Monica Larrea
Overview
Monica Larrea is an independent artist known for her vulnerable lyrics, soulful vocal arranging, live looping, and interactive live performances. Her genre is described as “Vulnerable R&B”, incorporating tender melodies and harmonies. Blending neo-soul, pop, and hip-hop influences, Monica's recent song, "Mental," was nominated for a 2026 San Diego Music Award for "Best R&B/Soul song"
My performances are a soothing soundscape of ballads, R&B, soul, Top 40, and oldies, creating a peaceful and inviting environment. Simultaneously, I love engaging my audiences with interactive performances featuring sing-alongs, dancing, improvisation, and custom song requests.
Reviews
4 reviews
Jeff J.
August 7, 2025Pure Talent and Warmth – Highly Recommended!
I had the pleasure of hearing Monica perform, and I was blown away by her talent and professionalism. She's an incredibly gifted songwriter—her songs are sweet, heartfelt, and carry the kind of depth you'd expect from a well-known artist. Her voice is beautiful and distinct, and she plays her instrument with ease and skill. Beyond the music, she brought such a warm, kind, and courteous presence to the space. Truly professional from start to finish. I’d love to hear her perform again sometime—highly recommended!
Hired as: Children’s Party Entertainment, Guitarist, Interactive Performer, Pianist, Pop Singer, R&B Vocalist, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, Singing Pianist
Stephanie C.
April 27, 2025Great musician for children's birthday party
We recently had Monica perform at my daughter’s birthday party, and she was absolutely fantastic! She performed all the songs my daughter had requested — and did so with such enthusiasm and charm that both the kids and the parents were completely captivated.
What truly set her apart was the way she engaged with the children. It felt less like a performance and more like a mini concert created just for them! The kids were singing, dancing, and laughing the whole time, and even the parents couldn't help but join in. I cannot recommend her highly enough for any children's event!
Hired as: Children’s Music, Children’s Party Entertainment, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist
Monica Larrea
Thank you so much, Stephanie! It was such a joy playing for the kiddos and would be happy to do so again! :)
Darryl C.
March 8, 2025Courageous talented and committed
Monica pursues her life’s work with undeterred determination and commitment to her art. She has a treasure trove of original material reflecting her life experiences and is willing to be vulnerable in letting her audience experience her through her music. She is an artist!🎶🎸🎤
Hired as: Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, Singing Pianist
Jillian C.
January 28, 2025Engaging Musician
Monica recently performed for us and she was able to captivate the group. You can tell that she loves what she does and loved to have those around her engage with her music. She tailors it to the group and what they would like. We appreciated her performance and would hire her again.
Hired as: Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist
Monica Larrea
Thank you so much. Your guests were a blast! I'm excited to perform for you all again!
Booking information
Price range: $300 and up
Languages: English, Spanish
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
What to expect
My performances include a set of soulful songs tailored to your audience's needs.
Prepare for an uplifting, dynamic performance with YOU in mind.
What to expect:
- My original songs (as appropriate for your event)
- Pop, R&B, Soul, Latin, Hip-hop, and Soul covers
- Improvised songs (tailored to your audience)
- Song requests
- Songs in Spanish or English
- Custom songs (E.g., song with funny or heartfelt lyrics for your wedding or telegram)
- Band, Trio or Duo available (upon request)
- Family-friendly and all-ages (upon request)
- Professionalism
- Interactive audience activities (e.g., sing-alongs, karaoke, and instrument-playing upon request)
- Singing Telegram (upon request)
What NOT to expect:
- Music in other languages besides Spanish and English
- The incorporation of AI
Upon inquiry, please answer the following questions:
1. What is your intention for your event or Telegram?
2. How do you want patrons to feel after your event? Or what kind of environment do you want to create using music?
3. Please share the age range of your audience
About
My name is Monica Larrea, and I’m originally from Miami, Florida. Growing up in an unconventional Cuban-American household, I always strived to be the “light” at a young age. As a 5-year-old, I would stand on tables and sing out loud. My extroverted personality allowed me to connect with others, and I was a natural performer, singer, dancer, and actress. I was heavily influenced by Pop and R&B soul artists such as Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera.
