My Autumn Amor is L.A. based songwriter Thomas Monroe. Monroe’s songs have consistently found their way to both college and mainstream radio thru various monikers and bands. “Your Life Is A Song (Ft. Yuki Noda) recently peaked at #51 on the Mediabase Chart, wracking up over 1,800 spins on Top 40 stations in the United States. He has had 3 previous songs on KROQ Los Angeles, one on Alt 98.7, airplay on over 240 college stations, and his latest release was featured by Nic Harcourt on KCSN, and in Tokyo, Japan on INTERFM.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with My Autumn Amor about the music, the challenges, the technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Midway City, a tiny little town next to Garden Grove with lots of gangs, illegal fireworks, and pho. Sometimes I describe my music as “gangster pop”, but it may fit in the “alternative” category.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
My Dad corrupted me from a very young age with vinyl records, Casio keyboards (which I still play), and 2nd hand guitars. He literally made me sit down and study the lyrics from Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” album when I was 13. I keep going out of habit and spite. Songwriting is as routine to me by now, as smoking cigarettes. I also have an obsession with finishing things I start.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This release dives deep into my love of synthesizers and drum beats. I was lucky to be introduced to producer Jake Plus by my buddy and former roommate Zerokares. Jake was doing all his hip hop beats and ZK connected us. I wanted to accomplish a synth heavy EP but still retain the acoustic guitar in places. I think we made a couple gems.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
The biggest challenge for me is that I HATE social media. I started off on Instagram just posting pictures of my food because my ex-girlfriend said she hated that. Of course, she might have been using reverse psychology. But now an indie artist is expected to maintain a Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Youtube, TikTok, and Spotify page, and it’s just exhausting to think about. I just want to release music and tour, because what I love is playing live and connecting to people face to face. Now everyone wants to be famous or an influencer or sell hand lotion…I get so many requests to endorse products for everything from dog collars to dildos and I say no to all of it. I don’t want the money, I don’t want to be an influencer, I just write songs. I hope people will get sick of the whole thing and bugger off. Technology has helped me reach people on the other side of the world, without a doubt. I have connected with some wonderful musicians in Japan that I hope to jam with, when I go tour there.
What was the last song you listened to?
Boombayah by Blackpink. After watching the Netflix documentary and seeing what those 4 talented people went through – all the years of training and stress, I felt so happy for them and like I am way too lazy!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl all the way. When I left home at 15 to go be a homeless teenager rambling the country, I gave my vinyl copy of T. Rex – Slider and many other records to my best friend. He ended up becoming a DJ, so I think it worked out, but I miss some of those old vinyl treasures, found at flea markets, in the Midwest.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp all the way! They really support artists and people very often pay 4 times the amount just to support independent musicians. I don’t think I need to make a comment on a service that pays artists like .00008 per play while they rake in the money for adverts. No comment. Ok, one comment. Taylor Swift was right.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
My official website has links to everything else: www.myautumnamor.com
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you for your questions and for supporting independent music!
