Draft:Jared Monaco

Jared James Monaco (born March 21, 1988) is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist for the American pop punk band The Maine.

Early life
Jared Monaco was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He got into playing music at the age of 10, being influenced by Nirvana after listening to their single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit". He also cites inspiration from Blink-182 and New Found Glory. He began playing guitar after his parents refused to get him a drum set. Monaco performed in local bands where future band-mate John O'Callaghan attended his band's shows. He also met bassist Garrett Nickelsen and drummer Pat Kirch at a local battle of the bands contest. He attended Arizona State University before dropping out to join the Maine. Monaco was close to selling all his gear because he had to pay rent before he was asked to join the band by O'Callaghan in 2007.

Career
In 2007, Monaco joined the Maine along with guitarist Kennedy Brock, following the departure of Alex Ross and Ryan Osterman. The group has released nine studio albums including You Are OK which topped the US Billboard Independent Albums chart. They were featured in various Punk Goes Pop compilation albums. In 2019, Monaco almost departed the group citing "personal reasons."

In 2014, he formed a side project along with O'Callaghan called Eagles in Drag. Their self-titled EP was released in 2014 and peaked at number 35 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart.

As an artist, Monaco stated he takes influences from all genres of music when playing guitar, ranging from funk, pop and classic rock. When he began playing guitar, he was playing Metallica, where he learned about "the value of being able to solo." He cites Nels Cline from Wilco as his favorite guitarist due to his weird playing style. Monaco uses a Fender Jazzmaster, Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Melody Maker, but currently uses a Fender Player Series. His personal favorite is his Gibson 1979 ES-335 because it fitted with speed frets. He also uses a Fender Champ amplifier and a Vox AC30.

Personal life
In October 2021, Monaco posted via social media announcing his engagement to his girlfriend Jac Vanek. In September 2023, the couple held their wedding ceremony at Chateau de Varennes in France, announcing their marriage.

Discography
with The Maine


 * Can't Stop Won't Stop (2008)
 * Black & White (2010)
 * Pioneer (2011)
 * Forever Halloween (2013)
 * American Candy (2015)
 * Lovely Little Lonely (2017)
 * You Are OK (2019)
 * XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time (2021)
 * The Maine (2023)

with Eagles in Drag
 * Eagles in Drag (2014)