MonStars

MonStars is a Dutch pop duo that formed in Amsterdam in 2015. The group consists of singer-songwriter Maya Jansen and producer‑musician Tom de Vries. Both members grew up in the vibrant Dutch music scene and began collaborating after meeting at a local open‑mic night in 2013. Their shared influences include contemporary pop, electronic dance music, and the Amsterdam club scene.

The duo released their self‑titled debut EP in February 2016, which featured the single “Electric Heart”. The track gained traction on Dutch radio and entered the Dutch Top 40, peaking at number 25. Their follow‑up single, “Midnight City”, became an international club hit, topping charts in several European countries and receiving a remix by the renowned Canadian DJ Armand van Helden. The success of these releases earned MonStars a nomination for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Pop Act in 2017.

MonStars signed with the independent label Neon Records in 2017 and released their first full‑length album, «Starlight», in October of that year. The album received favorable reviews for its polished production and emotive lyricism, and it peaked at number 11 on the Dutch Albums Chart. The duo embarked on a European tour in early 2018, performing at festivals such as Lowlands, Donauinselfest, and Oslo’s Øya Festival.

In addition to their musical output, MonStars are active in environmental advocacy, raising funds for the World Wildlife Fund during their 2019 tour. The duo continues to produce music and tour internationally, with plans to release a new studio album in 2024. Their 2020 single “Phoenix” achieved streaming milestones in Spotify’s Global Top 50. The group is recognized for blending catchy pop melodies with dance‑floor energy, earning them a loyal fan base across the Benelux region and beyond.