Bongo Boy Records label owner, Monique Grimme is kicking off the new year with her brand new single, Staring Into Water, performed in collaboration with Sapphire Star Studios. Released on January 8th, 2026, this ballad is set to welcome 2026 with some much-needed serenity, featuring deep blue moods twined with dramatic, emotional twists.
A dark piano riff glistens with string sections, lead vocals serving suspense and awe-flushed beauty as Monique’s lyrics paint a scene of reflection, delivered through her title’s metaphor. Her chorus strikes with an air of a Florence + The Machine hit: bold, brave, and adventurous as the vocalist belts a story of personal progression and relief from tragedy, making sense of the chaos of the past.
Monique Grimme’s rich, dreamlike atmospheres deliver a dark sense of bliss, her show-stopping bridge section a vessel for a story almost too personal to share. We’ll let Monique reveal her song’s hidden inspiration in her own words:
“While most of the song centers on my own story, the bridge shifts perspective. It is dedicated to my dear stepfather, Ton Van Der Heyden (RIP) whose life nearly ended at a shipwreck in the icy waters of the North Sea. Facing such a perilous situation, he was given a second chance at life—a turning point that not only changed his path but also brought my mother and me to where we are now. His courage, survival, and the fresh start that followed inspired this part of the song, honoring his story of hope and renewal.”
And with this heartbreaking new perspective, Monique’s final chorus hits harder than ever as she attempts to heal and release the terrors of the past through song.
But, despite its context, this song isn’t centred on bleakness. Monique released this track with a mission in mind: to inspire her fans to navigate their own stormy seas. As the songwriter and producer tells us, “I hope that by sharing these memories and stories through my music, listeners will find comfort, inspiration, and encouragement in their own journeys. Whether facing personal challenges or witnessing loved ones overcome hardships, we all have the potential to emerge stronger and more confident. This song is an expression of gratitude, hope, and the transformative power of resilience.”
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