Cover Image and all featured Images by Dartagnon Raines
You might be surprised to learn how many of your favorite tracks weren’t actually penned by the voices you hear. Enter Rook Monroe: a singer-songwriter whose lyrics you’ve been enjoying unknowingly for nearly a decade. Born Krystin Watkins, Rook Monroe began his professional songwriting career in the mid-2010s, making a name for himself with collaborations with artists like Rihanna and The Chainsmokers. Since the release of his debut single "Jolie" in 2020, Monroe has shifted his endeavors towards his solo music career. Finding inspiration from musicians across several (most, honestly) genres, his own discography splices retro-soul and modern pop.
Monroe’s latest track “L’Eggo MY EGO,” which dropped earlier this year, showcases his dreamlike vocals as his lyrics carry you through a comparably ethereal sonic experience. While this style captures his past whimsicality, it also delves deeper, weaving in layers of consciousness, mysticism, and introspection. Monroe's journey toward self-awareness and spiritual exploration is evident in the track’s shifting soundscapes, inviting listeners into a space that feels both personal and transcendent. It’s a testament to his evolution as an artist, blending his playful roots with a more profound, meditative undertone.
We talked with Rook Monroe about his musical journey, the philosophy behind his creative process, and his upcoming project, “PlayStation2.” Read the full interview below and check out Monroe’s full discography on your preferred music streaming platform(s, if you’re anything like Monroe). Let us know what you think.
How did you get started in music?
My origin story is a bit unconventional. I moved to LA around 2012, and at the time I was pursuing things related to cosmetology and barbering. I decided to try something new, so I went to Best Buy and bought some production equipment. It was the nicest equipment they had, though retrospectively it wasn’t that great. But when I first moved to LA, I didn’t really know anyone, so I had a lot of free time to learn how to do everything myself.
At the time, I was living in a studio apartment in Silver Lake, and working at this barbershop called Trendsetters on La Brea, next to Kat Von D’s tattoo shop. While I was working there, I would bring all of my early music (it was ass) to the barbershop and play it on the speakers while we were all working and for whatever reason, they loved it, and kept pumping me up to keep goin.
About a year later, I went to Miami after Lil Wayne’s team had heard some of my work. I spent another year out there, primarily as an artist. But the next thing I knew, I had a number-one record on the songwriting side of my work. That song was called “Somebody” by Natalie La Rose. And, essentially, my career just kept growing from there. So shout out to Best Buy.
Who would you say are your biggest musical inspirations or influences?
I’ve listened to a lot of different genres throughout my life– everything from screamo to country to rock to rap. I’m not really a favorites guy. As a creative individual, I feel like having favorites can be incredibly limiting because it feeds into your ego and can stifle creativity. When you latch onto favorites as a part of your identity you overthink how your creative identity should evolve, which should be a natural process.
I feel like there’s something in every artist and genre that I could learn from, so I try to apply everything I absorb to everything I do and create. If I had one playlist with all of the songs or artists that have inspired me, it would be extremely long– I like to keep my ear open to everything instead of tuning into the artists and genres that have inspired me in the past. It keeps me open to inspiration I may have never expected otherwise.
“I try to apply everything I absorb to everything I do and create.”
Honestly, that philosophy doesn’t stop at the music I listen to– I don’t necessarily have a favorite genre of television or film, either. There are so many things that I get inspiration from, even if I’m not working in film or television.
Has anything caught your ear recently?
Recently, I wish. I think there's a lot of good music out there, but I feel like a lot of it lacks vulnerability right now. I think there’s a lot of good music out there, but much of its missing depth because the primary focus is monetization. Once people move away from that mindset, we’ll see more meaningful work, though that may take time.
As for current artists, I feel there's a lot of "fluff." I often find myself going back to music I grew up with, from artists who created full albums you could listen to from start to finish. That's not as common now—there are a lot of singles, but not as many cohesive albums that you can just sit down and get lost in. When I put on music, I want to really listen, not just have it on in the background.
I miss the artistry of full albums that immerse you. I love albums that tell a story or present a complete thought, like Dawn by Yebba or classic Queen albums. There are certain albums I can listen to all the way through, like The Used’s self-titled or AFI’s Sing the Sorrow. When I listen to an artist, I want to get a sense of what they're thinking, or at least see a curated view of their mind, even if they didn’t write every song. That adds that vulnerability, which leads to that depth and personality in the music, not some gimmick-ridden single or relying solely on that familiar face.
So, then, do you think music requires that artist-derived sense of depth and personality, or can music just be the replication of notes?
I actually have a ton of notes on this in my own philosophy studies—it's such a complex question that crosses so many areas. There are certain thinkers whose perspectives you just connect with deeply, and they each bring something unique in how they articulate big ideas. It's hard to narrow it down to just one approach.
[Shows notes] Here, look—these are my life-philosophy notes. They’re pretty extensive, and they cover a lot of ground, even some math in here.
