Monica Aben – CPH (2021)
Raised in a world of creativity and performing arts, Monica Aben is a US native with gads of natural talent. Beginning her music career at 18, Aben was determined to carve her own niche in the music scene despite “industry professionals” saying her wholesome sound wasn’t enough. Comments from “show more skin” to “be more country” came at her, but Aben stood her ground in her originality and authenticity. After travelling to the UK in January 2020, Aben met her manager and was introduced to a diverse range of encouraging professionals leaving contradictory comments behind her.
Alright, brief introduction over, let’s get to the meat of the stuff and chat about Aben as an artist. Featured on Lost in the Manor, The Alternative Magazine, Screams Media, She Makes Music, RGM, iHeart Radio and several other publications/online radio stations, Aben is reaching people on a global scale. The latest addition to her critically acclaimed discography is ‘CPH’.
The first single following a two-year absence of releases, ‘CPH’ is an intriguing and sentimental track. The first single off her debut EP Postcards, ‘CPH’ carries you through the tale of a young woman reaching self-acceptance through self-discovery. Aben believes in the power of storytelling, so this insight into her journey of enlightenment has an intimate personal nature. Aben says that “‘CPH’ is about the trip that tied up my adolescence with a bow and launched me into womanhood. It’s an ode to the ending of what felt like the first chapter in my life…”
Arranged by multi-instrumentalist Justin Glasco, mixed by Grammy winner Ryan Gilligan and mastered by engineer Jett Galindo, ‘CPH’ has a smooth, sophisticated and melodic arrangement. Showcasing her soulful vocals alongside dynamic guitars, the new track has a powerful punch to it. Yet, while it has this punch can reverberate down your spine, the simplistic nature (with interspersed piano) increases its gentle intimacy.
A lighthearted and languid melody keeps the tempo upbeat, but the depth lies in Aben’s lyricism. Touching on feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, she places you in the position of a confused protagonist. As the song progresses, her personal narrative connects with listeners taking them through self-discovery and empowerment. Aben shares that she “…can still feel the freedom in its [CPH] lines from the day I wrote it alone in that little Danish apartment.”
In addition to her single, Monica Aben released an official music video for ‘CPH’. Directed by Shannon Janet Smith, the video adds a visual element to Aben’s conceptual message of “growing up and discovering oneself”. A tale following Aben through daily experiences, such as making cupcakes and running in a park, the music video is fresh, vibrant and motivational. Bonus feature: there are no flashing lighting effects to cause seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy so I can watch it!!
For more from Monica Aben check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
