Starting
off in Lausanne , Switzerland
Now
on their 5th record, entitled the 5th Sun, it is arguably
their best release to date. Partnering with
Napalm Records / Spinning Goblin records for its release and completing a
successful European tour in support of the record over 23 days, 21 shows, 7 countries and covering 10'000 km, 2013 could be
considered a success.
Having
reviewed their brilliant new record, Richard Maw caught up with Boris from
Monkey3 to ask a few questions, so here is the Monkey3 interview in full.
(SL).
You have been around for over a decade now- How do you make sure that
what you write is fresh and exciting?
(Boris) We always try to work all together and play music that is
satisfying for all the band members.
(SL) Congratulations on your new album- it is a superb listen. Did you do anything different in the recording process for this record?
(SL) Congratulations on your new album- it is a superb listen. Did you do anything different in the recording process for this record?
(Boris) Basically we worked the same way as usual, a lot of jamming
and live recording in the studio.
SL). How do you generally write your music- I imagine it to be a collective effort with the band playing together a lot- is this correct?!
SL). How do you generally write your music- I imagine it to be a collective effort with the band playing together a lot- is this correct?!
(Boris) Usually we start by jamming a lot and then we listen back to
the tapes, pick up what inspire us and work on arrangements, it's a team
effort.
(SL). Would you say the band focuses on rhythm, melody... or something else?
(SL). Would you say the band focuses on rhythm, melody... or something else?
(Boris) We surely focus on groove and melody, but the main thing for us is to focus on the vibe of the overall album, the atmospheres and feelings.
(SL). What are your thoughts about playing Desertfest in
(Boris) We are really excited to do it, it's gonna be a great
festival and a good exposure for us in the UK
(SL). Do you have any plans to play any other dates in theUK
(SL). Do you have any plans to play any other dates in the
(Boris) We don't know yet, but hopefully yes.
(SL). How do you think the health of the stoner/doom scene is these days? There seem to be more bands/blogs/festivals etc.
(SL). How do you think the health of the stoner/doom scene is these days? There seem to be more bands/blogs/festivals etc.
(Boris) The scene is growing, good bands, lot of passionate people
working and great audiences.
(SL). How has the growth in the scene affected Monkey3? Positive or negative?
(SL). How has the growth in the scene affected Monkey3? Positive or negative?
(Boris) It's all positive, a big family growing and touching more and more people.
(SL). I notice that your latest album, The 5th Sun, is available on several formats and vinyl types- what are your preferences for listening to music? Vinyl or digital?
(Boris) Vinyl is the best sounding one and artworks look better.
(SL). Has the resurgence of vinyl helped Monkey3?
(SL). Has the resurgence of vinyl helped Monkey3?
(Boris) I guess so, at our shows we sell more vinyl then CD's, vinyl
is an item that looks more appealing to a lot of people.
(SL). Who are your favourite musicians? (bands or individuals)
(SL). Who are your favourite musicians? (bands or individuals)
(Boris)
Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Led Zep, Black Sab, AC/DC…
(SL). Have these bands/individuals influenced you in writing and/or performing your music?
(SL). Have these bands/individuals influenced you in writing and/or performing your music?
(Boris) Those bands made us want to start to play music when we were kids and we learned by listening to them, the music we play now has undoubtedly those influences in it.
(SL). If each of you could jam with any band(s) what bands would they be?
(Boris) AC/DC !
(SL). Does literature or film influence your music?
(SL). Does literature or film influence your music?
(Boris) Movies do influence the way we write music, we often project
a movie in our rehearsal room while we're jamming. Actually, it would be a
dream to write a movie soundtrack one day.
(SL). How difficult is it to balance the demands of home life with keeping the band going?
(SL). How difficult is it to balance the demands of home life with keeping the band going?
(Boris) Our lives are dedicated to music, so to find a good balance
between music and private life isn't much complicated.
(SL). What is the music scene like inSwitzerland
(SL). What is the music scene like in
(Boris) The swiss music scene is doing quite good, lot of good and active bands and good venues to play in.
(SL). Do you have your own place to rehearse or rent a room at a facility?
(Boris) We have our own rehearsal space where we can practice as
much as we possibly can.
(SL). What is the most rewarding this about playing in Monkey3?
(SL). What is the most rewarding this about playing in Monkey3?
(Boris) Keep doing what we like to do most and enjoying it.
(SL). What is the best show you have ever played?
(SL). What is the best show you have ever played?
(Boris) We played a lot of really cool show; it's too hard to pick
just one.
(SL). If you could play a show with any band, who would that band be?
(SL). If you could play a show with any band, who would that band be?
(Boris) Pink Floyd
Intro : Aaron Pickford
Interview : Richard Maw
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