Meet Mondo - A Northern California country artist, and Radio Airplay's newest Center Stage pick. His song, Palm and the Pines was also recently chosen as one of the top 10 songs in our 2018 Summer Song Contest!
We enjoyed learning more about Mondo in our newest Q&A feature. Dig in for yourself below!Mondo finished off 2017 with over 200 shows, having shared the stage with major recording artists such as,Brett Young, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, Luke Combs, Clay Walker, Easton Corbin, Wade Hayes, Kellie Pickler, Coffey Anderson, Josh Gracin, and Runaway June. Mondo recently completed his anticipated album, “The Nashville Cuts” which is now available on all online music platforms!
Can you describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence?
I consider my sound to be California country which could be best described as modern country with all the down home country feels. What's your earliest music-related memory growing up?
My earliest music-related memory probably goes back to when I was about five or six years old listening to my grandpa’s Chuck Berry and Johnny Cash records while trying to pick out a few notes on a guitar that he had handmade.
If you were to cover another band/artist's album, which would you pick and why?
It would probably be Jon Pardi’s, California Sunrise, album or Brett Young’s self titled album. I cover a few of their songs in my live shows already and I think their music really represents that California sound I strive for.
Do you write/compose your own songs?
Yes Briefly describe your songwriting process Typically my songwriting process starts with the chorus, hook and melody and then I go back and write the story of the song within the verses.
What was the highlight for you in 2017? Either personally or for your music career?
My musical highlight from 2017 would be winning the local NASH NEXT competition for my hometown radio station.
What have you been working on recently? Can you give us a hint for whats to come in 2018?
Just released my first music video for my first single off my album "Time to Wine” and writing new music with the hopes of going back to Nashville in the fall to record a new EP.
What do you like more: Performing live or recording in the studio?
I love doing live shows. I love people. I love getting to know them, interacting with them, and making new Mondo fans.
What are some artists/bands that you're into at the moment? Or any particular song you find yourself listening to over and over?
I just recently came across Leon Bridges and have really been getting into his music. I enjoy getting inspired by different genres of music other than country. One particular song that is stuck in my head right now is Kenny Chesney’s “Get Along” It’s got a great chorus/hook to it and once I’ve finished listening to it I just put it on repeat a few more times!
Any embarrassing on stage moments you'd like to share? C’mon, don’t be shy.
I have learned long ago in this business that you have to be able to laugh at yourself because there will always be that moment when something goes completely wrong and you just can’t let it get to you. I remember tripping over the bass players guitar cable one time when I was running up on stage and I have also knocked over my mic stand a few times with my guitar.
What's one thing people should know about you?
I’m just an ordinary guy trying to do something extraordinary!
What do you enjoy doing outside of music? Does your hobby rejuvenate your creativity?
I enjoy traveling with my family. Quick day trips to the beach or overnights up to the mountains are rejuvenating for the spirit and helps me get inspiration for new music.
What do you like the most about Radio Airplay?
Radio Airplay is a great site. I enjoy being able to see who has listened to my music and when they listened to it. The site is easy to use and I love checking out new music on there.
Website: www.mondolivemusic.com
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