9 Down the Line with Monako
- Paul Dechering
- Nov 2, 2022
- 5 min read
Foreword & Interview by Paul Dechering
Edited by Miyuki Wang
To be honest, I had never heard of the band Monako before I went to the concert of Editors earlier this October. I didn't know who would be supporting their concert and as I'm not really familiar with the music of Editors, I decided to watch the concert from the balcony of the Rockhal Club. But when Monako started playing their opening set, I directly felt the urge to get down to the stalls again, because their music was something special and I couldn't think of a band they reminded me of. A bit of Radiohead maybe, but even that seemed to be a wild guess. I was pretty impressed by their ability to change instruments, the guitarists and the bassist also presented their skills on keys and synths.
As I was not so very blown away by the music of Editors I left the venue a bit earlier and saw the guys of Monako standing lonely at their merch office. Until then I just had the idea to write a review about the Editors concert for this page, but somehow I wanted to ask those guys where their special sound came from.
As I asked them about their main inspirations, an idea popped up in my head - support bands are often willing to present themselves to a wider audience and are pretty chill and easy to talk to. That makes up a good opportunity for a series of interviews. The day after I had the idea of "9 down the line". 9 questions which are always the same for everybody I'd be interviewing, answerable within 10 minutes. Keep your eyes wide open, because there's hot stuff about to come!
I wrote Monako via Instagram the day after and they were willing to answer my questions. About two weeks later, this is the result. Have a listen to their music, they are absolutely nice guys and about to make it - I think I can feel that. Enjoy the first edition of "9 down the line", starring Monako!
Monako (from left: Pamier Hilal, Valentin Hebel, Jan Hendrik Schnool, Sadek Martin-Massarweh & Jakob Hersch) (by Julian Essink)
1. Who are you?
We are Monako. We're a band from Hamburg and Montreal. We're currently based in Hamburg. We're about to release our debut album Scared Of The Way I Move (album cover right) on February 24th 2023. These are very exciting times for us. We just released the first single off that album. It's called 'Solace (Both My Hands).'
2. What was the moment you realized that you wanted to be a musician?
Sadek:
I cannot remember the specific moment where I decided or realized that I wanted to be a musician. From the moment I started to play the guitar, there was always this obsession following me everywhere when it came to music. Music was an incredible output to express myself and canalize everything I had within me into something good and greater. From that point on, I did not know how to be without it. To be honest, I still don't know how to be without music.
Pamier:
Same, I can't pinpoint the exact moment. But like Sadek I had an obsession regarding music. As a teenager I spent most of my time devouring everything even remotely connected to music. Collecting vinyls, going to concerts, reading articles, creating playlists for every occasion, like all sorts of stuff. Until I realized, I could also do it myself. It was kind of a revelation for me, since then my obsession shifted. Still obsessed, but nowadays mostly with writing and playing.
Monako on stage in Rotterdam (by Noah Fohl)
3. Besides the equipment, what's your must-have on tour?
Patience and love for one another. To be honest, touring as a group is intense. You never have a minute for yourself to gather your own thoughts. You're constantly communicating with one another. It can get difficult at times. That's why you need to be patient and kind to one another to make sure you don't lose sight of the reason why you're here.
A pillow and a blanket would be my other two must have on tour. You spend many hours sleeping on the bus and having a pillow and blanket from home just makes it way easier. I forgot these exact 2 items on the last tour, and I'll be honest, I suffered.
Monako on stage in Hamburg (by Laura Affolter)
4. Any rituals before or after the show?
We always spend the last 20-30 minutes before the show in the same room to make sure we're all on the same vibe. 5 minutes before showtime, we're standing next to the stage walking in circles and trying to keep it cool. Just before we take over the stage, we hug each other and wish each other a lot of fun.
Monako in Krakow (by Leonard Vee)
5. Your best or worst gig so far?
Playing Vega in Copenhagen on the last tour with Editors was a pure delight. There was something about that venue that just made it magical.
The hospitality we experienced was beautiful, we felt welcome and respected.
6. Main Influences at the moment or somebody we should definitely check out?
Bon Iver has been a major influence. Sufjan Stevens is a reference when it comes to storytelling beautifully combined with an inherent sense for sound design. Mid-Air Thief as well, he crafts beautiful interwoven songs from traditional and electronic Instruments.
Monako on stage in Berlin (by Leonard Vee)
7. Gear Question - is there anything you always wanted to have that you'll buy after this tour?
We already have way too much gear. I hope no one buys more stuff to be honest….
8. Is there a venue where performing would be a dream coming true?
I would love to play at MTelus in Montreal. Growing up in Montreal, I've been to so many shows in that venue. It's such an important part of my musical education. I've got so many memories there. I've seen Bon Iver and Half Moon Run in that venue. It would be such an honour.
9. Best concert you've ever been to in your life so far?
I'd say Bon Iver at MTelus (it was called Metropolis back then) in 2012 or 2013. It's been 10 years, and I still think of that show. It just meant so much to me to finally see them live. The show was wonderful, and I cried. It inspired me to actually start writing music.
Monako's debut album Scared Of The Way I Move will be out on February 24th 2023.
Check out Monako on their official website, YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Music and Instagram.
Monako will be touring Germany next year in April on their "Scared Of The Way I Move Tour." Get your tickets here
Our guest writer Paul has kindly offered his interviews with bands to be serialised on our page as "9 Down the Line." Be ready for more exciting articles to come!
Paul has his music out on various platforms. Listen to Paul Dechering on Spotify / Apple Music.
Went to a gig? Liked an album? Wanna write about them? Got an idea for our page? GET IN TOUCH WITH US via our email (notaluciddream@gmail.com) / Instagram / contact form on our website & your ideas will be featured on A Lucid Dream.
Comments