Monte Mader

I met pop singer-songwriter Monte Mader at her official CD release show at the Rockwood in New York City a few days ago. I enjoyed how she connected with the audience. Before every song, Monte Mader shared what inspired her to write and produce the song. Once she told the story, you could not help but feel what she felt singing the lyrics. Everything just clicked. I was so inspired and I know the entire crowd was too following the screaming and loud clapping everytime she ended a song.

Monte Mader is from Wyoming. This Debut EP, SKYDIVE is a testimony of how she managed to bounce back from all that she went through. Monte endured a lot. From Bankcrupcy at an early age, bad breakups and most recently the sudden death of her father this pass year, Monte never gave up. In fact, during the performance at the Rockwood, she motivated the crowd by sharing with everyone that being in a bad place is a good thing and to remember that it is temporary. Never give up and just Dive!

Monte Mader is pure, authentic, though yet super sweet. All the songs on her EP are really great but my ultimate fav has to be Skydive. It's so motivating and inspiring. It truly embodies what life is all about. Monte Mader is pursuing her dream and wants you to do the same. Her music is uplifting.

Check out Monte Mader website: MonteMaderMusic.com

Monte Mader EP, Skydive, is now available on:

ITunes - http://apple.co/2rlgEQV

Amazon - http://amzn.to/2rDMs3b - Kaderique Lifestyle Blog

NYC-based singer/songwriter, Monte Mader, is a girl from the middle of nowhere, who lost everything and is now on the brink of everything. After a tumultuous journey of love and loss, Monte emerges onto the music scene with the release of her debut EP, Skydive, out May 2017. The first track, “Selfish Girl,” is a heavy-hitting reflection on her story of love, betrayal and heartbreak.

Originally from the Midwest, Monte was raised on a ranch, surrounded by country and gospel music. After a broken engagement at age 22, Monte packed up her life in rural Wyoming to dive headfirst into music. Following battles with bankruptcy, heartbreak and loss, Monte found her voice and wrote her first album, Skydive, as an ode to her resilience. Now based in New York City, Monte has taken the stage throughout the city, including performances at the Friends of Firefighters charity concert, the Equinox Anniversary Bash in Rockefeller Center and several area venues. - Skope Magazine

NYC-based singer-songwriter, Monte Mader, is a girl from the middle of nowhere, who lost everything and is now on the brink of everything. After a tumultuous journey of love and loss, Monte emerges onto the music scene with the release of her debut EP, Skydive, out May 2017. The first track, “Selfish Girl,” is a heavy-hitting reflection on her story of love, betrayal and heartbreak.

Originally from the Midwest, Monte was raised on a ranch, surrounded by country and gospel music. After a broken engagement at age 22, Monte packed up her life in rural Wyoming to dive headfirst into music.

Following battles with bankruptcy, heartbreak and loss, Monte found her voice and wrote her first album, Skydive, as an ode to her resilience. Now based in New York City, Monte has taken the stage throughout the city, including performances at the Friends of Firefighters charity concert, the Equinox Anniversary Bash in Rockefeller Center and several area venues.

Be sure to check out the debut track, “Selfish Girl,” from the forthcoming album, Skydive–coming your way May 2017!

Learn more about Monte Mader in the following All Access interview:

So, now that 2016 is over, what are some words you would use to describe the year for you? What have been some of the highlights for you and your music? What are you most excited about for 2017? Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions?

I can describe 2016 as painful, difficult, and shocking. It was one of the most difficult years of my life, but also one that taught me to stand back on my feet.

The biggest highlight of the year was that I finally finished the EP. It had been a long and grueling process to get to that point and once it was done I almost couldn’t believe that the work (at least for that project) was finished. It was this moment of “wait… did I just finish this?”

What I am most excited about in 2017 is for the EP release and to travel more. I have been wrapped up in work and completing this project for over two years, so I took very little personal time. I’m excited to make that happen.

I made two new years resolutions! The first was to take a trip every quarter, even if it was just a four day weekend. I have already booked a trip to Virginia in February and a trip to California in June. The second was to stay in better touch with family and visit more. Being so far away from them I tend to be distant and I have missed out on a lot of things, I don’t want to do that anymore.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? Could you see yourself doing anything else?

Growing up I always wanted to be a singer, though as any other child, I fluctuated a lot. Music was always a constant.

My first musical memory is sitting on the floor and hearing my Dad play his guitar and sing on the couch. By the time I was 5 I was begging him to let me sing with him at church and at the local nursing home. He made me learn the song “Daddy’s hands” and from that point on, I went singing with him everytime I was home.

