Bring the Noise wrapped up with a splash as seven musicians and bands went head to head for a prize pack that was essentially the wet dream for any up and coming musician. This consisted of a promo pact with Radio One, a Sublime Studios recording package valued at $2500, a Lil Sister/NicNak PR package, a merchandise package by the Print Room NZ, a press photography package by K Frost photography, a logo design package by Daniel Wells design, a seminar with music industry professionals, and a cash prize of $500. Santa could never. Critic Te Ārohi is pleased to announce that this prize pack went to the alt-rock band Monkey Do.
The four member band is made up of Rowan, the main lyricist on vocals and guitar, Pato on lead guitar, Mack on bass and vocals and Kam on drums. Rowan, Pato, and Mack met at Carrington College last year and formed the band within just a week of knowing each other. Kam joined them this year as their previous drummer was leaving, completing the line up that would go on to win this year's Bring the Noise.
Like all the best Dunedin alt-rock bands, Monkey Do’s first gig was a Pint Night. However, unlike many student bands, Monkey Do has always been determined to play as many originals as possible. Capping their gigs to three covers at most, they credited this approach with helping them cultivate a bit of a local fanbase.
This fanbase was on full display during the Bring the Noise finals. Opting to play three of their own hit songs, they kicked off with Satellite (Queens Drive), transitioning into Melt (an extra special song because it was the first ever song they wrote together as a band), and finally The Novelty (Will Wear Off).
Despite being first up in the setlist, they band were surprised to still find a decent turnout – adding that this audience engagement really helped boost their confidence and performance. In terms of their competition, they humbly commented that it must have been a tight choice for the judges as everyone "brought their A-game”, and that "everyone [was] so talented, and deserving of the opportunity that we got”.
They praised Bring the Noise as an awesome opportunity to bring artists from all walks of life together and expose audiences to a range of sounds in the Dunedin scene. They commented that competitions like this allow audiences to see the best 20 minutes of each artist, and “no matter what you do, people are going to be supportive.” They further praised the competition and the other musicians, stating that Bring the Noise was “one of the coolest gigs that [we’ve] been to in [our] time here”.
Monkey Do’s biggest inspiration and motivations are the musicians around them, with Bring the Noise being the perfect chance "to meaningfully be a part of the Dunedin [music] scene.” They loved the wide range of music being showcased at the competition, especially the rising rap scene, and said that they had definitely broadened their horizons just from watching the other musicians. The music on display at U-Bar is far more diverse than just surf-rock indie these days.
In terms of aspirations for the band, their future looks bright. They have an album in the works which they’re hoping to release on digital and physical media next year. They are also keen to promote the release with stickers, shirts, socks and condoms, so keep your eyes peeled for some Monkey Do merch.
Another big plan in the works is an album release tour, with Monkey Do hoping to expand their reach outside of Dunedin. “A band road trip is a right of passage,” they explained. While they love being a part of the Dunedin sound, and think that “some of the most interesting and exciting music ever is in Dunedin", they plan to reach a wider audience – even if that just means “playing in Wellington to 10 people.”
It’s safe to say Monkey Do has definitely made up for their self-described “kind of shit” performance last year at Bring the Noise. If you missed the finals, or just want more of Monkey Do, they promised to do at least two more gigs this year and already have a single out on Spotify. Make sure to check these rising stars out! As for final comments, the band just wanted to say “thank you Dunedin music”, which is almost too wholesome for our little hearts at Critic Te Ārohi.
