Since she can remember, Monica Paez—better known as Ramona Vee—has lived in the in-between. Growing up in the Greater Toronto Area, she was shaped by the soulful melodies of Mexican and Latin traditions at home and the indie rock, pop, jazz, and soul that defined Toronto’s music scene. This duality wasn’t a challenge—it was an education. She honed her craft at an arts high school and later earned a Bachelor of Music from Humber College, where she expanded her artistry. Along the way, she built a name for herself as a versatile singer-songwriter and producer, with her work sampled by Swae Lee and Russ and collaborations with poet Rupi Kaur. Yet, something still felt missing. It wasn’t until she reconnected with her Latin American roots that she found her true voice. Inspired by icons like Chavela Vargas, she began weaving Spanish-language vocals and Latin influences into her music. “It was the catalyst,” she says, “to embracing my identity and blending it with the Western sounds I love.” Now, Ramona Vee is crafting a sound as eclectic as her influences—Weezer to Manu Chao, all heart. She’s redefining what it means to sound like Toronto. Keep an ear out.
