Monroe

In Las Vegas, the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” who would think of Sin City as a breeding ground for musicians who aren't in a cover band, an Elvis impersonator or playing in a mainstream Strip show? Do bands really thrive in a market that is saturated with so much competition for a fan base by hotel headliners?

We have watched in the past 12 months bands rise from the desert to become a staple in the music world. The Higher, Magna Fi and the proudest of bands to come from the scene, The Killers, have made Las Vegas a place to look for the next big thing. Does Las Vegas have the strength to produce another success story in original music?

We'd like to introduce you to Monroe. A refreshing sound possessed with youth, the desire to create and entice you with individuality as musicians, as well as a unique sound backed with an eye-catching stage presence. It all started when pianist Aaron Bowsher and drummer Tyler Klimas met for the first time. Klimas says, “Aaron and I met, and we clicked instantly.” It was the start of something great — something refreshing. Starting as a two-piece experimental band, Monroe consisted of just piano, vocals and drums; the ideas started to flourish. With the sound becoming more of their own, the decision was made to search for the remaining two members who would complete the lineup. Guitarist Robert Ragan was contacted by Klimas and was sent a couple of Monroe's rough mixes. Ragan soon sent the tracks back with his guitar lines that added the touch they needed. Within weeks, Ragan was flying back and forth from Vegas squeezing in weekend practices in between classes at Oregon State University. Finally he left school and moved permanently to Vegas. He says: “Oregon just wasn't for me. The weather and lack of people who shared the same musical interest as me were the two main factors in my return.” Next was bassist Mike McHugh.

We had the opportunity to catch Monroe in their infancy of three members. In a room covered with posters of Las Vegas’ latest superstars (The Killers), you could only tell by the artistry on the walls where their life goals were sitting. Monroe is not about the genres that restrict them, but they appeal to everyone. They write what they feel and express it through their songs. Klimas says the cause of their individuality is that they are “finally writing without a limit.”

Lately, the Vegas scene has seen a bit of an upswing in attendance. Monroe hopes that their music can bring more people out to visit shows, but they plan on traveling. “Playing some out-of-town shows would be cool,” says Ragan. “Vegas has very little venues, so out-of-town shows are almost necessary.” They are dedicating themselves to accumulating a strong following and understand what it takes in the music business today. With all members coming from a musical background, influences are endless within the music. Creative hooks, personal lyrics — there is something for everyone.

- 944 Magazine