Little Monarch’s new single “Tears” is a perfect L.A. freeway song, with its jazzy syncopation and summery vibe. While The Doors captured a darker side of Los Angeles, this song is chill and optimistic.
The Little Monarch persona is the brainchild of L.A. artist Casey Kalmenson, who has a flower-child insouciance even though she’s accomplished a lot in the music biz. For example, Kalmenson is also part of the Gracie Abrams band now opening for the Taylor Swift Eras tour in many cities. And she’s had sync placements in Grey’s Anatomy and many other TV/film productions.
Kalmenson notes that “Tears” is “like an old car starting up and then eventually coasting at 70. Sunshine coming and soaking up all your tears. More of a mantra and meditation on days spent in Los Angeles dreaming, losing, spilling all kinds of tears then surrendering and letting it all be absorbed by another sunbent day.”
Most of the great songs about L.A. (like David & David’s “Boomtown”) make you feel like something ominous is about to happen. But “Tears” is more about southern Cal amnesia, where each new day is brimming with fresh possibilities.
Listen to “Tears” below, or find it on the streaming services.
