Monophonics: "Greece has been good to us and we wanted to give something back"

Read the greek version here.

Already three years have passed since Monophonics' last album, In Your Brain. This April the band will be releasing their new album, the Sound Of Sinning and the first singles have already "conquered" our hearts.

In connection to the above, Monophonics talked to Summer Rain Radio about the new album, music in general, Greece (of course!) and many other aspects. Read the whole interview below:

At some point after already having some releases and being known, you decided to add vocals. What was the reason for that?

At the beginning we didn't have vocals for the simple fact that none of us sang. We were open to working with vocalists but at the same time protective of our sound, knowing vocals can drastically change the music for better or worse. When we brought Kelly into the band we brought him in as just a keyboardist, it was just a pleasant surprise that he also happened to be a talented singer. 

You didn't hesitate to cooperate for your single Strange Love with a Greek radio station, the filming of the video clip was also done in Greece...

Greece has been good to us and we wanted to give something back. We've been lucky to get so much support and have been blown away with the work that's been done. 

Strange Love is the first Song of the Week at Summer Rain Radio. Read more here.

In about two months your new album will be released. Could you help us get into the "Monophonics headquarters" during the whole procedure, from the first lyrics untill the release of the album?

First we talk about what kind of music we want to make, a kind of brainstorm where we write down concepts and ideas. Then we begin working and writing tunes as a rhythm section, we like to write and record in the same day to capture the fresh energy - adding vocals and horn arrangements etc comes after. We've gotten quite good at our process, everyone having a job and knowing what to do. We can work pretty fast. 

Recordings, new tour, new album, all at almost the same time. How difficult, or easy, is it to be always on the road?

Heavy touring can take a toll but more it's about finding the time to come up with new material. You need to make time to gather your thoughts and create. 

Promises & Strange Love are the two first singles of the forthcoming album, Sound of Sinning

You have been in numerous places. Where did you meet the most enthusiastic audience?

I'd have to say Greece has treated us very well. 

So, would we be expecting you soon back again?

Yes, we plan to be back this summer in fact. 

If you could choose, in what period would you choose to be born and live?

I wouldn't choose any other time but now. We are meant to be here now. 

You have many inspirations, but what kind of music do you actually listen to? Do you listen any of the greek rock or blues scene?

We listen to a range of music from classic 50's doo wop to straight soul to psychedelic rock to reggae and beyond. 

When it comes to greek music the obscure pysch rock that has been found when we are there in record stores are great! Aphrodite's Child, Nostradamos and the Blue Birds come to mind as well as the mod rock classics found on oldies but goodies compilations of the 60's Athens scene.

We also have met a bunch of great contemporary greek musicians. Shout out to Stephanos Philipos aka Phil Diamond and The Bet!

What would be the best place to have a gig?

Anywhere the people are there to see us and excited to be there. That's where we shine as a live band, in a welcomed environment.

Below you can see the next stops during the band's Sound of Sinning Tour.

Lambros Loco Papaefthimiou