EMQ’s With MONKEY INTRUSION

EMQ’s With MONKEY INTRUSION

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Italian Rock band, Monkey Intrusion. Huge thanks to their Bassist, Marco Plesnicar, for taking part. 

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

Hi folks, I’m Marco Plesnicar and I play bass. The project started in the summer of 2013 from the ashes of a previous band formed by myself, Vincenzo Reina (guitars, voice), and Enrico J. Goti (voice, guitars). We started to develop our own music in a slow process due mainly to the changes on the drums position, until finally, Marco Bertoli joined the group in 2021. His presence gave us the stability and sound we needed to take it to the next level. 

How did you come up with your band name?

Well, a funny story here… Vincenzo was in Singapore when he read this sign in his room: “Do not open the window due to monkey intrusion”. When he told us we all had this vision of a bunch of crazy monkeys intruding into people’s minds! The name was found. 

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We come from Trieste, Italy, a port town right on the border with Slovenia.  Once it was vibrant mainly for the Metal scene, with some good bands in the 80’s and 90’s. Right now it’s a bit desperate; cover and tribute bands have strangled the live scene here, so you have to look abroad for giggin’ which is always a good challenge but, of course, it’s hard on the travel costs. 

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

In May we released the debut album “Pussycats And Monkeymen”. It was recorded in 2022 at Jork Studios (studiojork.com) Dekani, one of the most relevant in Slovenia. The result is a journey through the emotions, observations, and sometimes fears of a dystopian society where the music shifts in genres to underscore what the lyrics portray.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Wow, it’s really hard to tell! I’ve always been an eager explorer of music, in all its declinations as my band mates are. Going back to when I started to buy records I’d say Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Police, Dire Straits and the album “Porgy And Bess” by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Oops, I almost forgot AC/DC.  

What first got you into music?

I come from a music family, so I’ve always had many instruments to toy with since I was born. In first grade I was taking piano lessons from my auntie and there I discovered two important things: I hated piano and I liked to create new music rather than play what was written on the music sheet. I guess that was what got me in!

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Can I fly high? If so I’d pick Dave Grohl.  I admire his work, have been at some Foo Fighters live gigs, and I think he’s probably a great person to hang out with. 

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Loolapalooza! I’ve never been to the States and that would be a great excuse to go! 

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Weirdest I can’t recall, but surely the most touching was during our last exhibition, it was a charity concert. We were raising funds for an organization that helps young people with intellectual disabilities and at the end of the gig, out of the blue, a lovely girl, nursed by that institution, came on the stage and recited a couple of her poems. It was the most precious gift we could ever have had.  

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Stay rock, stay positive and keep listening to Monkey Intrusion!

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

That’s not fair! Too many to choose from!  But I suppose I’ve got to answer… let them be John Bonham, mainly because I’d love to go to see Led Zeppelin live.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Ah, there are many things that I love but probably when, together with your band mates, you craft a new song. Giving shape to a new idea is the most gratifying feeling. The thing that I hate the most is when, at the end of the gig, the owner of the venue comes to you and says: “It didn’t go so well (and you’ve seen how many people were there and how much they’ve been drinking) so I must give you less than agreed.” This totally sucks! But sometimes it happens…   

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Well, I’ve had this question in the past and still answer the same way. I’m just a dumb crazy monkey and don’t have the brain to delve deep in these matters. 

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

No hesitation here: “Selling England” By The Pounds. It’s more than 40 years since I’ve heard it for the first time and still, when I put it on, I feel that same sense of wonder.    

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

There’s no best option. It depends what you’re looking for, if it’s the sound Vinyl, nostalgia Cassettes, durability CD’s, catalogue Downloads.  

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Probably the last one that I was telling you before. It’s so engaging when you play for a greater cause. You really give all of yourself. Plus we had some special guests that made that a remarkable night. 

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I was working as a cameraman for various TV channels, so I guess I would be there. All in all it’s a pretty gratifying job.  

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Since he’s got a good winery in Italy, Sting for the booze, Jimmy Page for the dope, Dave Grohl for a good laugh. Peter Gabriel to talk about music and Lzzy Hale to hear her wonderful voice. 

What’s next for the band?

We are working on several new songs so hopefully pretty soon we’ll be heading back to the studios to record at least an EP. In the meantime we’re taking as many gigs as possible.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people? 

Monkey Intrusion on platforms and social media

https://youtube.com/@MonkeyIntrusion-oh8xv

https://spotify.link/7iyVkZmvxBb

https://music.apple.com/it/artist/monkey-intrusion/1692368979

https://on.soundcloud.com/rPuqCBqKsPsaEjp6A

https://spotify.link/7iyVkZmvxBb

https://instagram.com/monkeyintrusion?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

https://www.twitter.com/monkintrusion

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll, or a Tea Cake?

Sorry to cheat here, but I’ve lived several years in Ireland, so the answer is a Bun.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Yeah, it’s been a pleasure. To your readers I say c’mon guys, give it a try with Pussycats And Monkeymen, please? 

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.