Monica Ursino Biography

BIOGRAPHY

"My main intent with my music is to entice a thirst for more, a thirst for the happiness that one needs to live in this world.

When listening to my music I would hope that one would move beyond the beat and enter into the world of words . . . words of consolation, of comfort, and of encouragement. There are so many voices all around us distorting TRUTH in every aspect of our culture, and I feel called to change that. Because I myself was once one of those impoverished youths,

hypnotized by today's persuasive culture, I feel called through my gift of music to make a change

and a responsibility to be that change. I feel the time is now and there is no better time."

Name: Monica Chiara (Clare) Ursino
Date of Birth: September 17, 1979
Birth Place: Massachusetts (USA)

Throughout high school Monica was never sure of what path she would choose. When it came to MUSIC, art, photography, writing, film, and even science, she was indecisive in where she wanted to be. While in college it was difficult choosing a major considering her many interests. And so, before finally deciding on Psychology/Pre-med, Monica began her freshman year as a theatre & film major. She began working as a production assistant and actor/extra on many films in and around the Boston area (Film credits: The Blue Diner (PBS), The Perfect Storm & The Gentlemen from Boston). That same year she obtained a position as a production manager and a leading role in the Independent BWAY 7 production Deportation. In addition, since Monica is first generation American and much of her family resides in Calabria, Italy, she travels there often and while vacationing there one summer she acquired a summer position as a DJ for a famous discotheque on the Ionian coast as well as a promoter for the european radio station Radio Clip.

Although, Monica graduated college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and shortly after began working towards a master's degree with the intention of becoming a doctor, she soon realized that her love was for the arts, more specifically MUSIC. Monica knew that she had to withdraw from the program and had no regrets about ever attending, for she feels that if it took getting that far for her to realize just how truly

passionate she is for music, then it was well worth it!

Monica began spending much of her time experimenting with an audio program until she was finally able to mix, edit, and record her own music. Monica felt that this would finally be her chance to get her talent heard by producers, who could then elaborate on her ideas. During this time her sister was doing her medical residency in Manhattan, and Monica found it to be the perfect opportunity to search for a job within the music industry considering she would finally have a place to stay in New York City. While at the Conan O'Brien show Monica met someone who recommended her to the Jimi Hendrix Electric Lady Studios in Greenwich Village. After an hour-long interview of pure connection, Monica was hired and began working for this historic recording studio. While working in NYC, Monica soon realized that it was time that she began working on her dream as an aspiring musician and continue where she left off. Soon enough she found her way back to "good ole" Boston where she would eventually record her first release THE WAY.

Credits/Experience

-9/11 Tribute television appearance/WB56/WLVI TV (09-11-2002)

Out of 200 applicants, Monica was one out of the four chosen to participate in the WB56 tribute to 9/11 which was aired on September 11th, 2002. Monica presented her personal journal entry of that horrific day and appeared on television with political leaders.

-Cinecitta Studios Rome (Hollywood of Italy) (10-2002)

Monica was asked to travel to the Cinecitta Studios in Rome to interview for Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ.

-Executive Director of the Boston International Film Festival (2004)

-Television Guest Appearance on CN8 Nitebeat (04-2004)

Interviewed by multi-Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, Barry Nolan

-Treasurer - Campbell Concerts (2005/Present)

-Chosen to perform in World Youth Day, Cologne Germany (2005)

-Casted as a judge on the Reality Television Series "It Is What It Is"(2005)

-Participant in the Miss Italia USA Competition (2006)

-Monica releases Reflection "featuring her debut Italian release Dove Sei?" (2006)

Guest appearance on RAI INTERNATIONAL ROME, ITALY "RAI Cristianita" June 18th, 2006

-Interviewed by Umbria Radio in Blu (04-2008)

"MAY GOD USE ME AS HIS INSTRUMENT THROUGH THE GIFT
OF MUSIC TO BRING ABOUT A CHANGE WITHIN THE HEARTS OF MY LISTENERS."

A little bit' more about Monica
Favorite Summer Destination: Martha's Vineyard & the Ionian Coast of Italy

Favorite Winter Destination: Vermont & NYC

Favorite Music Style: Ambient/Downtempo

Favorite Musicians: Too many!

Favorite Food: Brown Rice Sushi & Whole Wheat Pizza ; )

Favorite TV: Fox News, The Simpsons & anything Dove approved!

Favorite Activities: Creative "Healthy" Cooking, Tennis, Skiing, Surfing (although, never tried ;), Biking, Swimming, Traveling, Designing, Chess, Reading & Writing

Favorite Time of the Year: Fall/Winter/CHRISTmas & of course Estate as long as there is sum' salt H2O nearby Favorite Color: Cobalt Blue

Favorite Daily Prayers: The Rosary, Our Father & Hail Mary

Favorite Saints: St. Monica, St. Clare of Assisi & St. Luke of course

Favorite Restaurant: The Capital Grille

Favorite Beverages: Coffee, coffee, coffee, tea, water & champagne! : )

Favorite way to spend a Friday night: at home & a movie

Favorite Car: Range Rover
STATUS:Truly blessed

HEIGHTt: 5' 10 & 3/4"

RELIGION:Roman Catholic

EDUCATION:College graduate

MONICA'S SCHOOLS:

University of Perugia, Umbria (Italy)

MAJOR:Language & Culture

GRADUATED: 2007

STUDENT STATUS: Alumni

Suffolk University, Boston, MA

GRADUATED:2002

STUDENT STATUS:Alumni

-DEGREE:Bachelor of Science

MAJOR:Psychology, MINOR: Theatre/Film

Stoneham High, Stoneham, MA

GRADUATED:1997

STUDENT STATUS: Alumni