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.in
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 – while the full Album is due for the coming spring.
* Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band?
Hi folks, we are Monkey Intrusion. Here you have Enrico J. Goti at voices and guitars with Vincenzo Reina that does the same, then Marco Bertoli that bangs on drums and Marco Plesnicar that strums bass.
* Where do you call home? We are from Trieste, Italy, an average town right on the border with Slovenia.
*How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
Well, in the present formation we started back in 2021. Marco Plesnicar and Vincenzo Reina have a story that goes back to school days when they actually formed their first garage band. Then they parted ways to pursue different opportunities but around 2008 they came together again to form a new band. When the main singer quit, having to move to England, they met Enrico and slowly 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, until Enrico called in Marco Bertoli since he knew him from another project they were having together 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?
Not at all! Since we all write songs there can’t be a single recipe. There is a sort of method tough in the way that we develop the ideas, 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?
Probably a mess! We put together different styles in the same song to underscore the meaning of the lyrics in an approach that can sound progressive like, but still the overall sound is that of classic hard rock maybe tinged with some grunge.
*What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
Definiely too many songs! Each of us have their liking that the others totally despise so it’s better not to linger on that 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?
Probably the owner of the studio we recorded at (Jork Studios), Jadran Ogrin. A very accomplished musician that has toured all around the world and with his suggestions and insights made as grow in all aspects of musicianship.
*What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
Well, pulling out an entire album. It’s such a tasking but rewarding endeavor 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!
* What song of yours are you most proud of?
Ouch! That’s like having to chose among your children! Every song has its strong part and its weakest… so to be at least a bit fair we choose 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?
Let it be junk food! 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?
To get this interview published means already a lot to us! And broadcast Monkey Intrusion wherever possible to reach more people would be great.
* How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/merch?
Here are te links to Monkey Intrusion social media/music links:
https://linktr.ee/monkeyintrusion
https://youtube.com/@MonkeyIntrusion-oh8xv
https://spotify.link/7iyVkZmvxBb
https://music.apple.com/it/artist/monkey-intrusion/1692368979
https://www.facebook.com/monkeyintrusion
https://instagram.com/monkeyintrusion?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
BIO MONKEY INTRUSION
