Tune In, Turn On
With Doug Deutsch
Ever see a musician perform for the first time and think, “This performer definitely has what it takes to be a star.” That was my immediate reaction the first time I saw Destinee Monroe perform as a co-front person with the popular Billy Walton Band in 2022.
Fast forward to 2025 and Monroe has her career in bloom, not surprising given the level of talent this New Jersey-born musician possesses.
Destinee’s brand-new video, “On And On,” shows her exceptional vocal ability and guitar skills. The song is part pop, part rootsy rock and very catchy.
In this interview with Destinee we discuss her new music project, her music industry background (she was once signed to a major indie label), her time in the Billy Walton Band and more.
DD: Tell us about your new video and music project.
DM: It was a spontaneous burst of creativity that needed to be expressed. It was produced in less than three days; from the moment the melody and lyrics came to me, to sitting down with my guitar and working out the progression, recording it in my home studio, and the next day, filming and editing until five in the morning to be released the following day. There’s a lot of inspiration behind the song and video, touching on some hard truths and facts I’ve discovered throughout my life’s journey and how it will continue to go on no matter what transpires day to day. The dress I wore in the video was my mother’s wedding dress. I had this vision of wearing it and performing in it in the woods behind my childhood home. This was the perfect opportunity for me to do that. At this moment in time, I am keeping it simple with just myself and the same acoustic guitar I’ve played since I was 12 years old. I will continue to keep releasing more music and video content to really bring together the music and a visual that speaks to who I am as an artist and musician.
DD: You were an integral part of the Billy Walton Band for almost two years. Want to talk a little bit about that time?
DM: I learned all that I could learn from that experience and it was time for me to move on so I could expand into what I deeply desired to achieve in my own life.
DD: Once upon a time you and your sister were signed to Interscope Records. Talk about that.
DM: Between the ages of 12 to 20, I was signed to Interscope Records in two different girl-pop groups. My sister and I had recorded over 120 songs together; back then the labels were still into artist development. We worked with some of the most incredible songwriters and producers at that time and were part of some big tours, including opening for Britney Spears in Europe, also touring Japan promoting our original album with The Clique Girlz.
DD: What genre(s) of music are you moving forward with?
DM: I’m starting to dial in on my own unique sound that’s influenced by a lot of the music I ingest and connect to, while staying true to myself and open to a higher source that downloads the melodies and lyrics I receive in my mind. It’s also inspired by my connection and love for hidden knowledge and divinity. I believe music is a religion and artists are the storytellers, prophets and therapists to help bring healing through sound. www.Destineemonroe.com.
