Lenox Monroe Shows Another Side of Love
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking Indiana singer/songwriter Lenox Monroe who recently released their newest single "LOVE HAS TEETH" inspired by Stephen King.
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking Indiana singer/songwriter Lenox Monroe who recently released their newest single "LOVE HAS TEETH" inspired by Stephen King. Additionally we talked about their time doing musical theatre, their influences, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them at On The Shelf. How are you doing today?
Hi Mustard! I’m doing great. I’m so grateful to be interviewed by you! Thank you for the opportunity.
2. Growing up you were very involved in theatre. Would you say your time doing musical theatre helped influence you creatively?
My background in musical theatre has greatly influenced me creatively. Growing up in theatre allowed me to learn a lot about self-expression. Being able to play so many different roles over the course of my life taught me so much about the human condition, which in turn has allowed me to write and create music that I feel is relatable to many people in different walks of life. I also think that growing up in theatre has influenced my personal style a ton! I love expressing myself through fashion. My mom costumed musical theatre productions when I was younger, and to this day we have a huge “costume closet” full of very flashy outfits!
3. One of Mustard's favorite types of plays are one-acts. If you could adapt any of your discography into a one act play which song would it be and why? How does this song lend itself to the stage?
I have an unreleased song called “this house burns” that I think would make a perfect one-act play. The song’s production is incredibly cinematic in itself, but the lyrics tell an extremely compelling story of love, betrayal, and loss. I can’t wait for this song to come out so you can hear what I mean!
4. You began writing and sharing your own original music in high school to honor your best friend. How did songwriting help you heal?
When I lost my best friend, I had an incredibly difficult time putting my feelings into words. My best friend was the number-one supporter of my music. She always encouraged me to continue writing music, to share it, and to never stop. When she passed, and I was struggling to express how I felt, I turned to songwriting. I found that songwriting helped me to communicate what words alone cannot. I wrote a song for her titled “i love you more” (she and I would always playfully argue about who loved who more, which is where the song title comes from). I performed this song at her celebration of life, which was the first time I ever performed one of my original songs for an audience.
5. In college you switched your focus from musical theatre to vocal performance. What inspired this switch? What is it like studying underneath the guidance of Wolfgang Brendel?
I graduated high school in May of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early months of that year, I went through the college audition process for musical theatre. However, in March, my beloved longtime vocal coach and mentor, Jeff Salmon, unexpectedly and tragically passed away. Losing him within about a year of my best friend, paired with the nationwide lockdown, prompted me to take a gap year following high school. In 2021, I went through the entire college audition process for musical theatre a second time. I think I auditioned for around 27 schools. I did not get into a single program. As I was receiving rejection after rejection, I decided to, on a whim, apply to the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. I ended up getting in, and studying with Professor Brendel. Prof. Brendel is one of the funniest, most talented people I’ve had the honor of working with. Brendel’s teaching philosophy revolves around the principles of freedom and joy. He always starts his lessons with jokes so that his students laugh and relax, which helps them to be able to sing more freely. Though I have since left the Jacobs School, I will always cherish my time with Prof. Brendel.
6. Who (or what) influences you?
Freddie Mercury is my idol. His incredible musicianship and effervescent personality are things I look up to. I admire his ability to be authentically himself, no matter what anyone else had to say about it. He was eccentric, incredibly talented, and so fun to watch on stage. I love him so much, I even named my dog after him, haha!
7. Mustard wonders what is your creative process?
My creative process honestly varies day to day. When it comes to writing songs, I approach it by starting with either a melody, lyrics, or a chord progression, interchangeably. What I start with just depends on how I’m feeling that day!
8. One playlist your music can be found on is "Won't STOP Dancing." Would you say this playlist accurately represents your music? Does Lenox Monroe have a favorite dance move?
I think that playlist does accurately represent my music! I want people to find joy in my songs and get up and dance. As for a favorite dance move, let’s say a triple timestep, followed by shuffle-off-to-buffalo-ing off stage right (theatre kids, iykyk).
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9. Mustard wonders if you have used your "3 Drinks 1 Cup" cup since your popular TikTok video? What are your go-to three beverages?
I have used my “3 Drinks 1 Cup” cup since that video! My three favorite drinks are iced coffee, water, and Dr. Pepper with a True Lime packet added.
10. Rhett and Link from Good Mythical Morning have become two of your favorite humans. What was your first introduction to Good Mythical Morning? How do they keep you engaged as a fan?
