Rook Monroe's Debut EP 'Californialand' is Lyrically Compelling

image

Photo by Chris G Cleary

Songwriter Rook Monroe is no stranger to penning memorable songs. After writing for other artists, Rook Monroe decided to focus on solo music and the results of these efforts have culminated into his debut EP Californialand.  The lead singles for the EP, "Jolie," "Honey," and "Pink and Purple" are all bright, optimistic, and catchy indie pop tracks that prove Monroe's vocal ability, beat selection expertise, and personality over an instrumental.

Californialand maintains the high quality of Monroe's singles, while also showing his versatility as a songwriter. The opening track  "Dandelion" is a slow building, climactic pop song that acts as the perfect introduction to the project. The titular track  "Californialand" is a morose reflection on his own self discovery and growth. The production throughout the album by producers Trackside is simple, yet sufficiently supports Monroe's storytelling and vocal performances.  

Rook Monroe uses his past writing experiences and a variety of influences to create a personal project that introduces himself to the world as an introspective individual who has strong technical ability and charisma.

Listen to Californialand by Rook Monroe below:

Related Articles

Feng Is Living For Anything But a 9 to 5 in "J*b"

Feng Is Living For Anything But a 9 to 5 in "J*b"

February 7, 2026 “J*b” is an ode to every person counting down the minutes until they’re free from the shackles of employment.
Author: Jazmin Kylene
pop
job
Sydney Ross Mitchell’s “Cynthia” is Rock N’ Roll (Whether You Get it Or Not) [Q&A]

Sydney Ross Mitchell’s “Cynthia” is Rock N’ Roll (Whether You Get it Or Not) [Q&A]

February 6, 2026 On a sunny January day in Los Angeles, Sydney Ross Mitchell stopped by to chat about her new EP Cynthia.
Author: Giselle Libby
pop
Whitney Whitney Yearns For "A Man Written By A Woman" In New Country Infused Single

Whitney Whitney Yearns For "A Man Written By A Woman" In New Country Infused Single

February 6, 2026 The song, a follow-up to 2025 single “Isabelle,” sees Whitney Whitney on the search for a different kind of guy — one she could create herself.
Author: India McCarty
pop