Brooklyn’s most electrifying power-punk trio, MONTE, is back to crash the party with their brand-new single and video, “Popular Too.” Forget chasing the norm—this track is a high-velocity, cathartic ode to the beautiful strangeness of finding your people.
MONTE, comprised of frontwoman and shredding guitarist Caitlin Montclare, bassist Meghan Rose, and drummer Ismael Baiz, have forged a sound that’s as unique as their message. Their music is a thrilling mashup of thrashy skate punk, heavy metal muscle, and pop-punk hooks, creating a nostalgic sound with a fresh, unapologetic twist.
The Anthem for Outsiders
“Popular Too” flips the concept of coolness on its head. As Montclare explains, the song is less about fitting in and more about that rare, exhilarating feeling of finding a community that makes you feel “cool, or popular,” simply by being your authentic self.
“Growing up I was so uncool,” Montclare reflects, “I mean looking back, I was probably the coolest kid in school…I was way ahead of the curve (baggy clothes, backwards hats, out at 15) those things were NOT cool in the late 90’s/early 2000s.”
This celebration of being “ahead of the curve” is what fuels the track’s infectious energy. Montclare’s signature shredding guitar licks and harmonies, paired with catchy, emotionally resonant lyrics, pull listeners into a space where angst and heartache are channeled into a powerful, fun anthem. Her songs, which are inherently queer-centric, carry a universality that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
A Punk-Rock Fever Dream on Film
The accompanying music video for “Popular Too” is a visual masterpiece that matches the song’s energy. It’s a punk-rock fever dream that thrives on left field energy and a refusal to fit into any mold.
The video is raw, scrappy, and unapologetic, expertly mixing humor, grit, and a sly wink. Adding to the delightful chaos is a surprise furry cameo, which perfectly reinforces the song’s theme: that true community is born from embracing the strange and unexpected. Shot beautifully through a Bolex 16mm lens on Kodak film, the visual features nostalgic flashes of Big Gulps, parking lot hangs, and high-school bleachers, all taking on a distinctly artistic, cinematic edge.
MONTE is quickly becoming a fixture in the punk scene, earning critical acclaim from tastemakers like Earmilk, New Noise, and GLAAD. With “Popular Too,” they prove yet again that being a misfit is the most exciting place to be. This is more than a song—it’s a rallying cry for the weird, the awkward, and the beautifully unique. Turn it up, jump around, and finally feel seen.
