Meet Mona Eye-yoob | Singer/Songwriter/Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mona Eye-yoob and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mona, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from Lebanon in the Middle East.

Being born and raised in this geographical area gave me exposure to interact with cultures and people from different places around the world, especially that we speak three languages back there (Arabic, English, and French). These factors made it so much easier for me to blend with other cultures and helped reduce the “cultural shock” everyone talk about when moving to the United States.
The fact that I was born and raised in Lebanon, we had to learn about different countries’ history and cultures.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Lebanese singer/songwriter based in Denver Colorado. You could consider my category as straddling Singer/Songwriter and Live Band. Eye-yoob & Les Americains is the name of my band, We play Middle Eastern and North African covers around Colorado in addition to my original songs. I recently released a new song called Be Beirut and it’s the most dearly project to my heart. Be Beirut is my gem so far. it has a special place in my heart and soul. I wrote this song after a period of depression and sorrow resulting from the massive explosion that occurred in Beirut in August of 2020. I could say I was able to divert all the sadness and sorrow into a positive song, full of energy and love. Be Beirut differs from my other songs in its writing techniques, its music production, and its vibe. It’s the first time I used the channeling technique in my songs. I am embodying my country, Lebanon, as my beloved and addressing them in the city that never sleeps, Beirut, as I long for the good old days. It also represents a milestone because it’s the first time I officially mixed Lebanese Arabic and English languages in an original recording. Be Beirut played on 4 radio stations in Lebanon and has over 18000 streams on Spotify.

I super thrilled for my upcoming show on Oct 3rd at the Muse Performance Space in Lafayatte! Yalla Fall Party.

Also, I am excited for the release of my first EP early next year!

Three main elements that got me to where I am today; Patience, Persistence, and Persevering.
I believe that if you are stubborn and passionate in chasing your dreams, you’ll get there.

Aside from music, I have a full time job to focus on. Balancing between my music career and my full time job requires a lot of energy and patience. I make sure to give my music projects the required and needed time to produce songs that meet my perspective and touches my audience hearts. Also, being the main manager if the band, requires a lot of work, from booking venues, marketing, advertising, social media, and managing everything from A – Z.

I never take a no as an answer. Sometimes, Festivals organizers would decline our performance applications or even ghost us. I’ve recently had an experience with one of the Festivals where we were supposed to play at in 2020 but due to Covid it was postponed to this year. The festival organizer preferred to go with some bands from outside states even we agreed the year before on performing. It’s never the end of the world. We are still performing and will keep doing it. Things like this happen and we learn the lesson.

I want people to feel that blend between different music genres, as simple as it sounds, and say “oh this is different and I love the vibe.” The music I create is a way to introduce my culture to the world with my own spices. If it touches you and gets stuck in your mind for days, weeks, or months then everyone wins.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh Jeez! I don’t know where to start. I feel so lucky to live in Denver Colorado. If I had my best friend visiting, I would definitely take them to the spectacular mountains on a hike. There’re tons of great restaurants in Denver to show off! Would definitely take them to The Blue Island Oyster Bar, Mercury Cafe’, The Roxy on broadway, The Sweet Action.Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Art Museums. A visit to the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, for sure. I would also take them see some Denver live music shows and the Red Rocks. Denver has so much give!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my friends, family, and my band members. Every single person who believed in my talent and pushed me do more and more.

My mom always encouraged me and supported my talent. Her only concern was that I got a proper education; after that, she was excited to see me chase my dream..

Website: www.eyeyoobmusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/eyeyoob

Twitter: www.twitter.com/eyeyoob

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eyeyoob

Youtube: www.youtube.com/eyeyoobmusic

Image Credits
First photograph credits go to Dustin Moon Photography. The second photo with the band go to Connor Koldeway Photography