Monarchs Interview: SXSW 2010

While attending graduate school at the University Of Texas, Celeste Griffin, the mastermind of Monarchs, has carved her own path in the music industry. From her humble beginnings in the Yellow Hammer State to playing local venues in her adopted hometown of Austin, Texas, Celeste has released two successful albums, 2008's 'The Oak EP' and 2009's 'Those Words, Those Frames.' After making a name for herself locally, Celeste is on the verge of performing at this year's SXSW to audiences from around the world. She spoke to Spinner about her musical style, her band and cookies.

How would you describe your sound?

Monarchs are soulful roots-rock. Sometimes folky, sometimes bluesy, sometimes mellow, and sometimes rocking, it is always soulful and it is always honest.

How did your band come together?

I discovered my talent for songwriting and singing just three years ago. At that time, I was living in my hometown, Birmingham, Ala. and knew several musicians and began recruiting players. Monarchs have changed over time, but one aspect remains the same: Van Hollingsworth. He has played bass and guitar on both Monarchs' EPs, co-writes songs with me and is my closest Monarchs collaborator. After I moved to Austin in 2008, I formed a Monarchs branch in my new Texas home -- this process involved fliers, Craigslist, word of mouth, friendships, etc., so, now, I basically have two Monarchs units: one in Birmingham and one in Austin. This SXSW, however, these bands will blend, as Van will be playing guitar along with my Austin bassist, Phil Ajjarapu, and Austin drummer, Josh Halpern.

What are your musical influences?

Female: Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Chan Marshall, Gillian Welch, Fiona Apple, Lauryn Hill. Male: Neil Young, Van Morrison, John Lennon, Conor Oberst, the Beatles, Jerry Garcia.

How did you come up with the name Monarchs?

I love the concept and reality of family. I have always had this sort of vision of my family line and ancestry as royal with my grandmother Celeste Evans as the queen, and me as the princess. So, given that I was initially writing a lot of songs about stories of my family, I thought naming the band after a dysfunctional, royal family would be perfect. The concept of Monarchs has expanded now. I consider Monarchs to be a community project where the listeners, players, promoters, etc., are all members of the community or family. Even greater than the musical Monarchs, as people, we are all part of a family in this kingdom called universe.

What's your biggest vice?

Chocolate chip cookies, for sure.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Water! A SXSW schedule of shows I want to catch. Throat drops.

Who was your first celeb crush?

When I was little, I thought that that Lee Montgomery, the guy in 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun,' the movie, was just about the hottest thing on earth.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I am most definitely down with the TLC 'CrazySexyCool' album. I don't feel guilty about it, though. When is the last time you jammed to 'Creep'?

Beatles or Stones?

The Beatles. That's a mean question, though!

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Well, I have yet to tour! After I finish my album this summer, the touring will begin and I will join the other soldiers of the great highway. Crazy stories to come ...

If you could trade in all of your creative control, for instant platinum-selling success, would you?

No way. However, I would love to figure out how to have both!

Oreos with or without milk?

With milk, for sure. Soggy Oreos are the way to go.

Benjamin Williams is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.