Following on from their last single Evidence, Peckham-based band Monks In The Wood are back with an exquisite new single. No Love is out now via Spinnup.
Flowing with twinkling hooks and sweeping, impassioned harmonies, No Love oozes a delicate beauty and rich, anthemic splendour. Inspired by the contrasting feelings found within relationships and everyday life, it’s a stirring, emotion-strewn slice of indie-pop with a sound akin to the likes of Broken Bells or The Shins.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Matt of Monks In The Wood to discuss the latest project, challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
We all grew up in separate places listening to different music so I think we have met somewhere nicely in the middle. I personally love playing music with some energy, it makes live shows much more fun.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
We have all just always done it. I don’t remember a time where I didn’t play in bands.. and I went grew up in the same area as some great musicians such as Sivu and Daudi Matsiko, so it was easy to find something to be a part of. I love the thought of people listening, enjoying and potentially even taking inspiration from something I was a part of making.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I take my inspiration mostly from non-musical sources. I watch a lot of scientific and religious debates & documentaries which always seem to get me in a writing mood. Also a lot of sci-fi-fi tv and movies help to get those creative juices flowing.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I have always made sure I try to write naturally. I believe too many people write to sound like their favourite artist at the moment and thats why we have a lot of girls singing with pretend lisps and men pretending to be northern etc. For me it is just to be ourselves and not bend to fit into anything we don’t fit in to.
What was the last song you listened to?
Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder, it came on and I had to hear it through.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl for the feel, but MP3’s for the handiness.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify. it’s easy and it is great for discovering something new.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
I think it’s hard to keep new fans’ attention these days as you stated; with an abundance of music to listen to and discover and only a certain amount of time in the day. We try and be as accessible as possible, but it’s never been easy to be an artist. Persistence is the key!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
You can find us in all the usual places Our new single ‘No Love’ is out now on Spotify and iTunes.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Please check out our new video for ‘No Love’, out now. We’re announcing new London shows very soon!
