We’ve been featuring Monica Ortiz’s music a lot on Phoenix FM this year with tracks such as On My Side, The Woman I Became, The Mirror and her new seasonal tune My Holiday Bling. We caught up with Monica to chat about her life and music.

Tell us a little bit about your yourself?

I grew up in Houston, Texas in a huge family. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 20 after I had my daughter. Because I needed to be fiscally responsible, I gave up any dream of pursuing my passion of entertainment.

A large part of my life has been helping others find their best life. Because I was so immersed with financial responsibility and helping others, it took me a long time to establish myself enough to finally pursue my dreams in the entertainment business.

I started writing and producing in Hollywood. I met Jars of Clay because I produced their music video “Work” that we won a GMA Dove award for. I still wasn’t pursuing my music career because I didn’t think there would be an opportunity for me but I let that go and here I am.

When did you first start to develop a passion for music?

I loved to sing from the time I was very young. I used to write my own lyrics and put them to a melody and sing them for people.

Which artists did you listen to while growing up?

I consider myself very lucky that every genre of music (other than classical which I developed a love for later) was played in my household. It gave me a deep appreciation for the artists’ voices and singing styles.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?

I describe my music as not sticking to one genre but to allowing myself to flow and interchange with the story I want to tell and the emotions I want to share with the listener.

What music have you recorded and released to date?

My first release was “Humming Bird” which was an all covers EP. Then I wanted to do a full album of originals songs, including songs that I had written and so I worked on Journey Home.

In theory, I thought it would be exciting to finally make my own music until I started and then it became so personal and deep, it was as though I was bearing all of the intimate details of my thoughts and life.

I remember the final day of recording vocals, in the middle of the day I burst into tears with so many memories of sadness. After I finished recording it, I really felt raw and yet whole, as though I put some pieces that had been torn away back inside myself.

The funny thing is that even though it was a cathartic release for me, ‘Journey Home’ is not a sad album, it is an emotional roller coaster ride of ups and downs that I believe encourages the listener to embrace life’s uncertainty and find joy in every moment.

I felt very lucky to have worked with so many talented artist and musicians on ‘Journey Home’ including Matt Odmark and Charlie Lowell (Jars of Clay), The McCrary Sisters, Matthew Koziol, Smith Curry and Joshua Olds (Family Force 5) and AmiBeth Olds. I’ve also released my Holiday single “My Holiday Bling” which I wrote with AmiBeth Olds. I think the song is so fun and romantic.

Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?

I still have a love for most genres and love listening to new and older music. I think music naturally influences my life and I fall in love with an artist because they reach in and grab an emotion out of me both through their lyrics and their voice.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

I would love to do a duet with Hozier or Ryan Tedder. I love the silkiness of both of their voices.

What are your plans for the future?

I am releasing another cover in the month of December. I also just finished recording the song and the music video for a new original single ‘Missing You’ that I am singing a duet with Michael Bryant which will be releasing in January. I want to keep writing and releasing music and I hope my music keeps connecting with music lovers out there.

You can find out more about Monica and her music by visiting her official website monicaortizmusic.com or by following her on Facebook and Instagram.