Awesome photo by Brenna Weeks
“Force of Nature is a song that I hope everyone sings barefoot in the dirt with people they love. The words are almost meant to be a meditation. Sing them and let your soul, your cells, begin to recall the ways of your ancestors. How we lived in harmony with nature long before buildings, before technology, before we severed our ties to the earth in the name of progress. A friend of mine said “We are the regeneration,” but before you can even process that you must remember that you are a force of nature.”
“I’ve really spent the last two years reconnecting with my divine feminine. It’s helped me realize why we see the earth as a feminine entity. A life giver & source itself! The world will continue to turn, and we will meet new versions of ourselves throughout life, but I’ve come to learn, you only meet the depths of yourself when you’re in nature. It’s brutal, it’s kind, it’s complex, and emotional with nuance throughout. Just like humanity. So when I say “In all that you do be a force of nature” I mean reconnect with that force that we were born with… it’s waiting to be rediscovered.”
Hailing from California, Monica Aben is a singer-songwriter whose music exudes passion, authenticity, and a profound love for life’s adventures. Monica’s musical journey began at a young age, mastering the piano and guitar while growing up in a music-loving and rhythm-filled home. Her mother is a professional Hawaiian / Polynesian dancer & her father a vinyl enthusiast. The connection between her poetry and melodies led her to discover her unique gift for songwriting, drawing inspiration from iconic talents like Keane and Ben Rector. Monica’s captivating melodies and thoughtful lyrics have earned her a growing fanbase not only here at home, but in the UK as well, which is where part of her team is based. Monica defines success as being wholly authentic and creating music and art that resonates with her audience, regardless of societal expectations. She has graced the stage at prominent events such as Future Echoes Festival in Sweden and Camden Club in London, solidifying her presence in the international music scene. For Aben, her love of music and her passion for regenerative farming / sovereign holistic health are inextricably tied. Her upcoming EP Everything I’ve Ever Known, out in July, reflects that relationship. When she’s not in the studio, you can find her in the kitchen or in the garden planting her roots a little deeper here at home in the USA in search of setting up her own homestead.
Everything I’ve Ever Known is a journey of rediscovery. Aben says “the rediscovery of what we’ve always been… multitudes.” Whether it was a Saturn return or just the chaos of recent years, Monica felt the inner earthquakes that forced her to meet her next evolution, ready or not. “I have been in a consistent state of change, growth, and rediscovery for three years. I’ve questioned everything that contradicted my intuition (which was basically EVERYTHING) and it cost me friendships & opportunities I thought I wanted etc. However, now that I’m on the other side of it, I’ve never felt more peace, self-love, kindness, and synchronicity. The title “Everything I’ve Ever Known,” couldn’t be more accurate because these songs weave together the story of me rediscovering the woman I was meant to be in this lifetime– Honestly, it felt like specific parts of me, from past lives, were being awakened to help me (and those around me) through all that is to come. It’s pure love. It’s peace. It’s the sound of establishing an entirely new reality where freedom and health aren’t conditional. It’s reconnecting to nature & our ancestors. Trusting our gut regardless of curated narratives, and being ready to jump into the void over conforming and contradicting our souls. I realized deep in my bones, that’s the reality I’ve always known. So here I am preparing to share my sonic magnum opus that just might be the soundtrack for this new earth.”
Directed & Edited by Monica Aben
Filmed by Anna Marie Aben & Monica Aben in Mesa Grande, CA (Encino Conservancy) & Garner Valley, CA
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Written & Performed by Monica Aben
Produced & Mixed by Rich Jacques
Mastered by Jett Galindo
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SPECIAL THANKS & LINKS
Force of Nature Meats – https://forceofnature.com/
Roam Ranch – https://www.roamranch.com/
The Encino Conservancy (where we filmed most of this!) – https://encinoconservancy.org/
Judith D. Schwartz – https://www.judithdschwartz.com/
Daniel Firth Griffith – https://danielfirthgriffith.com/