So this note is like your own personal philosophy on life and everything?
Yes, exactly. It’s a comprehensive set of ideas, and I’ve actually rewritten it to make it accessible to different audiences. This version is tailored for those who are actively interested in philosophical perspectives or for more in-depth conversations like ours. I also created another version, which I call my "Philosophy for Dummies" note. It conveys the same concepts but with more relatable examples and analogies, making it accessible for people who might not have a background in philosophy. It’s just as thorough—I’ve just adapted the language and approach to reach a broader audience.
I really appreciate how consciously you reflect on and document your life philosophy. Do you think that mindset translates into your music?
Absolutely, it does. If your philosophy is deeply rooted in your consciousness and spirit, it naturally seeps into every aspect of your life, including your art. For me, it's not just ideas—it’s a way of living. A lot of people can talk about their beliefs, but it doesn’t always resonate on a deeper level; it’s just information being shared. When it’s truly lived, it becomes a resonance, a driving force.
Music is an extension of that resonance—it’s the purest way to express what drives me. And I think that’s the essence of being a musician or any kind of artist, really. It's about connecting ideas, blending what exists with what doesn’t yet exist, or hasn’t been discovered. Philosophy, to me, is about bridging the gap between what is and what could be.
Everyone needs moments of stepping back to observe, to see beyond themselves. Even in everyday conflicts, like in a relationship, you can step outside of the moment, observe, and understand things from a different perspective. It’s about removing your "self" from the situation to gain clarity. In creative work, whether it’s writing or painting, when you hit a block, the issue is often something within that’s preventing flow. All the answers are inside of you, but if you approach from a place of ego, you’ll miss them.
Most people don’t ask themselves the deeper questions; they stick to surface-level thoughts and wonder why things feel unfulfilling or why they’re blocked creatively. It’s not that you can’t write the lyrics, for instance; it’s that something within is blocked. Real depth requires us to ask the right questions, not just look for quick fixes.
“It's about connecting ideas, blending what exists with what doesn’t yet exist, or hasn’t been discovered.”
A big debate in the philosophy of music is whether people actually create music or if they’re discovering sounds that have always existed in some way—like unearthing something that’s already out there. What do you think about this?
That really ties into the idea of inspiration. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from something that’s already materialized. It can come from anything—any experience, any moment. People often limit themselves by thinking they need to listen to other artists to find inspiration for their own music. But inspiration can come from something as simple as a walk. I take long walks all the time, sometimes for no reason other than to be outside. It keeps things flowing, whether it's music-related or not.
Flow is essential to inspiration. When you're open to everything around you, ideas emerge naturally. But if you try to hold onto inspiration too tightly, to own or recreate it exactly, you end up blocking the flow. True inspiration isn’t about replicating what you’ve seen or heard; it’s about letting things pass through you and seeing what emerges organically.
Speaking of inspiration, I know it can come from so many places, but is there any particular source that stands out to you when you think about your music?
Inspiration has definitely come from different places for me over time. For what I'm working on right now, though, it's about reconnecting with that childlike sense of self—hence the project’s name, “PlayStation2.” It’s inspired by my era when people weren’t so disconnected, where everyone was outside more, and there was a certain energy and excitement in everything. I grew up dirt biking, skating—I was even a sponsored skater—racing cars, just really living in the moment. I put a lot of those things aside to focus on establishing myself in music. But now, I’m bringing those elements back into my life, and they’re fueling everything, including my work.
Returning to that mindset has been refreshing. In the past, my creative process took me through so many places—mentally, physically, even spiritually—while trying to find empathy and connection to write for or produce for other artists. Often, helping someone else create isn’t about listening to what they say directly but understanding what they don’t say, the subtext. That approach shaped me a lot.
But now, it’s like I’m asking, “Where am I when I put all these parts of myself together?” It reminds me of a time when I wasn’t worried about external expectations. This project has been incredibly free—I'm producing everything, writing everything, and it isn't work. It’s just pouring out naturally.
It sounds like you’re really immersing yourself and finding that flow in the production process! Is there a particular song of yours that stands out to you, maybe one that has special significance?
That’s a tough one—I could go on about different songs for all kinds of reasons. But one that really stands out is called "L’Eggo My Ego." It’s actually on the upcoming “PlayStation2” project as well. This song has a lot of layers, both musically and conceptually. On one level, it’s about stages of consciousness, though it’s not something I’d just come out and say directly in the lyrics, since everyone interprets that differently. It’s not meant to be overly philosophical or pretentious—it’s just woven into the music.
What makes this song special to me is that it was the first track I created for this project, and it had this cohesiveness even with all its drastic changes. Hearing it, I immediately knew the direction I wanted to take with the whole project. It was like a turning point; everything clicked. At the time, I was working on a few other albums and projects for others, but this was the first track I made just for myself in a while. It was freeing and had that sense of flow.
