Photo: Meg Moon
January 18, 2024 – Hot on the heels of their recent Winter 2023 headline tour, JUNO Award-winning band MONOWHALES claim their title as undisputed heavyweights in the alt-rock genre with their new EP Who’s There To Hear Me Out. Who’s There To Hear Me Out sees the band coming out the gate swinging, delivering a collection of tracks that explores the band’s most vulnerable moments, alongside honest songwriting, and a perpetual desire to embrace their truth as musicians. Listen to Who’s There to Hear Me Out now here.
The project’s tracklist includes the dynamic recently released single “Backbone” alongside a reimagined cinematic version, both notable as the first self-produced single from the band compliments of lead guitarist Zach Zanardo, in addition to the bold declaration that is “Hear Me Out”
The project’s focus track “Backbone”, produced by lead guitarist Zach Zanardo and mixed by Ryan Worsley (WILLOW, Dear Rouge), takes on a life of its own as a meta-figurative “supervillain anthem” and a resounding proclamation that against all odds the MONOWHALES will never be out for the count. Directed by acclaimed director Brittany Farhat of Good Job Hi Five (July Talk: Love Lives Here), the music video is the ultimate depiction of the MONOWHALES’ unabashed take no prisoners mantra. The video features lead vocalist Sally Shaar taking to the mat, in a self-reflective fight-night, with resounding undertones of personal determination and triumph throughout, serving as powerful inspiration. The single also reflects a refreshing choice in production capturing each band member’s unique voice – a change from the sample-driven melodies in previous releases. Musician Zach Zanardo explains “We focused on creating personal comfort and space, so this record isn’t just for our fans, it’s an exercise in group therapy for MONOWHALES.”
“Flatbread”, the newest release off the EP, is an honest admonition in the best way possible. Set to the tune of nostalgic guitar rhythms, the track explores life’s relatable highs and lows in the search for meaningful connections, along with a sense of guidance and direction, while overcoming personal afflictions. It is not only the MONOWHALES’ greatness as instrumentalists that is highlighted throughout the electric instrumental breaks, but also their vulnerability and emotion that seeps through every chord and lyric, bearing testament to their honest storytelling.
Lead singer, Sally Shaar reflects on the album, “The lyrics on ‘Who’s There to Hear Me Out’ dig into the feelings of uncertainty and loneliness that I’ve grappled with growing up as an artist in Canada. Their songs are coloured by all the experiences that led me here, from immigrating from Syria as a kid, learning to express myself through music, overcoming family trauma, and developing a deeper relationship with who I am.”
2023 brought the group their third Canadian headline tour which was also their first tour with multiple stops in the US, in addition to their dates supporting Grandson on his national tour. The group also brought their dynamic show to a number of festivals including Ottawa Bluesfest, Burlington Sound of Music, and Sommo Festival. Fans can expect much more from the MONOWHALES this year.
About Monowhales
Exploding out of their hometown of Toronto, JUNO Award-winning band MONOWHALES have put a new lease on the alt rock genre. Their 2019 breakout single ‘RWLYD (Really Wanna Let You Down)’ made history as MONOWHALES became the only independent, self-managed band to chart at #2 at alt radio in Canada. Subsequent singles ‘All or Nothing’ and ‘Out With The Old’ both reached the Top 10, culminating in the release of MONOWHALES’ debut album ‘Daytona Bleach’ in March, 2021.
2022 was a landmark year for the band, with highlights including winning a JUNO Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year, supporting Mother Mother on their Canadian tour, playing some of the country’s biggest festivals, releasing their new album ‘Tunnel Vision’ and headlining their own tour across the country. Tunnel Vision’s two singles ‘CTRL^^^” and “RICH$$$” spent over 20 weeks in the Top 10.
