With two completely different backgrounds in music, Claudine and Chook may have been an unlikely duo to collaborate at first glance. He used his teenage DJ-ing experience to make a name for himself not only as a turntable artist, but also as a drum&bass producer; she was inspired by the likes of Tom Waits, Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell and became a singer-songwriter, touring with a folk-rock band. He can spend hours in the studio tweaking a sound until it is just the one he’s been looking for, building up a tune that speaks for itself and is in no need of words; she loves acoustic instruments, the touch of fingers on strings or wood.
Yet, after having built successful careers in their respective fields, they were eager to take on a new musical challenge and search for common ground. The result of this collaboration is Monophona, a blend of two extremes, electronic and intimate, melodic and innovative.
On stage, the line-up is completed by percussionist Jorsch, equally at home in both musical worlds. He adds detail and dynamics to their live-set.
Since their first gig in the summer of 2011, they have opened for acts such as Rodrigo y Gabriela, Elektro Guzzi and Nostalgia77.
Their first single "Give up" is released in September 2012. The debut album called "The Spy" will be out in November.
http://www.monophona.com/
still
Monophona Lyrics
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I belong to no one except to my mother's womb
One day, one day I'll let this go, but for now it's standing still
One day, one day I'll let this go, but for now it's standing still
You belittle me, you belittle me till I'm cut down to size so can fit
I get so dizzy I get so dizzy from clenching my fist
One day, one day I'll let this go, but for now it's standing still
One day, one day I'll let this go, but for now it's standing still
The lyrics of Monophona's song "Still" speaks of individuality, determination and self-acceptance. In the first line, "I am the singer not the song don't you know", the singer refers to herself as a separate entity from the song she is singing. This could be interpreted as her not wanting to be defined by her art alone, but instead be seen as a whole individual with her own thoughts and emotions. She then goes on to say that she belongs to no one except to her mother's womb, which could be an assertion of her independence and the fact that the only person she owes anything to is her mother who brought her into this world.
The refrain, "One day, one day I'll let this go, but for now it's standing still", speaks of a conflict within the singer. She acknowledges that she needs to move on from something, but for now, she is stuck where she is. This conflict could be about her wanting to assert her individuality, but feeling belittled and cut down to size.
The second verse, "You belittle me, you belittle me till I'm cut down to size so can fit. I get so dizzy I get so dizzy from clenching my fist", shows the effect that the external pressure to fit in is having on her. She feels like she needs to conform to certain standards to be accepted, but it makes her feel small and dizzy. In the end, the refrain leaves the possibility open that the singer will eventually move on from this conflict and be able to let go of these external pressures.
Overall, the lyrics of "Still" provide an insightful commentary on the struggle for individuality and self-acceptance in a world that often values conformity and fitting in. The singer's determination to remain true to herself despite this pressure is a positive message that many listeners can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
I am the singer not the song don't you know
I am a unique individual and cannot be defined solely by my actions or words.
I belong to no one except to my mother's womb
I am my own person and do not owe my existence or loyalty to anyone except my mother who gave birth to me.
One day, one day I'll let this go, but for now it's standing still
I acknowledge that this situation is not healthy, but for the time being I am unable to move past it.
You belittle me, you belittle me till I'm cut down to size so can fit
You constantly make me feel small and worthless until I conform to your expectations.
I get so dizzy I get so dizzy from clenching my fist
I become physically and emotionally overwhelmed from holding back my anger and frustration.
Contributed by Evelyn O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.