Friend/Monell is a project that reminds us of the gentle art of songwriting through a nostalgic lens. It reaffirms once again what it means to pen a relatable, catchy tune that doesn’t follow trends or mainstream fads. ‘Fly Away’ is the perfect example of that, a rock-leaning single steeped in poppier melodies and introspective, motivating lyricism. The piece is out now, and it marks the debut of Friend/Monell, the artistic trait d’union between drummer, engineer, and producer Jeffrey Friend and wordsmith Ray Monell. It’s not the first time that the two talents have joined forces, having previously been a writing team for Southwestern Ohio band Ludlow Creek.
Kick-started by a sharp acoustic guitar, ‘Fly Away’ soon introduces heartwarming, fierce vocals with an expansive twist. The arrangement is kept at bay, with guitars and drums providing the backbone for the record’s rowdier latter half. To note, Friend is also a multi-instrumentalist, and he’s responsible for recording all the instruments in the song. Quite impressive! Monell’s vocals are powerful and quite familiar; we are confident they’ll resonate with a wide audience out there.
Delving deeper into the song, Friend/Monell explain: “It’s about travelling in the direction that you choose. The decision to not get caught up in the static that often surrounds us, the decision to not allow others to judge how you should or shouldn’t act. It’s the realisation that it’s up to you to choose your destiny.” There’s more to come, with a whopping 13 releases earmarked for 2026. Stay tuned!
Recommended! Discover ‘Fly Away’ now: