ACTION packed punk rocker Monica Welander is the latest performer to put our online feature The Base Sessions on the map.

The Swedish singer, who performs alone with just an acoustic guitar for backing, took time out from her international touring schedule to play live at Base Studios in Stourbridge.

Playing under the name Monica and The Explosion, she began her solo project in 2005 after leaving a group called Lots of Pilots and has since been described as a performer who generates dynamic, raw energy who loves playing in front of an audience.

In May, 2007, Monica and The Explosion released a debut single and video called Hollywood followed by full length album released later that year on Monica’s own record label.

Monica and The Explosion represented Sweden at World Championships of Performing Arts 2008 in Hollywood, America, where she received two silver medals as a solo rock artist with self accompaniment.

She is tipped to become on of Sweden’s top live performers, last year her track Friday Night was featured on a compilation CD - Best of Swedish Groove.

Her growing reputation as a live artist has seen Monica tour extensively in Europe and America and she will be seeing out a busy 2009 with a string of live shows in Australia.