I have been watching Rhett & Link since the very beginning. I remember watching their videos on my family’s old iPad when the YouTube icon was a little TV instead of the classic red play button. Their videos are incredibly entertaining and I watch an episode of Good Mythical Morning every single day. The thing I admire most as an audience member is that they continue to grow along with their audience. They adapt their humor and banter to be relatable to their audience, as their audience ages.
11. Mustard has observed that you have an incredible trinket collection. When did your love of trinkets begin? Is it possible to choose a favorite trinket?
I have always loved trinkets! I think it’s because I’m a very sentimental person, so I like to hold on to little things. I also really like to collect things in general, so having a trinket collection feels natural. I think it’s impossible to pick a favorite, though I really do like my Sonny Angel baby that has a frog hat.
12. On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic you posted a cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" which garnered attention and opportunity to work with songwriters in Nashville. Could you share more about this experience? When you posted the video did you expect this type of response?
When I posted my cover of “Jolene,” I did not expect it to garner this type of response. I recorded the video in my closet! I am forever grateful that someone saw that video and connected me with others in the industry. Through this, I was connected with my producers, Jake Neumar and Austin Heller. I took my first trip to Nashville in December of 2022 to meet them in person and write with them. I have taken several more trips since then to write and record original music with lots of other industry veterans including Pete Sallis, Kayliann Lowe, and Charlie McCoy. I also spend a lot of time networking and I love to meet other musicians, too!
13. Last October you released your debut single "GROWING UP SUCKS" where you share what it is like to be a human. Would you say that growing up still sucks? Are humans told in advance that growing up sucks?
I think that in a lot of ways, growing up does suck, but in other ways, it’s not so bad. Unfortunately, I feel that us humans spend a lot of our childhood wishing we were older and wanting to be like the grownups, but when we actually become adults, we miss being kids and want to go back to the good old days. My song, “GROWING UP SUCKS,” is sort of a light-hearted commentary on this. Growing up sucks, so don’t take life so seriously and remember to play and have fun!
14. The album art features you enjoying an ice cream cone. Mustard wonders what flavors best represent growing up? Are these your favorite flavors?
The ice cream I think best represents growing up is Superman ice cream, which is the same flavor in the cone on the album art. My favorite flavor of ice cream is Cake Batter or Birthday Cake, though.
15. You followed up this single with "psychic" which you describe as perfect for warm weather. What is Lenox Monroe's ideal temperature?
I love cool weather. I would say my ideal temperature is 64 degrees. I like to be able to wear sweatshirts but not be too cold!
16. When did you know you were a psychic? Do you offer public or private psychic sessions?
I’m not a psychic, I just play one on TV! ;) However, I do think I’m highly intuitive and good at reading people’s energy.
17. Mustard would like to wish you congratulations on your newest single "Love Has Teeth." Could you share more about your latest single?
Thank you, Mustard! Love has teeth was Inspired by my love for rock music. You might recognize the quote, “love has teeth; they bite; the wounds never close,” from Stephen King’s 1982 novella The Body, which was later adapted into the feature film, Stand By Me in 1986. I was fascinated by the idea of writing a song in which Love is depicted as a being, rather than a feeling or emotion. The saying, “love has teeth,” coined by King, came to mind during the writing session that produced “LOVE HAS TEETH.” This was spurred on by me reminiscing on my background in theatre where I once portrayed Carrie in the musical rendition of Carrie, also by Stephen King. It’s a tastefully angsty pop-rock song with an eerie, dark, and theatrical undertone.
18. Humans need to visit the dentist to make sure their teeth are healthy. Do Love's teeth also visit the dentist?
I think Love’s teeth do visit the dentist! How else would they keep those fangs so pearly and shiny?
I’m a big fan of retro vibes. For “LOVE HAS TEETH,” I think it was sort of a subconscious thing. I was inspired by an 80s Stephen King quote, I’ve always loved the 80s aesthetic, and then that just carried over into the artwork!
20. A human gets the chance to see Lenox Monroe perform. What four words best describe your live shows?
Unifying, Vulnerable, Glittery, Goofy
21. Do you have any upcoming shows?
I am playing Rib Fest on June 29th at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. I also frequently play shows at Sleeper’s and the Orbit Room in Bloomington, IN. However, those are booked on a month-to-month basis. All bookings are listed on my website, so be sure to visit lenoxmonroe.com to see when and where I’ll be!
22. What is on the horizon for Lenox Monroe?
I’m going to continue to work as hard as I possibly can to make my dreams a reality. I have tons more music to release and tons more shows to play. I hope to see you there someday!
23. Where can readers listen to your music?
You can listen to my music on all streaming platforms under Lenox Monroe, or on all social media lenoxmonroe!
Nice to see an Indiana musician!