Meet Monika Santucci: A Multifaceted Melodic Bass Maven

Los Angeles-based artist Monika Santucci digs into her artistic origins, how she covers all her musical bases, and what’s in store for the future.

Monika Santucci is no stranger to the realm of electronic dance music. She is a feminine force to be reckoned with, and the next chapter of her journey is only beginning. As a DJ, producer, and singer-songwriter, this multi-talented artist is ready to show the world what she can do.

Born with versatility coursing through her veins, Monika Santucci picked up various instruments such as piano, guitar, and drums at an early age. She began singing in indie rock bands throughout her teens and eventually taught herself how to write and produce her own music. Once she established her signature sound, she decided to pursue music as a career. Monika’s distinct, breathy vocals can be recognized after a single note. Throw in her bass-bumping beats, and she’s a true triple threat.

With years of experience writing on tracks across multiple genres, Monika has paved the way for her own success. She boasts an impressive list of collaborators like MaRLo, Excision, William Black, and Bear Grillz — a list that will only continue to grow. Her most recent release, titled “In My Heart,” is her second collab with N3WPORT and explores the tough subject of losing a loved one.

Looking for added insight, we caught up with Monika Santucci to chat about her career and how she balances her versatile life. Give her guest mix a spin to get a taste of this female powerhouse, and continue reading for our conversation.

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 381 || Monika Santucci on SoundCloud:

Hey Monika, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! We’re so excited to share your guest mix and hear about the next chapter of your career. To start things off, what first drew you into writing and singing on electronic/dance tracks?

Thank you so much for having me! I had been singing and songwriting for many years before I got into EDM. I was working on my first EP as an artist, and it was this blend of half indie-rock and half electronic when I met Skrillex and Ellie Goulding at the pre-screening of Spring Breakers at IO Films in Hollywood. After hearing their music for the first time, I instantly switched on to EDM and fell in love with artists like Dillon Francis, TropKillaz, and Flosstradamus. That’s when I started DJing and toplining on electronic/dance tracks and went all in!

Who are a few of your favorite artists you’ve worked with so far, and why? How about some of your dream collaborations?

It’s really hard to choose favorites because I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some incredible artists, but a couple that really come to mind are Trivecta and NURKO. They are both so talented and are just true musicians; they really believed in me and elevated me early on in my career, so I will always be thankful to both of them for that. Some of my dream collaborations would be Gryffin, ILLENIUM, and Dillon Francis, to name a few!

What sparked your decision to become a DJ/producer yourself? Do you plan to fully devote your time to DJing, or how will you balance your work as a vocalist?

What sparked my original decision to DJ was how to perform my songs live. I had been playing with bands that kept breaking up, and as my music became more electronic, the setup became more intricate with a band, and it just didn’t make sense. I started DJing full-time in bars and clubs in San Francisco and later Los Angeles. Now when I perform, I combine both DJing and singing live together. As I got deeper into my work as a vocalist and an artist, I found taking on production to be crucial.

Can you walk us through your current writing process as a vocalist? How does it compare or contrast to your process as a DJ/producer?

My writing process is very stream-of-conscious and fast-paced! I try to move quickly when I write so I can get my first and initial impressions down without too much interference. I try not to overthink it and allow the ideas to come naturally – usually starting with melody and then building lyrics from there. Ideas can start really rough and unpolished when writing, but when I produce and especially vocal produce, it becomes really technical and detail-oriented. It’s like using two different sides of the brain!

Is this the first mix you’ve released as a DJ/producer? What inspired you while producing this mix?

This is the first mix I’ve released as a DJ/Producer, and I am beyond excited! I wanted this mix to represent where I am as an artist, and I’ve included a ton of unreleased material that will be coming out in the near future!

Describe the sound you are aiming for as a solo artist.

I want my music to uplift and inspire with catchy singalong vocals over high-energy melodic bass.

Do you have any advice for aspiring female songwriters who are also interested in learning how to DJ or produce?

Do it! Just stay persistent and keep going. If it’s what you love, you will go very far as long as you stick with it.

What does the future hold for Monika Santucci? Do you plan to release new music as a solo DJ/producer? Will you continue to sing on your own tracks?

Yes, yes, and yes! I have my absolute favorite solo songs I’ve ever made coming out this year and early next. There is much more in store for 2023, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!

What’s the most memorable moment of your career so far?

The most memorable moment I’ll never forget is having my song “Deep Blue” chart on the Billboard Top 40 Top Dance Albums at #13. It was a huge year for melodic bass as a genre, and it was incredible watching my song get played at a sold-out Madison Square Garden as well as several other iconic venues! I feel very lucky to get to experience moments like this, and I am so grateful for my music career bringing me so many incredible memories!