No, I can’t see myself doing anything else but singing and writing.

What was it like making that big move from rural Wyoming to New York City? What it scary or more exciting at the time? How do you think that move influenced you as a musician and ultimately your sound?

It was scary most of the time! I was always lost, didn’t know anyone and MAN there were so many people! It was a lonely and difficult time, especially at first, but I’m glad I did it.

My sound evolved into something rather eclectic and I thank the move for that. New York exposed me to so many different sounds, genres and art that dramatically affected my own tastes and writing.

In May, you will release your debut EP, “Skydive.” Can you talk about putting that collection together? How long did it take to put it altogether? Is there anything in particular that surprised you about the process?

“Skydive” took 2 years to write and record. It was a long and sometimes tedious journey. The songs represent my own journey in relationships, and my internal belief in myself that I wrestled with over the past few years.

I was surprised at how much my writing changed. So many songs I started with just didn’t fit by the end of the project, not just because I got better as an artists, but as I grew, what I wanted to say changed. I can read through all those songs and essentially read my whole diary for the past few years. I can see where I started, and where I am now.

I understand that you have experienced a lot of heartbreak and loss in your life and you used 16143196_1570433246304652_1997260421435846205_nall of that to write these songs. What was it like channeling all those emotions down on paper for this record?

It was great and it was terrible. I am by nature an “internalizer”. I bottle things up until I burst, whether its to seem ok to other people, or even to convince myself things are ok. Putting pen to paper and channeling these feelings allowed me release the hurt I was carrying, but it also forced me to face it. My songbook in many ways was my “person to talk to” because I could be candid and say it how I wanted to, no matter what I was feeling. It became that friend that confronts you, but does it because they love you. It made me face what wasn’t ok, and helped me paint a picture of hope for the future.

“Selfish Girl” is your album’s first single. Can you talk about the inspiration behind this song in particular?

Anyone who has been cheated on knows that feeling of absolutely wanting to do something crazy because you are so mad! Selfish Girl was that internal angry voice when it happened to me. I was preparing for a wedding and found out that my fiance was seeing other women- I was livid!!!! In my mind I painted this picture of the story, and how I wanted to respond… and “Selfish Girl” was born.

What has it been like performing in New York City? Do you have plans to tour the country soon in support of “Skydive”?

New York City is both exhilarating and challenging. My music doesn’t fall into the large hip hop following, jazz or true pop- because its a little off the beaten path shows can be a little more difficult. But I have had the opportunity to perform at some incredible venues and most importantly work with some of the most amazing musicians I have ever met. My band is absolutely incredible and have also become very dear friends.

I do plan on a tour in August of 2017.

Who are some of your favorite musicians? What musicians would you love to work with in the future?

Favorite musicians: John Legend, George Strait, Boston, Ne-Yo and Grace Potter (I have more but I will try to save time)

From a performance perspective I would love to work with Grace Potter, Miranda Lambert and John Legend. And an LIFETIME dream of mine has been to write with Ne-yo.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs?

The reason I chose “Skydive” as the title track was because at the end of the day I hope that my music and my story will help someone believe in themselves, believe that they can do anything. I want people to believe in hope- even when things are hard or unexplainable. I think of my nieces a lot when I write and how much I want them to grow up loving themselves and pursuing what they love. What I want for them is the same thing I want for people that listen to my music.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I’m a fitness fanatic, avid reader and sweets lover.

Skydive is a 6 song EP with an eclectic variety of music about love, heartache and self-belief. - All Access Music

NYC-based singer/songwriter, Monte Mader, is a girl from the middle of nowhere, who lost everything and is now on the brink of everything. After a tumultuous journey of love and loss, Monte emerges onto the music scene with the release of her debut EP, Skydive, out May 19, 2017. Originally from the Midwest, Monte was raised on a ranch, surrounded by country and gospel music. After a broken engagement at age 22, Monte packed up her life in rural Wyoming to dive headfirst into music. Following battles with bankruptcy, heartbreak and loss, Monte found her voice and wrote her first album, Skydive, as an ode to her resilience. Now based in New York City, Monte has taken center stage throughout the city, including performances at the Friends of Firefighters charity concert and the Equinox Anniversary Bash in Rockefeller Center.
Be sure to catch this firey artist, Monte Mader, on Rockwood's stage 2 on Wednesday, May 24th, at 7 pm! - City Guide NY

NYC-based singer/songwriter, Monte Mader, is a girl from the middle of nowhere, who lost everything and is now on the brink of everything. After a tumultuous journey of love and loss, Monte emerges onto the music scene with the release of her debut EP, Skydive, out May 26, 2017.


