Los Angeles-based Monika Santucci has become a cornerstone in the melodic bass world, breaking out as a big-time singer/songwriter with incredible production chops to match. Making her return to Heaven Sent comes the expressive six-track ‘Atone’ EP. The project builds upon the momentum of the lead single “Gone In The Morning,” alongside frequent collaborator Mark Dreamer.
Kicking things off with a sensuous spark comes the aptly titled “You Make Life Better.” The production embodies the warmth and beauty of a summer sunrise, beaming with light and promise. Emotive undercurrents course through while the lyrics center around the joy of new love. Building drums envelope into the catchy buoyant chorus. The namesake vocals ring out over shimmering guitar licks, punchy drums, and an uplifting atmosphere that lifts spirits up to the highest peaks.
“Gone in the Morning” sees the scene shift with a reflective ballad that shines a light on the revolving door of modern-day romance. Built around Monika Santucci’s angelic vocals, the passion and pain of the turn-and-burn phases of dating are under a microscope. Uncertainty lingers throughout, as she longs for a deeper connection while knowing that the feeling is fleeting. Meandering guitar riffs and ethereal pads create a dreamlike backdrop peppered with hints of hope. As the emotional hook hits, the drums envelope into a sweeping emotional release driven by staccato synth leads, touching vocal chops, and driving percussion. It’s a push and pull between pleasure and pain that plays like a sultry dance where the steps are all too familiar.
Splitting seams is the pace-changing “Miss The Days.” The track marks a turning point midway through the project as elation moves towards uncertainty and yearning. Lush vocals recount the highs from the fun once shared while acoustic guitar licks and doleful piano keys add to the sense of nostalgic longing. Swelling emotions spiral into an energetic drum and bass release that’s punched up with a rocktronic edge. Burning memories flash through across the mind like a photo album filled with highlights from that once-special connection. It’s the rumination of both hurt and happiness being coupled with the realization that the brighter times are only memories that make this melodic D&B anthem so relatable.
“Every Road” is an ode to being unable to escape the past. It’s the feeling of trying to push forward yet ending up back where it began. Stirring strings and filtered vocals set a pensive tone that’s expanded by the chilling bass and captivating keys. The explosive melodic dubstep drops are chaotic, mixing pitched and twisted vocals with chunky percussion and screechy melodics, which perfectly capture the overwhelming mixture of love and loss. The intensity counterbalances the pensive breaks for a whirlwind listening experience.
As the project nears its final act, Monika Santucci hits with a sobering reality check. “Someone That I’ll Never Be” is a ballad of self-realization that fuses honesty, awareness, and an epic sense of relief. Months of questioning and longing evolve into a moment of clarity. The hook expounds on said realization with a backing that is inspiring and triumphant. It’s the feeling of finally letting go and being able to move on. Moving from emotive lows to triumphant highs, “Someone That I’ll Never Be” is a rollercoaster that embodies the full scope of the project.
Drawing things to a close comes “Strangers Again.” With distance comes a new perspective, and time brings a new wave of desire as longing evolves into wonder. The scars have healed but there’s still a special place in the heart that aches for a newfound spark. Monika Santucci’s impassioned vocal delivery asks what if you could be “Strangers Again”? The track offers a full circle moment with the promise of ending things back at the starting line.
Los Angeles-based artist Monika Santucci has been making her talents known across the melodic bass, trance, drum & bass, and pop worlds. The producer, singer, and songwriter has been on a steady ascent since her breakout hit “Deep Blue” with William Black, which garnered over 20 million streams. She made her debut on Heaven Sent in 2021 with “Hologram Tears,” alongside Papa Khan, earning radio support from Alison Wonderland and NGHTMRE and SLANDER. The ever-expanding talent is hot off a stellar performance at EDC Las Vegas and has recently seen press support from This Song Slaps, EDM Sessions, Orange County EDM, Beat For Beat, Indie Dream, and Perspective.
Monika Santucci bares her soul on ‘Atone,’ showcasing the depths of her talent while detailing the full arch of falling in and out of love across all six emotion-stirring tracks.
Monika Santucci’s new EP ‘Atone’ is available on all platforms via Heaven Sent.
More About Monika Santucci
Los Angeles-based artist Monika Santucci has been making her talents known across the melodic bass, trance, drum & bass, and pop worlds. The producer, singer, and songwriter has been on a steady ascent since her breakout hit “Deep Blue” with William Black, charting Billboard Top 40 Dance Album #13, iTunes Top Dance #1 garnering over 25 million streams. She made her debut on Heaven Sent in 2021 with “Hologram Tears” alongside Papa Khan, earning radio support from Alison Wonderland and NGHTMRE and SLANDER. The ever-expanding talent is hot off a stellar performance at EDC Las Vegas last month.
More About Heaven Sent
Record Label founded by SLANDER. Emotional music sent from above.