With influences like Evanescence, Flyleaf, Alice in Chains, Tool, The Cranberries and In This Moment, singer-songwriters Monica Malaer and Jane Shipwash joined forces in a metal band back in 2009. After years of writing their own material, they decided to collaborate, quickly learning their harmonies were like no other. In 2010 thru 2013, The Lingering was created in Austin, Texas, with Monica on piano and vocals and Jane on rhythm guitar and vocals. They played an opening act at Stubbs in Austin, Texas, for another local and successful Austin band Three33. The Lingering disbanded in late 2013 due to personal issues with other members in the band, but Monica and Jane did not give up on their dream of rocking out together. In 2014, Monica and Jane both searched for other local musicians to form a new band with a new rock/pop/alternative sound. Because Jane is a novelist and their songs are mostly about her fiction, they decided to name the band Life in Fiction (LiF). They played a few shows together before Jane and Monica parted ways. LiF’s members are now vocalist/pianist Monica , drummer Jay Meadors, and their newest addition to the band, bassist Kazam Ali. Passionate about rock , LiF enjoys playing in the Austin area and has played shows in other surrounding cities. With distinguished vocals, powerful beats, and edgy guitar riffs, Life in Fiction can rock the roof off of any house while mixing in some softer, sentimental pieces that make the crowd swoon. in 2018 Life In Fiction disbanded and Monica started making music on her own and start a new journey. Every door that closes, another shall open. Here's to the journey! “There’s nothing like getting the crowd pumped and then softening their hearts with a heartfelt love song. Our music is very different—very bipolar, if you will [laughs]—but we love to please our crowd.” --Jane Shipwash, Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter
it is my diary, my story telling, my release,my breath. basically it's everything to me.
Just to make music people can relate to and enjoy
The way we treat each other
Fur Elise by Beethoven. It was the very first song that I learned to play.
Evanescence, In this Moment, Halestorm, Lacey Sturm, Ruelle, A Perfect Circle...honestly I have so many that I like.
Everything and anything
that even in the darkest of times, there is light at the end
I actually am very shy so it's scary for me. It's like being on a roller coaster. But I love music so I push past it. I feel like we should do the things that scare us most ( that are not a life risk) so that we can learn to not be afraid of that thing.
I love the digital way we can put out music. I love how we can interact with people we wouldn't normally be able to interact with. I do wish that when we played live, the venues didn't treat us like we aren't worth to be paid.
It's pretty cool, still trying to learn how to use it effectively
Venues and the cost of trying to make a decent LP.
Pre COVID I would try to go see as many local musicians as I could. If it was someone I knew, I would show up to support them even if it wasn't the genre I played.
That I am still learning. I think mastering all the platforms is essential.
cascade rye, aurora, Wild Child, The sweeplings, Sylvan Esso, Arcade Fire, Three33, Broken to Brave