Originally from the Midwest, Monte was raised on a ranch, surrounded by country and gospel music. After a broken engagement at age 22, Monte packed up her life in rural Wyoming to dive headfirst into music. Following battles with bankruptcy, heartbreak, and loss, Monte found her voice and wrote her first album, Skydive, as an ode to her resilience. Now based in New York City, Monte has taken the stage throughout the city, including performances at the Friends of Firefighters charity concert, the Equinox Anniversary Bash in Rockefeller Center and several area venues. - Revolution 360

Today’s song is “Selfish Girl” by Monte Mader. The NYC-based singer/songwriter, is Wyoming born and country raised from the middle of nowhere, who lost everything and is now on the brink of everything.

After a tumultuous journey of love and loss, Monte emerges onto the music scene with the release of “Selfish Girl,” is a heavy-hitting reflection on her story of love, betrayal and heartbreak. This song is off her upcoming album Skydive due out May 2017.

Originally from the Midwest, Monte was raised on a ranch, surrounded by country and gospel music. After a broken engagement at age 22, Monte packed up her life in rural Wyoming to dive headfirst into music. Following battles with bankruptcy, heartbreak and loss, Monte found her voice and wrote her first album, Skydive, as an ode to her resilience. Now based in New York City, Monte has taken the stage throughout the city, including performances at the Friends of Firefighters charity concert, the Equinox Anniversary Bash in Rockefeller Center and several area venues.

Listen below and for more information check out her official website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. - Eat Sleep Breathe Music

NYC-based artist Monte Mader is gearing up to release her debut EP Skydive in May. Today we’re thrilled to premiere her impressive new track “Risky.” The song delivers a big, punchy dose of pop with some really intriguing elements that elevate it to a fantastic level.

In her own words:

“I wrote Risky about someone I fell in love with who was WAY different than any person I had ever met. He was intense, rough around the edges and I was head over heels. I knew it was a chance going into it but I’m really glad I did. Risky became one of my favorite songs because everything from the story, to the style of the song was out-of-the-box for me.”
Stream “Risky” below and be sure to connect with Monte online for more leading up to the EP release! - Ground Sounds

“Selfish Girl” is one of my favorite songs on the EP. It was written as a response to finding my fiancé at the time was seeing other people, and you can hear I wasn’t too happy about it. Making the video was nothing short of a miracle. We were tight on budget and time and with the help of the director, we shot the entire thing in one apartment!” says Monte.

Originally from the Midwest, Monte was raised on a ranch, surrounded by country and gospel music. After a broken engagement at age 22, Monte packed up her life in rural Wyoming to dive headfirst into music and a new life on the east coast. Following the challenges of bankruptcy, heartbreak and loss, Monte found her voice and wrote her first album, Skydive, as an ode to her resilience and ability to survive. Now based in New York City, Monte has taken control of her life and the stage. She has headlined shows for the Friends of Firefighters charity benefit, the Equinox Anniversary Bash in Rockefeller Center, at Parkside Lounge and several other music venues.

Monte’s new EP, Skydive, is set to launch on May 19, 2017! - Live in Limbo

You won’t miss Monte Mader when she walks in the room. She’s tall, confident and projects a fierce yet friendly energy around her.

Once we get into the interview, it’s pretty clear where Monte got her fierceness from. Her tale of how she wound up in New York trying to make it as a recording artist is not one paved with rainbows and fairytales, rather it’s one of grief, loss and sheer hard work.

If there’s one lesson you can take from Monte Mader, it’s that you’re never too young to have setbacks, but that you also don’t have to wait to get older to overcome them. - Genie Magazine

Monte Mader and music have a deeply personal connection and, having experienced several extremely difficult times in her life quite recently, including a break-up and the loss of her father, Mader has gone on to use the outlet as a way of expressing her deepest thoughts and emotions.

Nowhere are these thoughts and emotions more prevalent than on her new EP Skydive, which opens with the almost acoustic sounding “Four Senses”, the slow-burning instrumentation allowing Mader’s impressive vocal to shine.

“Lie To Me” kicks things up a notch with a toe-tapping rhythm and a somewhat Latin flair, before things are injected with a rather country vibe on “Little More Love”, a track which vibrates with a message of female empowerment – it’s certainly a highlight of the collection, destined to be sung at full voice by the crowds at Mader’s future performances.

