Monkey Intrusion is an independent rock band based in Trieste, North East of Italy. Their music is a melting of genres influenced by the different backgrounds of band members.
The project started in the summer of 2013 from the ashes of a previous band formed by Marco Plesnicar (bass), Vincenzo Reina (guitars, voice) and Enrico Goti (voice, guitars). They started to develop their own music in a slow process due mainly to the changes at the drumkit until finally Marco Bertoli (drums) joined the group in 2021. His presence provided the stability and sound needed to take the next step…entering a recording studio. The Album 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 dystopic society where the music shifts in genres to underscore what the lyrics portray.
At present they have released 6 singles – The Brighter Side, Fire Dancer, Life, Police of the Soul, Hard Times and Bad Love – and their debut Album ‘Pussycats And Monkeymen’.
Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band?
Hi there, we are Monkey Intrusion and there are Enrico J. Goti at voices and guitars with Vincenzo Reina that does the same, then Marco Bertoli on drums and Marco Plesnicar that plays bass.
Where do you call home? We are from Trieste, Italy, a port town on the northern Adriatic Sea right on the border with Slovenia.
- How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
Well, the present formation started in 2021. Marco Plesnicar and Vincenzo Reina have a story that goes back to school days when they actually formed their first garage band, but it was only after they met Enrico that the project veered to what is the present sound, so in 2014 Monkey Intrusion had their first gigs. Drummer position had always been unstable though, fortunately Enrico called in Marco Bertoli since they were working together on a different project and finally we had the chance to envision and deliver recordings in a big studio in Slovenia.
- Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
Well, we all write songs so there can’t be a single recipe. There is a sort of method tough in the way that we develop the ideas when rehearsing, first we focus on the progression, then the rhythm and at last the vocals .
- How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
More than likely a mess! We put together different styles in the same song to underscore the meaning of the lyrics and the approach can sound progressive like, but the overall sound is that of classic hard rock maybe tinged with some grunge and in two songs you have some latin american, samba parts.
- What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
Just too many songs! Each of us have their likings totally despised by the other members so we pass on this one to avoid bitter quarrels!
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Just a shot of whiskey before entering the stage and a bellowed phrase to bring good luck. The phrase is of course a secret otherwise it won’t work.
- Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
The owner of the studio we recorded at, Jadran Ogrin. A very accomplished musician that has toured all around the world. His help during the recordings has been invaluable as well as his funny anecdotes when we were relaxing. Nice person who has become also a friend.
- What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
Well, pulling out an entire album the first time that we entered such an important studio. It’s such a tasking but rewarding endeavour that so far nothing compares.
- What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
We know it sounds lame but it’s sincerity. When you craft a song minding what listeners like, you start to play with progression, melody but in the end it will sound fake. Still it can be successful but probably it won’t last. When you just write what you feel inside and let it flow and in arranging it you don’t choke it with your ego or with the need for showing off but just put in the few touches to underline the inherent beauty, then you have something sincere and that is surely understood and felt by the public.
* When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
When you run out of money in the studio! Or when boredom prevents any new and useful idea on that damned song!
*What song of yours are you most proud of?
Not fair! That’s like having to chose among your children! Every song has its strong part and its weakest… so we have to choose at least two: “Bad Love” and “Hard Times”.
* Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
Nothing up against junk food when washed by some good drinks tough!
* Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
The inspiration for writing songs comes from everywhere, so in the end it doesn’t really matter where you are.
* What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
When at the end of the set someone from the crowd will shout: “Play the good one now!”
* What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
This Interview means already a lot to us. Just listen to our Album ‘Pussycats and Monkeymen’ and enjoy it and…well tell your friends about it….
* How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/merch?
Here our links to music platforms and socials:
https://youtube.com/@MonkeyIntrusion-oh8xv
https://spotify.link/7iyVkZmvxBb
https://music.apple.com/it/artist/monkey-intrusion/1692368979
https://m.facebook.com/monkeyintrusion
https://instagram.com/monkeyintrusion?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
