Interview with the Band ‘I Monster’ from the U.K.

It’s rare to come across new music that is outright original or worth listening to more than once, so when I came across tracks from a two man band hailing from Sheffield, UK, named ‘I Monster’, I was extremely excited to have gained some of my lost faith in current music. I’ve had time to analyze their musical style and much to their benefit I can say that it really isn’t possible to categorize it into a genre whatsoever. The best description I can give in writing is that the songs hold an avant-garde hybrid of electronica, progressive rock, funk, apocalyptic dance, and brings plenty of ultra-bizarre vocal installments throughout the songs. The first dose of I Monster that came into my ears was from a record released in 2003 called “Neveroddoreven”, and needless to say it really caught my attention. I first assumed they were another group of musicians that simply appeared out of no where, but it turns out that these guys are seasoned veterans that have been doing music for years. But enough about that, I’ll stop talking and get to the purpose of this story…

One of the I Monster guys was kind enough to answer some questions I came up with for this interview that you can read below. Thanks Vard and as they say in the UK, Cheers! I owe you a lager…..

Interview Date: March 19, 2008

EgoAssassin (Q): What motivated you to start I Monster (or motivates you to create music every day)?

I Monster (A): Well me and Dean started working together before we called ourselves I Monster. This was in 1992. We both come from different musical backgrounds, but at that time we were both interested in making music with computers and also the electronic music happening at the time. Early WARP label and similar stuff. It felt so good to be able to make our own ‘finished’ music without going to a cold, damp rehearsal room and waiting for the drummer to turn up!

EgoAssassin (Q): If you only had to name one band, artist, or person in life that has been the biggest influence on the I Monster

I Monster (A): For me it would be erm…. well I don’t know. I buy and listen to so much stuff. Genesis, Robert Wyatt, Beatles perhaps. Dean will have different answers, but he has no taste.

EgoAssassin (Q): How would you best describe the musical style of I Monster?

I Monster (A): Sweet and sour.

EgoAssassin (Q): What do you think is the biggest problem with the music industry today? (if you feel there is one)

I Monster (A) I don’t know. But I think there’s a lot of arse-licking going on though, back-handers and all that.

EgoAssassin(Q): Is there any new bands out now that you guys look up to as being groundbreaking or visionary?

I Monster (A): I’m not sure about ‘new’ bands. I don’t listen to many. The newest bands that fit that category, for me at least, aren’t particularly new…Outkast, Radiohead, Flaming Lips and a few other bands.

EgoAssassin (Q): What living musician would you like to play live with before life is over?

I Monster (A): Kate Bush would be good.

EgoAssassin (Q): Do you get recognized in public often? I assume not since you are always wearing masks….

I Monster (A): No. Only by friends and family.

EgoAssassin (Q): How did it work out that I Monster got the track “The Blue Wrath” featured as the main intro song for the Simon Pegg film ‘Shaun of the Dead’? This must have been exciting for you guys, yeah?

I Monster (A): It WAS exciting and we got to meet them, walk up the red carpet for the premiere (no one knew who we were) and got paid a little bit of money. I believe it happened because a fan of ours (who we didn’t know at the time), Paul Putner, who is a regular actor on UK television including Little Britain, recommended our album to his friend Edgar Wright, who directed the movie.

EgoAssassin (Q): What was the worst live show you have ever played?

I Monster (A): Manchester or the second time we Rennes in France. We got too drunk. The equipment didn’t work and neither did we.

EgoAssassin (Q): Any tour plans for North or South America coming up?

I Monster (A): I hope so. We will release the new album over your side, so it would be great to follow it up with some live stuff. We’ll play any town that has a micro-brewery or a brewery for that matter.

EgoAssassin: The End.

Much thanks to I Monster for their time, and check out the official I Monster Website: http://www.imonstermusic.com

>>>Click here to Listen to I Monster<<<

Taking Yourself Too Seriously (How’s that working out?)

Have you taken yourself too seriously in life? Well so have I. And once again I must say, I’m sick and tired of it. Even this ridiculous sentence that I write now is being edited in my sub conscious as if it matters how “right-on” or “profound” my words are in the big scheme of things. The reality is, that like me, you’re probably going through the same motions in life when it comes to taking yourself too serious. The truth is that we need to stop more often and simply be THANKFUL that we have the ability to sit in front of our computer screens or digital cameras to express our ideas, emotions, and opinions. Not that freedom and ambition should not be a right to all mankind, but if you are reading this right now, you are most likely not in an atmosphere where dodging bullets and bombs is routine, and you’re top concern is probably not where your next meal is coming from. These may be foolish assumptions, but either way, you should be thankful. Every man thinks that his burden is the heaviest, but we are all smart enough to know that these burdens come in different weights, no matter how we debate the fact.

I think it’s important to express our views and frustrations in life, but I urge my fellow writers, creators, artists, media outlets, and fellow human beings globally to think deeper about what they do have in life and how they can share that with others. Not only what they have, but how they can add substance to their lives and truly value their freedom first, before their group minded agendas or “profound” views. I am willing to take my own advice, but I not only take myself too seriously, but often get wrapped up into this group mentality of simply going along with things, instead of questioning them.

The real question here is this; why spend more time formulating your public image and appearance to be that of what you WANT people to see you as, instead of forming what you should be. Thankful.

People out there are experiencing extreme tragedy, oppression, and tribulations in life. Maybe you should start taking yourself less seriously and remember those people from time to time.

Here’s an idea: www.give.org