In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to upcoming artist Street Peach and her brand new EP titled Monarch.
Street Peach, the Austin-based musician and songwriter also known as Lani Thomison, is marking a major milestone in her musical journey with the release of her debut solo EP Monarch. Known for her work as the co-founder of the renowned Austin R&B trio Keeper, Street Peach now steps into the spotlight on her own, offering a fresh blend of Alt R&B, trip-hop, pop, and folk that showcases her unique voice and vision. Produced by the acclaimed Willie Green (Wiz Khalifa, The Roots), Monarch is out now.
A Reflection of Growth and Resilience
The songs on Monarch were born out of the solitude of the pandemic, a time when Thomison rediscovered her passion for music. After years of setting her songwriting aside, she found herself creatively recharged during the lockdown. “I hadn’t written in a long time… When lockdown happened, I finally had the free time and all of a sudden songs were pouring out of me,” she reflects. What emerged is a collection of deeply personal tracks that celebrate life’s journey, from the trials of aging to the beauty of self-acceptance.
Lead Single “34”
Ahead of the full EP release, Street Peach shared “34”, the lead single from Monarch. The ethereal track, with its lo-fi beats and rich harmonies, is a love letter to self-acceptance. Reflecting on her own journey, Street Peach says, “34 was the age I wrote the song… It’s about finally getting to a place where you love yourself no matter what. The gray hairs, the mistakes, and you’re still here loving and keeping your heart open despite the nicks and scars.” The track is a testament to embracing change and finding peace in the passage of time.
A Collaborative Vision with Willie Green
Thomison found an ideal collaborator in Willie Green, who produced Monarch with a focus on texture and atmosphere. The partnership between the two began serendipitously with a DM, and soon blossomed into a dynamic creative process. Green recalls, “When the world slowed down, I had more time on my hands… I really wanted to create something. Lani was kind of a muse in that way.” Together, they created tracks like “Breath & Exposure,” which Thomison describes as a reflection of love, community, and authenticity. Each song carries the raw emotion and introspection that defined Thomison’s experience during the pandemic.
A Story of Transformation
Monarch takes its name from the monarch butterfly, symbolizing hope, growth, and the migratory journey of life. Thomison explains, “It’s about hope, growth, reclamation of power, falling in love, falling out of it, while holding onto myself… It’s about finding yourself in a place of deep love and gratitude for yourself.” This theme resonates throughout the EP’s tracks, from the serendipitous love story of “Caroline” to the introspective vulnerability of “Heavy” and the powerful resolve of “New Moon in Leo.”
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Monarch is more than just a collection of songs; it represents Street Peach’s reclaiming of her voice and her place in the Austin music scene. As she steps out as a solo artist, her fearless authenticity shines through in every note. “This release feels like coming back to myself,” she says. “Music has always been my way of understanding the world, and with Monarch, I’m sharing that journey with others.”
With Monarch, Street Peach invites listeners to join her on a transformative journey of self-reflection, healing, and growth. As she prepares for the EP’s release, the buzz around her solo debut is growing, and it’s clear that this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her musical career.
Listen to the full project below:
