ECHO INTERVIEW: MICHAEL MONCADA & WHISKEY HIGH

Michael Moncada & Whiskey High brings energy, grit, and heart with their signature outlaw sound! They have been making waves across the scene, with shows in major cities across the Midwest. The band is comprised of seasoned musicians, whose stage presence and original music speaks volume of their hardships, strengths & triumphs – elevating their audience, & making them one of the fastest rising acts of 2022! Earning 2018 Best New Music Lister, Top 40 Nationally, and #1 Regionally with ReverbNation. Michael has earned 3 nominations for KBOE Iowa Country Artist of the Year (2018, 2019, 2020)

Their newest single, “Demons Do” was released June 2022 and their new EP “Walk No Line” is currently streaming on all major platforms. (In partnership with Lobo’s Salsa)

Walk No Line – Album art | Created by John Born – Cast A Giant Shadow

Name/Band Name:

Michael Moncada & Whiskey High

Genre:

Country, Rock & Roll, Outlaw country

Members in band:

Michael Moncada, Justin Behn, Justin Fisher, Chris Cushman

First paid gig:

Redstone Room, 2019

Favorite venue to play at:

The Rust Belt, or Redstone Room @ Common Chord

Before gig/On tour Food choice:

Jameson

IF YOU DIDN’T BECOME A MUSICIAN/MUSICIANS, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW?

I would have continued running Bear Creek Kennels as a professional dog trainer breeder and hunt test owner.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PLAYING MUSIC IN THE QUAD CITIES?

First show was at Rhythm City casino as I played their casino circuit. Landed and started to perform regularly after a show in June 2019 Fathers Day at Runners Park in East Moline.

WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR A FIRST TIME FAN AT YOUR SHOW?

We bring high energy in our shows, heavy rock and roll sound with a country twist added in to our show, original music and a few driving covers, that creates a soulful gritty experience.

Michael Moncada & Whiskey High opening up for Casey Donahew at The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL. | Howell Photographic Arts

DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS FOR MAKING NEW MUSIC?

Life lessons, experiences. They come for me as a writer only in this way. What you hear are the stories of my life, highs and lows, and by doing so, the songs have an energy that connects and moves our fans when delivered. The songs are raw and gritty, real life. So they relate with our audience. No bullshit in them. Real life most can relate in someway to.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS IN THE QC MUSIC SCENE?

Focusing on our original music and brand, and working tirelessly on them both.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT PLAYING IN THE QC AREA?

It’s such a diverse music scene, there’s always new venues popping up to give even more opportunities to play or see new music. It’s very unique.

Michael Moncada and Whiskey High opening up for Casey Donahew at The Rust Belt | Photograph by: Howell Photographic Arts

ARE THERE ANY REASONS YOU DON’T LIKE PLAYING IN THE QC AREA?

We are focused on being a more original music band, so we travel a lot outside the area to play venues who support more of that. QC has tons of cover bands and that seems to be the desired sound for most venues here.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER LOCAL MUSICIANS?

Support each other. Stay in your lanes, it’s not a competition. We all eat.

IF YOU COULD HAVE QUAD CITY FANS REMEMBER ONE THING ABOUT YOU?

We are unapologetically original. Raw and real. And we bring it to our daily lives, on and off the stage.