escape this feeling / I just haven t done enough / I don t deserve all I ve been given / All I ve been trusted with / When all I ever wanted was to find a love like this / Could there be a love that would last throughout the ages? / Could there be a love to get me through this night? / Could there be a love that will carry me tomorrow? / Could there be a love..... And have I found it in you? / As the years go racing by me / All the children grown and gone / Every wrinkle in your feature, paints a portrait of your love / Each year that I am given, Is a gift from God above / Through the feast or through the famine we have always had our love / I don t deserve all I ve been given / All I ve been trusted with / When all I ever wanted was to find a love like this / I have found a love that would last throughout the ages / I have found a love to get me through this night / I have found a love that will carry me tomorrow / Yes, I have found a love.... (repeat) / And I have found it in you
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Sweetly Written by Monica Eby ©2004
If you listen closely, even in the darkest of nights, you can hear Him calling you.
I know that You love me / Because I can hear You / speak my name at Calvary / As I look around me / I can see You shining / From the hills and to the sea! / I want to know You like no other! / I want to see You as you are! / I want to hear Your voice, it calls me out of the night! / In the silence I can hear the Bridegroom calling / Sweetly to His bride - to - be / Come away with me and / I will be the only / Love that You will ever need / I want to know You like know other! / I want to see You as You are! / I want to hear Your voice, it calls me out of the night! / Calling me Sweetly, Calling me Sweetly / Calling me Sweetly / Out of the night!
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Production Credits:
All songs Written & Sung by Monica Eby, except for Walkin Out the Door - Co-Written with Scott Gaeta l Produced & Engineered by - Scott Gaeta / The Music Factory /MusicFactoryOma@aol.com l Executive Producers - Monica & Todd Eby l Mixed by - Scott Gaeta, Todd Eby, Monica Eby, & Rick Schumacher l Mastered by - Mark Chalecki / Capitol Mastering l Lead Vocals - Monica Eby l Background Vocals - Scott Gaeta, Jeremy Styles, Monica Eby & Kerri Nikunen l Guitars / Mandolin - Scott Gaeta Drums - Todd Eby & Matthew Tobias( ¥¥ & Thousand Mile Stare Out-Tro) Drums Recorded at Empty House Studios / EmptyHouseStudio@cox.net l Bass - Scott Gaeta l Keys / Worly / Synth / B3 / Loops - Scott Gaeta l Tambourine - Todd Eby Art Direction & Design - Todd Eby / NewCreationDesign@cox.net l Photography - Scott Dobry / www.ScottDobry.com l Hair Design - Amie Meyer l Make Up - Rhodora Felix
Video
Press
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Debut Release
[+ Show ]
“The Monica Eby Band lived up to their buzz: they were professional, prepared, and polished. We appr...
Setlist
>>> ORIGINALS <<<
Sweetly (Monica Eby)
Walking Out The Door (Monica Eby/Scott Gaeta)
I Can’t Wait (Monica Eby)
Captured My Affections (Monica Eby)
My Little Room (Monica Eby)
Surrender (Monica Eby)
You Moved On (Monica Eby)
Thousand Mile Stare (Monica Eby)
Already Gone (Monica Eby)
Let’s Make A Deal (Monica Eby)
I have Found A Love (Monica Eby)
Its Been So Long (Monica Eby)
Crazy (Monica Eby)
Welcome Home (Monica Eby)
I am Changed (Monica Eby)
Better Days (Monica Eby)
Ride (Monica Eby)
Madison and Mission (Monica Eby)
She Glides (Monica Eby)
I’m Free (Monica Eby)
Games (Monica Eby)
Better Days (Monica Eby)
Sweet Brandee Lee (Monica Eby)
Just Fall Asleep (Monica Eby)
>>> COVERS <<<
Always On My Mind (Willy Nelson)
Something More (Sugarland)
Down w/ Mississippi, Up To No Good (SugarLand)
Break Down Here (Julie Roberts)
Kerosene (Miranda Lambert)
Me and Charlie Talkin' (Miranda Lambert)
Bring Me Down (Miranda Lambert)
We’re Young & Beautiful (CarrieUnderwood)
Jesus Take The Wheel (Carrie Underwood)
Before He Cheets (Carrie Underwood)
Since You’ve Been Gone (Kelly Clarkson)
Come To Jesus (Mindy Smith)
What’s Up (4 Non Blondes)
First Cut Is The Deepest (Sheryl Crow)
Steve McQueen (Sheryl Crow)
Soak Up the Sun (Sheryl Crow)
Linger (Cranberries)
Breathe (Anna Nalick)
White Flag (Dido)
Holding On (Avril Lavien)
Everything (Alanis Morissette)
I’m the Only One (Melissa Etheridge)
Give Me One Reason (Tracy Chapman)
Linger (JohnathaBrooke)
Dreams (Fleetwood Mac)
Hit Me With Your Best Shot (Pat Bennatar)
Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’ (Journey)
Takin’ Care of Business (Bachman Turner Overdrive)
Rock’n Roll (Led Zeppelin)