Monique Bingham

Monique Bingham is a South African-born, Brooklyn-based vocalist and songwriter associated with soulful house, vocal house and chillout. She works as a member of Abstract Truth and begins her recording career in an impromptu session at Francois Kevorkian’s Axis Studios. During that session, Gordon Clay, also known as Nappy G of Groove Collective, introduces her to saxophonist Dana Vicek, the founder and bandleader of Abstract Truth, who asks her to join the group as lead vocalist and writer.

Abstract Truth and early releases

With Abstract Truth, Bingham writes and performs “Like Water” and later becomes part of the group’s debut period. The first single from their debut EP is “Get Another Plan,” released on Francois K’s Wave Music label and later licensed to Mr. Gilles Peterson’s Talkin Loud imprint in 1996. In 1998, Abstract Truth releases “We Had a Thing,” also written and performed by Bingham. A soulful house remix by Mathias Helbronn and the track’s appearance on compilations such as Body and Soul help establish it as a dancefloor standard.

Solo and collaborative work

Bingham’s first solo recording is “Pure,” a collaboration with Blue Six on Naked Music’s label in 2000. The track gains international play, including support from Louie Vega. She follows this with “Don’t You Love Me” on Sir Piers’ Curious label in 2002 and “Go-Getter” with Matty Heilbronn, released on Papa Records in 2004 and reaching No. 2 and No. 6 on DJ Mag’s Hype Chart. She also performs a live PA for Timmy Regisford’s Club Shelter in 2003.

Later releases and production partners

Her later work includes “Flight” on Studio Apartment’s album World Line, with a Frankie Feliciano remix released on Kingstreet in 2004. Japanese producer Okada Taxi, also known as Kanoe, includes her song “Come and Live with Me” on the album Wise Retrogression in 2004. She also works with Quentin Harris, and “Your Can’t Have New York” is set for release on Freddy Sanson’s Shelter Records.

Style and outlook

Bingham describes her songs as written to feel memorable and emotionally direct rather than disposable club tracks. Her work is closely tied to underground house music, with a focus on strong songwriting as well as club use.