There’s never a bad time to talk about the Jersey Devil — even if it’s the Christmas holiday season. And if you’re Monte Maybe, the New Jersey legend is more than just a spooky story, it’s the title of her new album and representative of her personal and musical journey.
Right, we spoke with Monte about the meaning and ideology behind the Jersey Devil release, growing up in the New Jersey music scene, and more as she prepares to play this Saturday at Telegraph Hill’s What a Wonderful Year Festival at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ.
You released the full-length album Jersey Devil this year. Tell us why you chose this iconic piece of Jersey history/lore as the title of your album (and the subject of I’ve Met the Devil”)
My debut album “Jersey Devil” is the culmination of songs that I’ve been writing and performing all through my 20s, being in college and then coming home. I had a very love/hate relationship with New Jersey until I no longer lived there and I lived in a few other places, but nowhere felt like home. Even when I came home from college I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in New Jersey. But I quickly realized that being from New Jersey is so special and being so close to such an amazing music community in Asbury Park was something I didn’t want to throw away.
After I realized that New Jersey was a huge part of who I am I knew I had to include it somewhere in the album or even the title of the album. I started thinking about all the folklore in New Jersey and the Weird N.J. magazines from when I was a kid. I was so obsessed with folklore and mythology I would read anything Weird N.J. all the time, my most checked out library books for sure. And I remembered the story of the Jersey Devil and it just fit so well. I knew going in the name of the album was going to come to me and it kind of just fell into my lap.
“I’ve Met the Devil” was interesting how it was written. It was actually one of the last songs we recorded because I wanted to address the Jersey Devil kind of directly. I thought it was hilarious to contemplate if the devil is from New Jersey. This song is one of my most meaningful on the record, it captures the political climate in our society currently as well as addresses experiences i’ve had with “the devil” and also reflecting on if the Jersey Devil is truly in all of us.
Since the album has come out, I’ve felt more connected to the Jersey Devil and the story that goes along with it. He was the 13th son and the black sheep of the family so to say and I think that’s really relatable to a lot of people, including myself.
You’ve been making music since you were 15, can you talk about your musical journey and how you’ve evolved as an artist?
When I started making music I was so creative and all the emotions I had at 15 were so big and heavy and having music as an outlet really helped me through my teens. Sometimes I can’t believe the things I was writing as a young person. I’ve rebranded and stepped away from that music because it feels like a time capsule of that time in my life. I think at some point “Jersey Devil” will as well but I’m older and wiser and “Jersey Devil” is more representative of who I am now. I think in general I’m less naive than when I was a teen, when it comes to my music and the music business. When I was young I used to think record labels would just magically appear and want to sign you, pre-TikTok era of course. I think labels are less relevant now and all the work is kind of on the artist. So I’ve just been working hard and hoping it pays off one day.
This interview is in conjunction with Telegraph Hill Records’ What a Wonderful Year festival. So, tell me about 2025 for Monte Maybe.
2025 was a HUGE year for Monte Maybe. We started playing as a full band in May of this year which is crazy to think about. I won the anti valentine’s day songwriting award for my song “Catalyst”! (which I’m so proud of !!! I’ve never won anything for my music). Shoutout Meg O’Shea! It feels really awesome to be recognized by the community you’re a part of! I also released my debut album “Jersey Devil”! We got a chance to play Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park Brewery, Wonder Bar and even ventured outside of NJ for a mini tour. I got to play some songs off the album in NYC and at John and Peter’s in New Hope, PA. It truly was a wonderful year for Monte Maybe. I can’t wait for 2026 and all the amazing things we have planned!
Also, can you give us the origin story of the “Monte Maybe” name.
So the origin story of the name “Monte Maybe” is, I’ve been Monte since I was 15. That was my artist name. My last name is Montalbano and I was a competitive gymnast and my old coach used to call me Monte. I really liked the nickname and my actual name is very long so it worked. The problem is, there’s a lot of Monte’s that make music. So I wanted to rebrand to make it easier to find my music and socials.
The “Maybe” part of “Monte Maybe” was my Dad’s idea. We spent the whole day brainstorming a last name for me and I loved the idea of alliteration so we had a bunch of words that start with M, and he was like “maybe……?” and I was like “MONTE MAYBE!! THAT’S IT!” and from there it was history and Monte Maybe was born.
Speaking of Telegraph Hill Records, can you talk about your relationship with the label?
Me and Telegraph Hill Records are like [ three fingers crossed emojis representing tight] but in all seriousness I’ve known Fern from the Foes of Fern since I was about 15. He probably doesn’t remember this but my mom would drive me to the Inkwell open mics (which objectively I should not have been at, it was an older crowd) and she would always try and make sure I had an early spot because I had to go to school in the morning and Fern ran a lot of those open mics and was always really nice to us!
Fern is a huge part of Telegraph Hill Records and a pillar in the Asbury Park music scene and I’m honored to know him and be a part of so many amazing events put on by Telegraph Hill Records. All the people at Telegraph Hill Records do so much for the community here! and who knows maybe Monte Maybe is the next to be signed by them.
What are five things you’re excited for, as an artist, coming in 2026?
Five things we are excited for this year (i’m manifesting!!)
1. Going on Tour
2. Recording a music video
3. Getting the album heard on the internet by billions of strangers
4. FESTIVAL CIRCUIT (SEA HEAR NOW I SEE YOU!!!)
5. and being totally delusional, Grammy Nom because honestly that’s how much I believe in this album and how amazing it is!
