The band has successfully broken into the American market and garnered two huge awards. What’s next?
The success in the States has given us an amazing platform to build upon and the year is shaping up to be a big one. We have already released a third EP and are now focusing on the release of our debut album, which was partly recorded on our last trip to the States with legendary producer Keith Olsen. This also coincides with signing an A&R deal with LA based company A&R Worldwide, which has been responsible for breaking some hugh international acts such as Muse in the US markets.
The song “Neurogenesis” was inspired from your keen interest in historical events—what’s been your greatest personal watershed event?
I think everyone in the band has a love for history and has at some point been affected by events past. But for me if I am really honest with you, my greatest watershed moment is every time I watch a great movie with an inspirational soundtrack. I have a love for film composers such as Hans Zimmer and Trent Reznor. It might sound shallow but but for me nothing could be so deep.
What’s your pre-performance ritual like?
Our pre-performance ritual usual comes in the form of a greasy takeaway dinner, a few drinks (maybe beers haha) and a huddle before we start to play. It is pretty simple stuff but it works well.
Many bands are big on promoting themselves on social media these days. How does social media tie in with Monks of Mellonwah?
Being in a band today you realize that social media is everything. It is so important. For us, it has become a way to constantly interact with our fans; it means we can share new music and videos almost instantaneously, promote key events and gigs, and most importantly, it is a way for us to keep up-to-date with what is going on with our fans, what they like and want they want to see and shows. Sites like Facebook have become a pocket book of fans—we can keep them constantly updated and share with them every moment of success and failure.
In a recent interview with UTG, you mentioned “…as a band we have always favored writing music that builds and climaxes in some epic kind of way.” Do you see your music in the movies anytime soon?
Definitely. This is one of our dreams. Our latest release Sky And The Dark Night is I think a great testament to this.
Three artistes you’d like to collaborate with?
This is always a great question and our answers are always changing. I think now, I would say peoplelike Muse, Jay Z and Hans Zimmer… Muse is a band that I think really are on top of the world; their live shows are incredible and keep true to the traditions of perfomance laid down by bands like Pink Floyd; not to mention that their music is brilliant. Jay Z, because who cab honestly dispute the claim that he is one of the coolest and smoothest guys on the planet. And Hans Zimmer because he is simply a genius. As an aspiring film composer, I look up greatly to Hans and his ability to create music, which has effectively reinvented the role of music in film.
What do you like best about working with your fellow members?
Everyone knows that it is easy to work solo and that the emotional and physical strain of being in a band is often too much. But there is a beauty in being in a band that you just can’t find on your own… We have shared some incredible times together and the bond we have formed through a common love for music is something that I will take to the grave.
What was the toughest period you guys have gone through together?
In 2012 we had a line up change leading up to the LA Music Awards. We were also due to record and perform a US tour at the time so it was a very challenging period for us. It didn’t last long though as we solved the problem pretty quickly and as a result are now a stronger unit than ever before. Nothing in this business is easy, you have to struggle and work very hard for everything but that is also a good thing. Success is best enjoyed after you have tasted tough times and have had the determination and work ethic to rise up again.
What do you not want your music to be conveyed as?
Good question, but I guess we would like to be known as a ground breaking band, a band that is fresh and inventive, a band that pioneers. So as for what we don’t want to be conveyed as, I would say the opposite of all of that!
How excited are you to perform in Singapore?
We are hugely excited to perform at Music Matters in Singapore. Myself and our bass player John, lived in Asia as young kids and have a big heart for Singapore and its food. We love the food—the spicier the better! Seriously though, it’s an honor to be playing in Singapore and we hope that the fans their love our music and our performances.
What’s the meaning of life?
I wish I had some insider knowledge on this and what the greater power has got in store for all of us, but I guess if I knew, it might take away the majesty and the excitement from everyday life. For me though, being happy and enjoying life is what it is all about. Music helps me do that!
Monks of Mellonwah will be performing at Clarke Quay for Music Matters Live. Date and time to be confirmed.