Unfortunately, “Risky” doesn’t quite match up to the standard presented by “LML”, and although it’s certainly far from a bad track, it could find itself being overlooked as fans put “LML” on repeat. “Selfish Girl”, written after Mader found out her ex-fiance was seeing several other women behind her back, is her way of hitting back at him. Anyone who has endured a difficult or broken relationship will undoubtedly relate to this song and it may yet become an anthem for those women who refuse to be broken by the men who’ve hurt them.

Closer and title track “Skydive” slows things right down once more, with a simple guitar playing in the background, and again pays homage to the strength we all have within us. A subdued, but at the same time, immensely powerful reminder of what we are all capable of, even when things get tough, together with how we only have one life so should live it to the full, the lyrics including: “Skydive, I’m gonna fly across the sky, Skydive, the world it’s all mine tonight” and “I could aim and I could miss, but I can’t live with ‘what if?'” were stuck in this reviewers’ head long after the track had finished.

For more information on Monte, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter. Skydive is released on May 19th and she plays a release show at Rockwood Music Hall in New York on the 24th. Tickets can be purchased here. Header photo credit: Chuy Gutierrez. - This is the Latest

by Richie Frieman

When it comes to singer/songwriter/badass Monte Mader, there’s one thing PEV is certain of: she’ll never run out of powerful inspiration. This singer/songwriter is a beast in the gym and on the live stage, and it likely stems from her personal power to overcome hardship after hardship. At age 22, she was dealing with a broken engagement and turmoil tied to bankruptcy and heartbreaking loss in her life, so she made the brave jump from rural Wyoming to a place many folks equate with the Cowboy State…New York City. Yea – you read right. Mader’s undeniable personal perseverance to make it has propelled her into the stratosphere despite the drastic change in scenery, inspiring her country and pop rock infusion of sound that pays homage to a hybrid of genres.
Mader started out in the big city playing low-key jazz lounges and upscale bars, refining her original sound and finding her true voice. We’ve been sampling her first EP, Skydive (due out today!), and we’re happy to report the results…are amazing. We went right to the source for her take on the new tunes – Monte said, “The writing process was long and tedious. It became a metamorphosis of message and sound the further I got into the project. Where I started and where I ended up are so far apart but each song that I ended up not includimonte_mader horizontalng on the project was a step toward the project I have now. Fans can expect bits and pieces of my story – you can also expect an eclectic style of songs throughout the album. The project evolved into a beautiful mix of sounds that I love but was VERY different from where I started.”

We asked Mader to explain – she told us, “While ‘Selfish Girl’ is more traditional country rock, ‘Risky’ incorporates pop, top 40 and reggae elements while ‘4 Senses’ incorporates a more sensual R&B. My dream when starting on my personal sound was to stay true to my style but celebrate all forms of music.” Sure enough, we feel she’s nailed it. Click to http://montemadermusic.com/ to check out Skydive for yourself – it’s just the beginning of Monte’s musical year, so do it fast. And keep reading! There’s still so much more to jump into in all the answers to the XXQs below.

XXQs: Monte Mader

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what makes you stand out from others in your genre?

Monte Mader (MM): I would describe my sound as a merge between country rock and pop rock. What sets my sound, particularly this project apart, is that I bring in sounds from so many genres. While “Selfish Girl” is more traditional country rock, “Risky” incorporates pop, top 40 and reggae elements while “4 Senses” incorporates a more sensual R&B. My dream when starting on my personal sound was to stay true to my style but celebrate all forms of music.


PEV: From Wyoming and now calling NYC home, what kind of music were you into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

MM: I grew up on mostly traditional country music and classic rock. My Dad was an enormous fan of many classic rock bands like Boston and Steve Miller Band so that was a big musical influence for me. I do remember my first concert! My Dad took my younger brother and me to see The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive. I had no idea who those bands were when he took us, but I have listened to them ever since.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene when you first started? What was your first show like?

MM: For me, breaking into the music scene was like chasing a unicorn. I knew what I was trying to find but I had no idea where to start. It seemed like an impenetrable wall at first and little by little you learn and take small steps forward. I actually started in jazz, so my shows were low key – mostly in lounges and upscale bars. After a while, I wanted to sing my own music and began to build my personal style, resulting in my first EP, Skydive.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Monte Mader show?

MM: LOTS OF FUN. I like upscale music, interacting with my crowd and mixing in some fun covers. My band mates are incredible musicians and tons of fun to play with. We want people singing and dancing! We perform my music and usually fun Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, and Grace Potter covers. It’s one of the most fun things I think a person can do.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage to perform?

MM: My Dad. My love for music comes from him and it was a key part of our relationship. Usually when I am headed to the stage I just think, “Watch me kill this Dad.” Then I take a deep breath and cue the band.

