Monica Vivienne Richards (born May 24, 1965) is an American singer, songwriter, artist and author.
A graduate of the American University with honors in literature and a minor in anthropology, she is considered to be an icon of the goth subculture and has been the frontwoman of numerous bands including Madhouse, Strange Boutique, Faith and the Muse and The Eden House as well as being a solo artist.
Richards started singing when she was in her teens and was one of the earliest female singers in the harDCore scene.
She performed at the same time as other bands including Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and State of Alert.
In her early days as an artist she designed punk rock flyers, album covers and local business logos, among other things.