British singer, songwriter and producer Monique recently released her EP, The Gift, which has garnered great reviews from Alt Sounds, Urban Development, ILUVLIVE, Guestlist Magazine and the MOBO Awards! 

The EP was inspired by Monique's own pregnancy and her embracing of motherhood (she recently gave birth to a baby boy!). The singer states that the EP “explores the theme of time and moments in a world that moves so fast that we rarely stand in the present. There are moments that bring us face to face with ourselves and others that are willing us to take a look in the mirror. To stop and consider our course or just to simply enjoy, be thankful and content."

Check out more of my review, and stream the EP below!

Though only 18 minutes, The Gift takes listeners through Monique's own personal journey of self-acceptance. On the project, the singer goes through the ups and downs of love, abuse, and the reminder to be grateful for each day. If you listen, it really is a life story filled with ups and downs, ultimately finding a great happiness.

The beautiful and mellow “Forever With You” starts the EP, honoring a timeless love that Monique promises her soul to. “You have my soul for a lifetime, a few minutes just won’t do. Give me forever, forever with you,” she sings. The mid-tempo “Wanna Be Where You Are” recounts Monique missing her love, who is working to make life better for them both. The EP takes a dark turn with the ballad “Doing Time” as Monique reflects on an abusive relationship. “Like a whisper in the wind, no one heard a thing,” Monique sings of the troubles hidden behind close doors. On  “Nothing’s Certain But The Past,” however, she is determined to make a change and not let her past affect her present and future any longer. By the end of the EP, Monique is in a much better place as she opens up about her optimistic views on the title track, "The Gift." She reflects on her present, stressing to listeners the importance of enjoying and being grateful for today!

This is truly a great project with beautiful music from beginning to end. Monique’s soulful vocals drawn you in from the very start and keeps your attention throughout. It's a very mellow, smooth, and well-written project that you will definitely enjoy!

RATING: ★★★★½ (Four and a half stars)

You can purchase The Gift on iTunes now and stream the EP below! 

Check out more about Monique on her official website! You can also follow the singer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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More features on the way over the next few days! Right now, check out blues-rock band The Blue Van! The group’s members include Steffen Westmark (vocals and guitar), Søren Christensen (keyboard, vocals and guitar), Allan Villadsen (bass) and Per Jørgensen (drums and vocals). The quartet grew up in the same area of Northern Jutlan in Denmark, meeting in kindergarten! While other kids in their school were interested in soccer and dance music, the group wanted to do something different, and started playing music together. “We discovered early on after playing local talent shows and youth clubs that this was a dream we wanted to pursue,” they said. Their parents insisted that they finish high school first, but after they did, the guys moved to Copenhagen to focus on their music.

The Blue Van is more inspired by British and American bands, than music from Denmark. “When we first started out we were very much into mid-sixties british invasion bands. Kinks, Small Faces, The Who etc,” they said. “Since then, with all the traveling and touring, we have broadened our horizons immensely.”

The Blue Van’s music has been featured on numerous films, shows and commercials, including Royal Pains, NCIS, 90210, CSI, and Magic Mike, as well as an ad for iPads shown worldwide! Their strong, edgy sound definitely stands out. “Where mainstream radio today seems to be moving in a much more commercial direction, the music supervisors buying music for tv shows, etc. are looking for more edge, attitude and cool productions,” the band said. Together the group also has five albums under their belt and is consistently recording and touring together. However, now, instead of doing a regular sixth studio album the band has said, “We will be providing our fans with ongoing great tracks and videos. It's all about thinking in new directions and doing things differently because the world is different now."

One of those tracks is their song “Illusion,” which features production from Dan Hougesen and Mark Wills. Check out the video below!

It’s clear that The Blue Van ain’t stopping any time soon! Clearly, they have passion for music and a dedicated, global fanbase to support them. You can check out more from them on their official website, as well as connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

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