The song encapsulates different levels of consciousness, summarized in pieces, and working on it felt like it reconfigured something in me. I realized I didn’t want to be confined to a single path or structure; I wanted the freedom to explore and be more in that flow state.
How would you describe your ethos? What are you hoping to evoke in your listeners?
In short, I want people to stop holding themselves back—to stop being “lame,” in their own eyes. By that, I mean breaking out of the routines or “grooves” they've etched themselves in, often out of fear or expectations. Many people are stuck in these patterns, doing things they don’t actually enjoy or even "believe" in, just because they think they have to. I want my listeners (and everyone) to express who they truly are, without worrying about appearances or following this played-out script.
Everyone’s so focused on the glamorized aspects of life or living up to an image, but I see more people wanting to break out of that. Not enough people in creative spaces are pushing past these boundaries, and even those who want to are often hesitant. Many of my friends in creative fields feel a similar frustration—they want to go further but feel blocked by expectations or self-doubt.
I want to show that you can let go of the ego in ways that bring you closer to who you truly are, not further away. With this project, I’ve tried to embody that. It’s the sum of everything I’ve done, and it’s authentically “me” without the need to fit any particular mold, whether that’s mainstream or underground. For me, it’s all about conscious effort—letting go of the old calluses we build up around our true selves and finding their autonomy. That’s the ethos I hope to share: the courage to dissolve those ego-based barriers and live more autonomously."
"I want people to discover things about me organically, rather than me pushing a particular narrative."
Is there a book, show, or movie you're currently into?
Oh, fusho. I’m a huge TV and movie person—my friends actually hate coming over to watch things because I've pretty much seen everything. One of my homegirls put me on to this show I just watched called Nobody Wants This on Netflix. I’m not exactly blown away by that genre, but I was surprised by that one. Kristen Bell is in it, so I gave it a shot since I've been in love with her since another show she's in, The Good Place.
I’d also recommend watching Mr. Nobody.
Do you have a piece of advice that you'd give your younger self at the start of your career?
Honestly, I’m proud to say I’d tell my younger self to keep doing exactly what I was doing. The main thing I’d add is to not worry so much along the way. I’m not a big worrier, but there were definitely times when I questioned whether I was on the right path. I went against a lot of the advice I got growing up because I’ve always been someone who questions things. When people would tell me, “You’re supposed to do this,” I’d always ask, “Why?” And if they didn’t have a reason beyond “because it’s what you’re supposed to do,” that just wasn’t good enough for me.
If I had to give advice to my younger self, it would be to keep following that instinct—doing whatever felt right to me. When it comes to music, I’d probably tell myself, “This is going to be fun, but it’ll also frustrate you at times.” But honestly, I’m happy with how I chose to do things, and I wouldn’t go back to change that. I think a lot of people would go back and give themselves advice on how to achieve more, but I’d just remind myself that everything I needed was already there.
A lot of people chase things they think will fill a void or make them happier, and while that might bring some temporary happiness, it’s not the same as joy or peace. I’d just tell myself to relax and let things flow. I was pretty tense growing up, and maybe some things would’ve been smoother if I’d been able to let go a bit. But at the same time, I wouldn’t change any of it—I wouldn’t have learned the lessons I have now if I hadn’t gone through it all exactly as I did.
What’s next for Rook Monroe?
Well, the title track of my upcoming project is already out, actually. The project shares the same name, which I’m really excited about.
Who are 3 artists you'd like to see next on Enharmonic Magazine?
First, have you heard of Jazz Emu? He’s a super unique artist. Djo—the artist Joe Keery from Stranger Things—actually drew a lot of inspiration from him. Jazz Emu’s music is quirky, almost parody-like, but it’s incredibly musical. His harmonies and arrangements are solid, and he has this playful delivery that makes his work really interesting.
Second, I’d love to hear more about Yebba, especially behind her project Dawn. I hadn’t listened to her much before this album, but it really resonated with me. I’m drawn to music that makes me feel something, and Dawn does that beautifully. I don't really care about genre or delivery style—I just want the music to move me.
And for the third… do you know Mk.gee? He’s a producer and writer for Dijon, and he’s been releasing his own music too. His vibe is pretty chill, but he’s doing something interesting and has a lot of potential. Definitely worth exploring.
Are you an Apple Music person or a Spotify person?
Both, actually. I use Spotify to discover new music, but I go to Apple Music when I want to download and revisit something specific I’ve found. So I’ll use Spotify to explore, then download favorites on Apple Music.
Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?
Not specifically. I think conversations like this already give people a good glimpse into who I am. I want people to discover things about me organically, rather than me pushing a particular narrative. Each time we talk or do an interview, more of that naturally unfolds. It’s way more interesting for people to find their own takeaways. And honestly, I learn things about myself that way, too—friends will point things out, and I’m like, “Oh, I didn’t realize I do that.”
Well done kdot!