Kettering alt-rock trio Monarchs have a new single out today, entitled ‘You Got Me’. New Boots spoke to Sam Amos [guitar/vocals] about the new song and their current adventures. Listen below, and watch the Marc Collins directed video too!
How/why/when/where did you guys get together?
We came together through a mutual love of writing and performing. About two years ago was the first time we all got together in a rehearsal room in Kettering, and it bloomed from there.
How would you describe your sound?
Lyrically-focused dark sex funk n roll….think that about covers it all.
How do you write as band: together, separate? What usually comes first: words, melody, a riff?
Sometimes together, sometimes separate. Depends on the weather…Most of the time it comes from a riff first, but there’s no set equation so to speak.
Tell us about this third single, ‘You Got Me’.
Probably the song at the moment we’re proudest of, it started as riff and naturally developed from that point on. It almost feels like we’ve arrived at our sound with this one.
You are prolific giggers. Do you live for the live shows ?
Absolutely! We feel when we play the songs live they take on a new character. However we are really enjoying writing together at the moment as well. We’ve got the best of both worlds.
What’s your take on the Kettering/wider Northants music scene?
There’s a variety of bands all playing really different and unique stuff which is always positive. Most importantly everyone is very supportive of each other.
What has been your favourite band moment so far?
I think we all agree it was our headline gig at Roadmender, it felt really good putting on your own gig, picking the supports and selling it out!
What was the last album you bought/streamed?
Arctic Monkeys Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino. I better not say anymore, we all love it but not everyone likes Marmite I suppose.
What plans do you have for the rest of the year?
We’re getting geared up to hit the road with our Corby brothers King Purple. Playing eight dates together around the county and surrounding areas, hoping to play to some new faces and make new friends along the way. Followed by more writing and relentless gigging to help promote the new single!
THE ROYAL TOUR [with King Purple] DATES:
MAY
26 Swan Revived Hotel | Newport Pagnell
27 The Marrs Bar | Worcester
JUNE
2 Phoenix Bar | High Wycombe
8 The Craufurd Arms | Milton Keynes
15 Bedford Esquires | Bedford
22 The Roadmender | Northampton
23 The Cookie | Leicester
29 The White Hart | Corby
