With two releases on Subliminal under their belt, Beatz speaks with
Monkey Bars.
| Beatz: |
Monkey Bars? Strange name - where did that come from? |
| Monkey Bars: |
It's that playground fixture thing kids hang from and climb across, like
a horizontal ladder. We like the sound of it ... and monkeys are hilarious.
|
| Beatz: |
According to the PR you've been compared to the Basement Jaxx. An
excellent compliment surely, or do you see yourselves as something
different, something original? |
| Monkey Bars: |
There's a certain wacky humor, joy and irreverance that we and the Jaxx
both strive towards. But we really come from a totally different
perspective, an American one -- much stronger jazz influence, a bit more
experimental melodically and harmonically. |
| Beatz: |
"Pass You By" is your second release. How does it feel to be
producing records like this? |
| Monkey Bars: |
You know those fan-powered parachute dancing scarecrow guy dealies? Like
those. |
| Beatz: |
It must be outstanding working with the likes of Erick Morillo and
Subliminal? Did you ever think that you'd be in this position? |
| Monkey Bars: |
We sure were hoping to, and we're very thankful that Erick believed in
us and gave us a chance to produce an album, something we had wanted to
do for years. |
| Beatz: |
What inspires you to record dance tracks, what with your more classic
music training? |
| Monkey Bars: |
Funky dance music excites us, it makes us want to move. Classical music
and jazz don't really do that anymore. The feeling that you just HAVE to
dance -- that itself inspires us to find new ways to achieve it. We're
on a crusade, a jihad if you will, to find the maximum simultaneous body
and mind stimulation. |
| Beatz: |
What's next for Monkey Bars? |
| Monkey Bars: |
The singles on Subliminal are in support of our debut album due out next
year, "Food-Eating Food." There's a lot of fun that went into that
album and we're excited to see who we can crack up with it. Also, we're
working with a vocalist to prepare a new live set that'll knock the
socks off yer ass. |
| Beatz: |
Have you played out in the UK? How were you received?
|
| Monkey Bars: |
The punters at the various stadiums around the UK and Ireland have all
gone barmy for our sound, but we're looking to play some more intimate
venues in '04. |
| Beatz: |
US or UK for dance music? Who rules? |
| Monkey Bars: |
It's really all about Asia. The level of sophistication of the crowds,
the vibe. It just blows away the West. |
| Beatz: |
What you guys listening to at the moment? |
| Monkey Bars: |
Tony Allen / Fela Kuti; Hermeto Pascoal; Crank Yankers; J.S. Bach; Beach
Boys; Snoop Dogg |
| Beatz: |
Thanks for the interview. Any words of wisdom to your fans out there
in cyber-land? |
| Monkey Bars: |
Hang in there. And furthermore, to quote the great Rodney Dangerfield,
"Look out for numba one - but don't step in numba two!" |