Throughout my childhood, I performed as a soprano and classically trained singer on multiple stages. As a teen, I was chosen to perform at the FMEA All-State and regularly competed in state singing competitions. My musical knowledge was shaped through performing in various choral and Acapella groups. In 2017, I earned my Bachelor of Music at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where I had the pleasure of studying with nationally renowned vocal coaches and mentors. Shortly afterwards, I earned my Board-Certification in Music Therapy and began using my music to help vulnerable communities.
Over time, my classically trained voice fused with my Latin background and Pop/R&B influence, creating a unique sound. In 2019, I brought my music cross-country to sunny San Diego. Now, with over 15 years of singing experience, and after performing in hundreds of stages, I've developed a musician's ear and emotional maturity that allow me to perform consistently at a high level. Audiences have described me as having "a gift for creating songs that make people feel something."
My music is simultaneously heartfelt, fun, and uplifting. Blending honest lyrics with neo-soul, pop, and hip-hop influences, my recent song, "Mental," was nominated for a 2026 San Diego Music Award for "Best R&B, Funk, Soul song." In 2026, I will continue to release music while also helping others unblock their creative juices as a Holistic Music Mentor.
Additional booking notes
My Equipment
- I provide my own PA System, the Harbinger M-200, suitable for up to 2000 sq ft. spaces.
- This system includes two speakers, one of which can be placed up to 20 ft away from the stage if needed.
Staging Requirements
- Normal Lighting
- PA system for spaces larger than 2000 sq ft.
Services offered
Past booked events
June 2025
27
Friday
Camp Event
10:30am - 12:00pm
•
San Diego, CA
19
Thursday
Camp Event
1:00pm - 2:30pm
•
San Diego, CA
April 2025
26
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
11:00am - 11:30am
•
Del Mar, CA
Set list
I have a comprehensive library of almost 500 songs of all genres, including Pop, R&B, Latin, Indie, Alternative, Traditional songs, Soul, and more.
Examples of sets you can request:
Children's Parties & Events:
- Genres: Disney, Americana, Movie Soundtrack music, nursery rhymes and preschool songs, and any music currently on kids' playlists!
- Artists: Taylor Swift, Imagine Dragons, Disney, The Greatest Showman, and similar movie or TV soundtracks
- Time Periods : The most up-and-coming music! (I work with kids regularly, so I know what the kids are listening to nowadays :)
- Special notes: Children's events are interactive, with the option of allowing kids to play egg shakers, sing and dance with me!
Nursing home facilities/Older adults:
- Genres: Country classics, Jazz Standards, Rock & Roll, ballads, boleros, traditional American/Patriotic, and Traditional Mexican/Latin
- Artists: Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Doris Day, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and more!
- Time Periods: from the 40's to 80's.
- Special notes: Older adult events are interactive, with the option of playing shakers, singing along, call-and-response, lyric recognition, and more to promote engagement and fun! I have extensive experience in performing at memory care facilities as well as residential.
Latin sets:
- Genres: Reggaeton, Traditional, Acoustic Salsa, Boleros
- Artists: Rosalia, Bad Bunny, Becky G, traditional Mexican and Cuban songs, Celia Cruz, Shakira
- Special notes: All Latin songs are done in an upbeat, acoustic style with either keys or piano and voice only!
R&B/Soul Sets:
- Genres: R&B, Soul, Neo-Soul, Funk, Blues
- Artists: Jill Scott, Jhene Aiko, Usher, Beyonce, SZA, Tracy Chapman, Rhianna, H.E.R., and more
- Time Periods: Mostly 2000's onwards with some classic blues songs and 90's tunes
- Special notes: All R&B/Soul songs are done in an upbeat, acoustic style with either keys or piano and voice only!
Influences and inspiration
My musical style is inspired by powerful female soul singers and pop icons, including artists like Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Jhene Aiko, Erykah Badu, Adele, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera.
Setup requirements
Stage
Lighting