about
Discover the story of Monelise
Monelise (Maria Kheyfets), a London-based cinematic singer-songwriter and multidimensional artist, is known for her haunting, atmospheric music that blends mystical and visual elements to create an immersive experience. Born in Russia and raised across various countries, her journey began with classical piano, particularly inspired by Chopin. This early foundation in music instilled a deep emotional resonance in her artistry.
While studying English Literature on a full scholarship at Edinburgh University, Monelise's path led her into a five-year career in acting. She starred in critically acclaimed productions like The Ribbon Tied at the Edinburgh Fringe and nearly 50 short films, while being signed to one of the top acting and modeling agencies in the city, Masques. At the same time, she began to write and release her own music, including her debut EP A Million Little Moments in 2015, marking her first steps as a songwriter.
While studying English Literature on a full scholarship at Edinburgh University, Monelise's path led her into a five-year career in acting. She starred in critically acclaimed productions like The Ribbon Tied at the Edinburgh Fringe and nearly 50 short films, while being signed to one of the top acting and modeling agencies in the city, Masques. At the same time, she began to write and release her own music, including her debut EP A Million Little Moments in 2015, marking her first steps as a songwriter.
Monelise's breakthrough came during her Master's year at Goldsmiths, University of London (2017-2018), where she developed her unique sound—mysterious, haunting, and otherworldly. Inspired by the legacy of artists like Rosie Lowe and James Blake, who had studied at Goldsmiths before her, she refined her craft, leading to her renowned live show Hauntology. The show, which toured to the Edinburgh Fringe, earned five-star reviews and standing ovations, with The Wee Review praising her ability to transport audiences to another world. The ethereal tones of the theremin, invented by a fellow Russian, added to the haunting, otherworldly atmosphere of her performances.
From 2020 to 2022, Monelise expanded her reach as an international songwriter, contributing to works by multi-million-streaming artists like John Linhart and Joan Alasta. Notable achievements include securing a Sony release for Lies (Bodybangers ft. John Linhart) and writing for projects like Emeric Grangette’s rock opera Time Fusion and Gene Moore’s theatrical soundtrack. In 2020, she released two of her most commercially successful singles, Insane and Silver Lake, which have since accumulated 500,000 streams and been featured on dark romance and fantasy playlists. In 2019, Monelise also toured Europe with Sofar Sounds, bringing her unique blend of cinematic art pop to intimate venues across the continent.
From 2020 to 2022, Monelise expanded her reach as an international songwriter, contributing to works by multi-million-streaming artists like John Linhart and Joan Alasta. Notable achievements include securing a Sony release for Lies (Bodybangers ft. John Linhart) and writing for projects like Emeric Grangette’s rock opera Time Fusion and Gene Moore’s theatrical soundtrack. In 2020, she released two of her most commercially successful singles, Insane and Silver Lake, which have since accumulated 500,000 streams and been featured on dark romance and fantasy playlists. In 2019, Monelise also toured Europe with Sofar Sounds, bringing her unique blend of cinematic art pop to intimate venues across the continent.
In 2022, Monelise became a Help Musicians-supported artist and released her second album, Sanctify My Love, produced by LA-based Saf Ro. The partnership marked the beginning of a long-term creative collaboration. In 2023, she expanded her artistic vision further by launching her Musical Oracle and offering custom soul paintings, deepening her connection with her audience through personal and spiritual mediums. The year also saw Monelise's co-written song win the top prize in the UK Songwriting Contest.
The year 2024 brought more creative milestones, as Monelise fused her talents across various projects. She released multiple music videos, including an epic cover of Love Is In The Air and a cinematic reimagining of Nick Newton’s Woodland Rain, remixed into Woodland Shadow, where she also starred in the song's mystical video. A collaboration with DJ Fer Fox on the track Prince of Darkness is set to be released in 2025. Her headline show at Stoke Newington Old Church was a particular highlight, where fans were gifted blue roses and letters from their souls, making the evening unforgettable.
The year 2024 brought more creative milestones, as Monelise fused her talents across various projects. She released multiple music videos, including an epic cover of Love Is In The Air and a cinematic reimagining of Nick Newton’s Woodland Rain, remixed into Woodland Shadow, where she also starred in the song's mystical video. A collaboration with DJ Fer Fox on the track Prince of Darkness is set to be released in 2025. Her headline show at Stoke Newington Old Church was a particular highlight, where fans were gifted blue roses and letters from their souls, making the evening unforgettable.
Another major event was her guest performance at Havens in Concert, where Monelise performed her song Symphonies of Love with a 20-piece orchestra and a moving rendition of A Na Posledok Ya Skazhu with renowned pianist Ivan Penev. This full-circle moment included Monelise taking part in a mystical choreography for Woodland Shadow, which portrayed the light and shadow sides of a character loosely based on Snow White.
In 2024, shealso released her Bond-esque cinematic anthem I Shall Have You, further showcasing her evolving artistry.
In 2024, shealso released her Bond-esque cinematic anthem I Shall Have You, further showcasing her evolving artistry.
From acting and songwriting to spiritual creations like custom soul paintings, Monelise continues to transcend boundaries in her multidimensional artistry, delivering deeply emotional experiences that leave a lasting impression on her audiences.