Multi-talented producer, artist, and songwriter Little Monarch has released her debut album Plenty of Time, out today. The 13-track LP finds Casey Kalmenson, performing as Little Monarch, reflecting on moments of her life at home and on the road through a variety of musical styles that have evolved and taken shape as she comes to terms with creating music for herself.
What’s the story behind the release of Plenty of Time? What does this album mean to you
This album really represents an act of self love over the course of 2 years. It’s what I came back to and worked on in between my other jobs and gigs working for other people. It’s where I felt I could be the most myself, musically and otherwise. Beyond that I think it just represents where I am at as a producer and writer and that’s been almost a decade long journey to finally arrive at a place where I’m really really proud of.
You recently dropped your latest single “It’s Like Music.” How does this track compare to your previous self love anthem “Sheesh?”
“It’s Like Music” is really a story driven song. It’s about being away from your person while on the road. A very specific feeling to me since I travel so much of the time. I think musically it’s a lot more romantic and nostalgic than say something like “Sheesh” which is just a mood boosting beat driven track. “It’s Like Music” is a standout for me on the album because It really captures such specific moments of my life on the road the past couple years.
Why did you pick Little Monarch as your moniker?
It was such a long time ago that I was kind of just putting words together that I thought would be cool. I wish the story were a little better and I think it’s developed into more of a story now since I have like 30 monarch butterflies that live and roam around in my garden now. Originally though it was just kind of random and sounded cool.
How would you describe your own genre and style?
California driving music. Sunset dinner party music. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off kind of music. Genre wise I’ve always fused a lot of things together from disco, jazz, pop, rock even. It’s ever evolving.
As a touring musician, you share the stage with Gracie Abrams as a member of her band. How does that experience affect you as an artist?
It’s amazing. I love being able to be a part of other artists’ worlds and in their orbits. It informs my own work and music and it’s just really good to be able to jump back into my music after working other gigs. It keeps everything fresh for me
What have you learned from being on the road, especially on a large stage like the Eras Tour?
Being on the road is rough and those big artists care about their fans so much and love them so much that they basically give up their life to bring the shows to them. It’s actually really selfless. I’ve learned too many things to name but mostly that everyone is just a human, nobody is better or worse than anyone else and being kind consistently goes a long long way especially on the road. You don’t know what people are going through on any given day.
What are some of your next moves after this?
Time to start thinking about the next album and the next releases. This whole process has been just so enriching that I’m stoked to do it again next year.
