Words by Tim Hakki @TimHakki
According to her pitch for this song, Monica Riskey is ‘just a 20 year old Jew from Brooklyn taking a break from studying organic chemistry, xoxo”. We hope her studies are going well, but in any event her new song ‘Bleeding Betty’ reveals there’ll always be space for her in music, or as an English major. A subtle gypsy jazz guitar line underpins her flow, which is steady and considered, while the lyrics paint a vivid and eloquent picture of obsession and heartbreak. Monica’s brief forays into singing sound soulful, like an indie Amy Winehouse, and the overdubbed backing vocals and phrasing in the chorus evokes the absolute cream of nineties R&B. Take a listen, let it wrap around your head softly - you’re gonna wanna kvell over this one.