How does it feel to be celebrating your first 10 years in the business?
A combination of disbelief, exhaustion, disappointment, and absolute elation.

How would you describe your sound.?
Oy. It would probably take me all day. I can't quite fit it into a slot. I don't identify what I do with any particular genre of music so there's my first problem. Most of the published songs I've written are at a certain BPM and have a 4/4 at the bottom so they call it soulful house. I just do whatever I can at that moment, with that track, to get a particular idea out of my head and out of my life. Until it's released of course.

Have you been singing from an early age?
I think the majority of professional vocalists were always singing at some point from an early age. If not on a stage or in a church, in the shower or just around the house. I used to hide and sing for a long time. Then I got a Casio keyboard for Christmas or something when I was like 9 and that was it. I wrote a song called "The Light Switch"I clearly needed little to inspire me to write. And I am convinced the Village People ripped me off. The verses of "YMCA'sound exactly like the hook to "The Light Switch"

Do you come from a very musical background?
No. There are no, nor have there ever been any musicians in my family that I know of. Professional or otherwise.

Have you always been in the music industry or did you do another job?
DID I do another job? I still do another job.! And it's so soul wrenching I'd prefer not to discuss it. A lot of us have real serious day gigs you know. And when I say "us" I mean vocalists in the industry. I think it depends on how you want to live. Some people can, but at this level I simply would not be able to sustain a lifestyle I find comfortable without a day gig. And I hate to say it because I honestly despise what I do sometimes. (I work for family. quitting is not an option) But it's given me an invaluable perspective that I have used in every song, play and story I've written over the last 5 years. And I can take months off without getting fired.

What were your earliest musical influences.?
Same as anybody else who has any damn sense. But I'm not going to go down the list. It feels like cheating. As if I'm trying to associate myself with someone else's achievements. I read an interview once with Jennifer Lopez and she named Sade as one of her musical influences. Sade?! Come on man.

What gave you your first break?
My cleavage really. I used it like a pocket watch to hypnotize Nappy G of Groove Collective to talk to me. This was many moons ago. We were all so young then. When I say "we" I mean me and my cleavage. I ended up singing on the street for him that night and he invited me to one of those Giant Step jam session thingies they had in the early 90s in NY. That lead me to Abstract Truth and one thing's just been leading to the next ever since.

When did you record your first production.?
In '95 at Francois K's Axis studio. It was in the same building as the old Studio 54 which was closed down obviously. But I thought that was so cool back then.

Have you been involved with any other type of music scene or has it always been dance music for you?
I started in this business being referred to as a jazz musician. "Dance" music has been a way for me to get my songs published. I've often felt that some house purists resented people like me. But I don't mind. Resentment is the sincerest form of hostility. And if people feel hostile toward you then at least you're doing something. At least you’re inspiring some kind of emotion. The worst thing a musician can be is a frickin' bore.

How has the last 12 months been for you.?
Well now that you mention it, pretty good. Recorded a bunch of stuff. Hit a few corners of the globe.

Have you any plans to do an album?
Have had them since 1989. But there's no point really if no one's going to hear it. I could make music all day everyday. Album or no album that's what I do. But when you record something, and press it with the intention of selling it; there aint no point unless the scenario is right. An album is a tricky thing without serious money behind it. Especially now.

Are there any projects your working on or have coming up you can tell us about?
Did a bunch of tracks with Sir Piers in London in May while we were promoting the new single "Fool's Got Nothing". Matty Heilbronn and I have a tune called "Now What" coming out soon on some label somewhere. And it's about as big and classy and beautiful as they come. Quentin Harris and I have a tune called "You Can't Have New York" slated to come out on Shelter records sometime before we both die! (kisses Freddy) I really wrote that tune with the Shelter crowd in my mind so it had to come out on Shelter. The tune got licensed to that Southport Weekender compilation that just came out so it's out there.

Do you have any goals for the next 12 months.?
I made a list of everyone I want to work with this year in addition to Q, Matty and Piers. I’ve been able to cross off 2 more names in the last few weeks, which is cool. But there’s like 14 people on the list so we shall see! Other than that just to keep writing like a fiend, and turn myself on as much and as deeply as I can. In music and in life.

What has been your finest moment so far?
Jeez. I don't have a particular moment that stands out apart from any other at this point. I haven't had anything happen yet that I would call a "finest moment". Damn. Maybe I missed it. So busy waiting for it I missed the $hit!

Do you have a favourite record you are particularly proud of?
"Get Another Plan" still does the trick. But I really can't say. I try not to let any of them get released UNTIL I'm particularly proud of them. And they all take on new relevance each time I listen back. Depends really on my state of mind or what day it is in my menstrual cycle.

Who has been cool to work with?
Well I have to say everybody right? Or they won’t call me again. But honestly I'm lucky. I don't have any studio horror stories. Sessions with Matty Heilbronn are kind of like just hanging, smoking and talking interrupted by some recording you know. Quentin Harris and I always get right down to business. We exchange a few pleasantries and then knock it out. No drama, no games. But it's still a really warm environment. Piers and I just have these endless sessions. We're drinking and talking and listening to other people's music and then going out to eat and then working and then talking some more. The month I spent working with him this year in London was really great. Sessions with Dana, from Abstract Truth, were like that too. We'd talk and talk and get really happy and energetic about some aspect of the tune at the same time. And get really tired and unenthused at the same time. Jay Denes and I did a lot of hanging too.

And who would you like to work with in the future?
I've got my list as I said. That list has a variety of producers, DJs and vocalists that are realistic possibilities. On the other list is Quincy Jones. And I've also written what I am positive will be a no. 1 pop hit for that Beyonce kid. She's gonna be big some day huh?

Do you write most/any of your songs?
All of them except one. I sang a song on Jay Denes'album that he wrote. That's the only time. I don't do that as a rule because I'm not a "singer". I think I write better than I sing so it feels silly just singing someone else's tune. I prefer to think of my voice as an instrument. If I’m singing someone else's tune I'm just kind of lending them my instrument. Then what do I get to play?

Do you play any instruments?
I actually play bass, drums, and keys. Very badly. Which is a step up from not being able to play at all so I'm pretty excited about that.

You have done some great records with Sir Piers how did that collaboration come about and is there any kind of magical chemistry between you that brings out such great music?
THC? Ha. Penfold claims he got my number from Frankie Feliciano. I don't see how that's possible since I just met Frankie in 2004 and Piers first called me in 2001 but who knows. We actually just have a similar approach to and appreciation for real songs. We both believe in songs. A lot of people don't.

Do you have a lot of bookings to sing live?
Got a few lined up. I wouldn't say a lot. But that kind of thing is subject to change pretty quickly. Especially after a release that people are digging.

Do you have a website where we can find out more about you and your music?
moniquebingham.com should be up and running by Aug. 15th 2005.

What is your favourite food?
I recently saw some shots of me performing at Devotion in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago. I'd rather not discuss food at this time. You get the picture.!

Have you seen any good movies lately?
Not one thing pops into my head. I haven't been to a movie theatre in ages. I love the medium and hope to make films one day. Just for kicks you know. I just haven't had time to watch any lately.

Thank you very much Monique for your time and I wish you many more years of success.