Born in Scotland to South African-Italian and Finnish parents, Sinikka Monte is an Austria based singer-songwriter. Through studying ballet as a child, Sinikka found a passion for performing. At the age of 12, she started writing her own music and in 2019 released her debut single It Aint You.
How would you describe your music for someone who may not have heard you before?
Passionate, versatile mixed with a lot of bass.
Do you have a usual songwriting process? If so, what is it?
I usually have some lyrics ready and then I sit at the piano and come up with a melody and more lyrics evolve. Sometimes my mom helps me with the lyrics.
You started writing songs when you were 12, would you say you have grown as a writer since then? If yes, how?
My first song was inspired by a Pinterest quote LOL and I wrote about stuff that I had no idea of. Now I write about my own experiences and the song structures are more complex as are the lyrics.
Where has been the best place that you have played and what made this experience so special?
I love performing at a concert venue in my home town of St.Pölten. I know the sound and lighting guys so I can trust them to get everything right. I also love the venue because that is where my music video was filmed.
Which song of yours is your favourite to perform and why?
I love performing Slayer of Love (unreleased), video is available here, because it an emotional and dynamic song with lots of clever lyrics.
Does your latest single Play Pretend have a story? What was the inspiration behind it?
I was attracted to a person, but I knew that it would have not been a good idea to act on it, so I just made stuff up in my head of what could have been.
You used to do ballet, have you taken anything from this experience into your music performance?
I guess I can still move gracefully and have a good posture.
You recently released a music video, how was this experience?
It was awesome, we filmed it when they were starting to lift the lockdown restrictions, so I was lucky to be able to get a proper music video. The location was stunning, and my team and I had so much fun trying to get me to look all sexy. haha
Who are some of your favourite bands and artists in your local music scene?
I really like Florence Arman’s new single Naked but otherwise, I am not into Austrian music.
Do you have any plans to play anywhere in the UK or Europe?
Hopefully, by next year I can start to perform outside of Austria.
What advice would you give young women looking to get into music and performing?
Believe in yourself; don’t let people belittle you. Also don’t think that someone else is going to help you get somewhere or that you are going to go viral. Going viral requires money and hard work. Finally, whatever you do, stay humble and think big.
Do you have any releases planned for the near future?
I am working on my EP and hope to release a single in September. The EP should be ready by December along with an amazing music video.
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