Monte Pride is a Michigan-born, Michigan-based folk singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist. His rich tenor voice and accomplished guitar technique make him sound older than his years, but the enthusiasm he brings to the music and performance is youthful, impassioned, and healing energy. His powerful ability to communicate wholeheartedly shines through in his writing, every phrase weaving and winding to form a complex array of soul stirring song. Monte draws inspiration from long-time trailblazing musicians like Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and John Prine, with contemporary influence from Gillian Welch, The Tallest Man On Earth, and Anna Tivel.
After releasing two well-received EPs, "Hollows on High" (2014) and "The Soul Sender" (2015), Monte released his first full-length album, "Hawthorne Morning Sound", in 2016. The album was met with a sold out show at The Robin Theatre in Lansing, Michigan, and much acclaim from local press. Monte will be releasing his sophomore album, “Even in Absence”, in April 2020. The songs were recorded at studios around the state and was finished at La Luna Sound and Recording in Kalamazoo, Michigan with the help of Ian Gorman. The album features musical contributions from Sam Cooper, Brandon & Bethany Foote, Drew Howard, Mark Lavengood, Max Lockwood, and Laurel Premo, among others.
Monte has been performing for the last 6 years, since he was a senior in high-school, growing a strong local and regional following. He has supported notable touring acts including The Cactus Blossoms, Rocky Votolato, Mutual Benefit, The Bones of J.R. Jones, and Florist, along with Michigan favorites like Luke Winslow King, Breathe Owl Breathe, Gifts or Creatures, Escaping Pavement, The Ragbirds, and Michelle Held. Monte has performed at Wheatland Music Festival, the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Buttermilk Jamboree, Holler Fest, and Pumpstock.
In addition to his musical ventures, Monte began giving back to his local, Lansing community in Summer 2017, independently organizing the “Songs for Sustainability” Festival in Old Town Lansing, held in the Old Town General Store’s courtyard. The event focused on building and engaging community, and celebrating the importance of environmental awareness and sustainable practice around music. The Rupple Brothers & Company, The Dangling Participles, The Stump Brothers, Jim Jersey, and Sea Bridson shared songs through the afternoon. The festival also featured multiple vendors who produce sustainably and environmental awareness groups. These included Mystical Makings, Urbandale Farm, Rust Belt Roastery, and Oh Mi Organics, with the Sierra Club, MSU Community Sustainability, MSU Greener Together, and Go Green Trikes represented to share their message. The event was free, with all encouraged donations benefiting “Music is the Foundation”, a local non-profit that funds local music programs in schools and the community, bringing instruments and joy to those who may not have opportunities otherwise.
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Condensed Bio:
Monte Pride is a Michigan-born, Michigan-based singer-songwriter & fingerstyle guitarist whose songs recall the delicate vocals of Simon & Garfunkel, with guitar-work reminiscent of Nick Drake and The Tallest Man on Earth. He blends haunting melodies with vivid lyricism, bringing stories of love, loss, and longing to life in a complex array of healing, soul stirring song. Monte has supported Michigan favorites like Luke Winslow King, Breathe Owl Breathe, Gifts or Creatures, Escaping Pavement, The Ragbirds, and Michelle Held, and has performed at Wheatland Music Festival, the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Buttermilk Jamboree, Holler Fest, and Pumpstock.
After releasing two well-received EPs, "Hollows on High" (2014) and "The Soul Sender" (2015), Monte released his first full-length album, "Hawthorne Morning Sound", in 2016. The album was met with a sold out show at The Robin Theatre in Lansing, Michigan, and much acclaim from local press. Monte will be releasing his sophomore album, “Even in Absence”, in April 2020. The songs were recorded at studios around the state and was finished at La Luna Sound and Recording in Kalamazoo, Michigan with the help of Ian Gorman. The album features musical contributions from Sam Cooper, Brandon & Bethany Foote, Drew Howard, Mark Lavengood, Max Lockwood, and Laurel Premo, among others.
Monte has been performing for the last 6 years, since he was a senior in high-school, growing a strong local and regional following. He has supported notable touring acts including The Cactus Blossoms, Rocky Votolato, Mutual Benefit, The Bones of J.R. Jones, and Florist, along with Michigan favorites like Luke Winslow King, Breathe Owl Breathe, Gifts or Creatures, Escaping Pavement, The Ragbirds, and Michelle Held. Monte has performed at Wheatland Music Festival, the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Buttermilk Jamboree, Holler Fest, and Pumpstock.
In addition to his musical ventures, Monte began giving back to his local, Lansing community in Summer 2017, independently organizing the “Songs for Sustainability” Festival in Old Town Lansing, held in the Old Town General Store’s courtyard. The event focused on building and engaging community, and celebrating the importance of environmental awareness and sustainable practice around music. The Rupple Brothers & Company, The Dangling Participles, The Stump Brothers, Jim Jersey, and Sea Bridson shared songs through the afternoon. The festival also featured multiple vendors who produce sustainably and environmental awareness groups. These included Mystical Makings, Urbandale Farm, Rust Belt Roastery, and Oh Mi Organics, with the Sierra Club, MSU Community Sustainability, MSU Greener Together, and Go Green Trikes represented to share their message. The event was free, with all encouraged donations benefiting “Music is the Foundation”, a local non-profit that funds local music programs in schools and the community, bringing instruments and joy to those who may not have opportunities otherwise.
__________________________________________________
Condensed Bio:
Monte Pride is a Michigan-born, Michigan-based singer-songwriter & fingerstyle guitarist whose songs recall the delicate vocals of Simon & Garfunkel, with guitar-work reminiscent of Nick Drake and The Tallest Man on Earth. He blends haunting melodies with vivid lyricism, bringing stories of love, loss, and longing to life in a complex array of healing, soul stirring song. Monte has supported Michigan favorites like Luke Winslow King, Breathe Owl Breathe, Gifts or Creatures, Escaping Pavement, The Ragbirds, and Michelle Held, and has performed at Wheatland Music Festival, the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Buttermilk Jamboree, Holler Fest, and Pumpstock.
Photo by Benjy Joung