Monica and the Explosion are an awesome punk band that recently moved to Kent. They have 3 really awesome releases out. They also played a ton of shows all over the UK and have shared the stage with some great local bands. I got Monica to tell their story...
Introduce yourself…
Hi this is Monica from Monica and The Explosion. I’m the singer, songwriter and guitarist in this 2 piece jukebox punk band based in Tunbridge Wells. My band mate is Paul Slack (original member of the UK Subs) on bass.
How did the band start?
Monica and The Explosion has been my solo project since 2005, first album was released in 2007 and I spent a lot of time touring solo before I hooked up with Paul in 2010 to record the latest album "Shut Up". The work with the album went so well so we decided to move on as a band together.
How did you come up with the name?
Monica and The Explosion has been my stage name from the start. I wanted to make it clear that even if I performed solo with an acoustic guitar I was not an ordinary singer songwriter. The name describes the energy and attitude in the music.
Who would you say are your influences?
Always a hard one...I have lots of influences, I had been listening to a lot of old American rock'n roll, old school punk and rock before I got in to the British punk music.
But I have always been more interested in new, breaking artists like Iggy and The Stooges, Elvis Presley, Ramones, Sex Pistols etc.
What is the punk scene like in Kent?
Honestly we have not been playing that much in Kent since we moved here in March.
We have done some shows at the Castle in Sheerness, Isle of Sheppey, a good punk venue with local punk bands like the Committed and All Flags Burn.
Describe the song writing process...
First of all I need time...We have been very busy touring this year and I need to have some time off from that to be able to write.
For me it usually starts with me messing around on the guitar trying different rhythms, chord sequences etc. and then I get an idea to work on. The lyrics come from my life; what I feel, see, have experienced or things that occupy my mind.
I have always loved the song writing part of being a musician, it’s a big part of my life and I will always enjoy doing it.
What have you released?
"Monica and the Explosion" 2007 (Hands Up Music)
"Shut Up" 2010 (Hands Up Music)
"3 track live DVD single" 2010 (Radar proof recordings)
Who are some of the bands you have done shows with?
Not really that many big bands, but bands we have enjoyed are obviously the UK Subs, Le Bal des Enrages (Fr), Hazel O’ Connor, Peter Bentham and his Dinner Ladies, Born To Destruct, Dun 2 Def, Excuses (Ir), Jesus and his Judgemental Father for example.
Do you prefer to do shows at large venues or small clubs?
It doesn't really matter as long as there is a good and enthusiastic crowd, a warm welcome from the club and good sound and lighting...
Of course we do feel a bit more excited in a large venue with a big audience, than in a small bar, but I enjoy both.
Have you toured?
Yes, we tour all the time...
Check out our gig listings!
Is there a favourite band you like to do shows with?
We always like to play with the Subs, its good to stay in touch with Charlie and the guys. We had a great tour with a French music collective "Le Bal des Enrages" earier this year and would like to do that again.
There is an Irish punk band from Sligo "Excuses" that always put on a great show, worth checking out!
Is there a favourite place you like to do shows at?
We are just off on a tour in France, and the first gig is in Nantes at Le Dynamo- a favourite city and a favourite venue! We have already done 3 tours in France this year and it’s going really well over there.
In the UK I really like the 12 Bar in Denmark Street, London. There is something about the atmosphere in that place that always makes you feel good.
What do you see is the future of MONICA & THE EXPLOSION?
Just keep on doing what we are doing, focus on touring, record and release music we like and hope people get it...
We will focus a lot on Europe next year and explore more areas, and we are going to record a new album too next year.
How can people contact the band?
We have an active facebook page where fans can get in touch and find out what we are up to
http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Monica-and-the-Explosion-the-band/104828106243334
There is the official website
www.monicaandtheexplosion.com
and the Uk Subs Time and Matter site have a Monica and The Explosion section
http://uksubstimeandmatter.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16935:monica-and-the-explosion-exclusive-time-and-matter-webpage&catid=612:paul-slacks-blog&Itemid=142
Will definately see you an Paul this year oop Blackpool. Last year was too drunk to leave the hotel half the time. Love the first two albums! Bought at Water Rats. :-)
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