PEV: What is the best part about being on stage in front of an audience?

MM: For me, the best part is when people start to dance. I love seeing people smile and just lose themselves in a song for a moment. When people start dancing, I have done my job.

PEV: What is the underlying inspiration for your music?

MM: Music has always been a source of healing for me during tough times. My personal journey with my own music has also been a journey of personal victory and that’s what I want to spread through my music. I want to talk about life and struggles, but always hoping that anyone who listens walks away feeling empowered and like they can overcome. I don’t think I could ask for anything greater than what’s happened in my own life through this journey.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

MM: I think about it all the time. I have definitely had days of “this is so hard! Why am I doing this to myself?” But mostly it’s moments of “Wow, I can’t believe I started from there!” When I first started, I was singing Jazz in lounges and upscale bars, and now I’m on the brink of releasing my debut EP, Skydive.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about you?

MM: Surprising…Hmmm…I tend to carry myself with a lot of drive and external strength but the reality is…I am unquestionably a hopeless romantic in every single regard.

PEV: What happens when you hit a brick wall when writing? What are your methods to get over it?

MM: The walls come and go, the first thing I had to learn was not to get upset, it’s part of the process and I don’t want to force it then end up with bad work. Also I have found frustration only lengthens the block. What I have found to be most helpful is what I call artist dates. I got the concept from a book called The Artists Way by Julia Cameron. A client had given me the book when I was going through a particular tough time. In the book, the author recommends going out once a week with yourself to a show, exhibit or anything that inspires your creativity – refilling the tank if you will. I have found regular artist dates to be incredibly helpful.

Monte Mader IMG_5281PEV: How do you think the industry has changed since you first started out?

MM: Well I am still fairly new so there hasn’t been that much change but I think we are now seeing the results of some of the major shifts over the past few years. We now work in a market that is single and social media driven. And with the accomplishments of artists like Chance the Rapper, we are seeing a whole new realm of what is possible for the independent artist. I am pretty excited about that.

PEV: After a broken engagement at age 22, you packed up your life in rural Wyoming to dive headfirst into music. Following battles with bankruptcy, heartbreak and loss, you found your voice and wrote your debut album, Skydive. What can fans expect from Skydive? What was the writing process like for this work?

MM: Well, fans can expect bits and pieces of my story for sure! You can also expect an eclectic style of songs throughout the album. The project evolved into a beautiful mix of sounds that I love but was VERY different from where I started. My expectation is that the album will bring some fun, some dance, some attitude and some inspiration.

The writing process was long and tedious. It became a metamorphosis of message and sound the further I got into the project. Where I started and where I ended up are so far apart but each song that I ended up not including on the project was a step toward the project I have now. While there’s this part of me that thinks I should have done more and sooner, I am so thankful for the journey.

PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

MM: With my style of music, I would love to do a tour in the south. I lived in Virginia for a while and have always enjoyed the southern states. I would love to have a road tour all the way across the southern US. I think it would be so fun! The only problem I foresee with that is that there would be an extremely high chance I’d put on a ton of weight with all that good southern food (which I love).

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career?

MM: My friends have always been so supportive. My family was a little nervous about it at first, but when I wouldn’t give up they were onboard and have become my strongest supporters.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

MM: When I am home I love reading with a glass of wine or watching cartoons – like the Disney ones. I love finding great food (especially sweets) in the city and when it’s warm out I have recently picked up Trapeze art which is AMAZING! It’s one of the few activities I can do and feel like I can turn my brain off from everything. I am considering picking up rock climbing as well, we will see.

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?

MM: I think if I had to pick one it would be Ne-Yo. Not only do I love his music but he was my first inspiration to pursue songwriting. The way he can tell a story in his lyrics and write for so many people is just incredible for me. He was the first inspiration to write but my honorable mentions would be: Carol King and Sia.

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

MM: There’s a new hip-hop artist named Tyler Kristian getting ready to debut a lot of his work. FOLLOW HIM. That’s all I am going to say. I think he’s going to take things by storm.

PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what would you do for a career?

MM: I think in another life I would have made a fantastic stunt double! It’s a hard question. In all seriousness, if I wasn’t pursuing music I probably would have followed through with Physician Assistant School and be working in medical field, but I’m not sure.

PEV: So, what is next for Monte Mader?

MM: First step is finishing the release of Skydive and a possible short series of shows in Southern California. I do have two more EPs set to release this year and my goal is to transition out of my fitness day job and be full time in my career.

For more information, click to http://montemadermusic.com/. - Pens Eye View