Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Wilsonn
Hi Monique, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I wanted to sing ever since I was 6 years old. However, I have decided to take my talent more seriously at the age of 18 and started to put myself out there a little more. Even though it was challenging for me because I had stage fright, I had enough support around me that has encouraged me and has continued supporting me throughout the years. I wanted to go to school for music so I went to the Community College of Baltimore County for my Associates Degree in Vocal Performance. I was classically trained. Outside of my studies I was still trying to make my mark pre-COVID, all the way through post COVID. I was having a hard time on what should I call myself in the music world and after a few months of switching names, I have decided for my official stage name to be “Moniquewilsonn”. In 2020, I have deiced to put my first single out, named “Too” and it actually came out on my birthday of that year which was exciting. Balancing school and the very start of my music career was challenging but it was also beneficial. I was blessed with many opportunities and collaborated with many other artists during that time. I have worked with Charm City Direct TV and was a guest on their radio, I also became an artist with Power 4.4 radio, I have performed at pop up shops, and also performing at open mic events. In early 2022, I have made the decision to elevate my studies in music and I wanted to explore more options. After some looking, I have decided that I wanted to apply for “The University of the Arts” in Philadelphia,PA. Even though I did not obtain my associates degree, I was still accepted into UARTS and Philadelphia became my home in august that same year. I did not know what God had in store for me when I have made the move to Philly. I was surrounded by nothing but music that fits me, a big support system of friends that I can now call family that has believed in me and has helped me grow, along with finding my voice. I have began my studies under Jazz Vocal and I took up a minor in music business. UARTS has allowed me to grow and elevate in so many different ways. I was once very shy in my craft and now, day by day I am steadily growing and becoming more confident in my voice and my artistry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles was having to move into yet another environment after getting comfortable in my current environment. In May of 2024, The University of the Arts was closing its doors officially due to financial problems throughout its years. My friends and I was devastated and I was also in my last semester before obtaining my degree. After a few weeks of my mother convincing me to keep going and to finish out my last semester, I went to Temple University and I was majoring in Jazz Vocal. No minor which I was looking forward to finish out. You would think “well damn how many more trials am I going to go through with this?” But in some way, Temple worked out the way God intended it to be. I finished out the small classes I have left, passed with all A’s and now I will be a Temple graduate May 25′
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In 2024, I made a choice to not sleep on myself any longer. All of my friends were living their dreams and performing and putting out material and here I was letting time pass me by. I have released more music prior but I didn’t do anything with it. It was somewhat collecting dust. So, I released a song I recorded that same summer which is titled “Pressure”. With the right support and right motivation around me, I started doing promo for the song, which a few months later, has lead to me taking the leap of faith of messaging someone by the name “Blckteeh” about how to be in their showcase called “Rnbafterdark”. Very well-known. In almost an instant they messaged me back saying they would love for me to join their November showcase. My boyfriend helped me form a band and the performance ended up being amazing. That single song…and that single performance has opened up many more doors for me. I then started to take more chances and reach out to more individuals, went to show my face at events, and started fully tapping into who “Moniquewilsonn” is. I did not want to waste another moment being scared when God has already shown me what he is doing for me and to just have faith. I am proud of the fact that I am simply doing what 6 year old me has wanted to do. It is only the beginning.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe being optimistic is important. Often times, as artists we fill our heads with “what if it doesn’t work?” or “what if they don’t like it?” We are most time our own worst critic. However, I believe that once you change your mindset, switch from negative to positive, along with JUST taking the chance, who knows what doors may open for you. My mother always told me “The worst they can say is no”. Which has helped me with my way of thinking. And if things don’t plan out then it simply means that God has something better for you. Much greater, Or its not your time. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t feel disappointed or sad. But once you’re done feeling your emotions. Continue putting out music. Continue promoting. Continue emailing and dm’ing people. Continue performing. Continue BEING AN ARTIST. I always remain optimistic because there could be so much bigger out there that I am only getting prepared for. The rest of the world will catch on soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moniquewilsonnmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.moniquewilsonn/?igsh=aWhtOWpxZ3JtZ2Fy&utm_source=qr#
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/immoniquewilson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@moniquewilsonmusicc
