psychedelic monks on stage

Q&A with: The Psychedelic Monks

Interview by Tiffany Evers

Genre: Jam band

BAND MEMBERS: 

• Evan Clancy – drums

• Max Bressan – bass

• Ian Hood – guitar

• Evan Ahlswede – guitar/steel pan

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING TOGETHER?

A: Most of us have been jamming together for 10 years. We have been playing live shows for 7 years.

Q: WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOUR NAME?

A: The band got its name from a joke on a British TV show called, “The Mighty Boosh.” 

Q: WHERE ARE SOME OF THE REGULAR VENUES YOU PLAY AT?

A: Beachside Tavern and Clancy’s Cantina in New Smyrna Beach. 

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY ORIGINALS? IF YES, ARE THEY AVAILABLE ONLINE?

A: We have been writing original music since we started. Songs have come and gone but the comradery is still strong. We are currently in the process of releasing our first studio album which has two brand new songs no one has heard. This album will be available to listen to online when it is released. 

Q: IF YOU COULD GO OPEN A SHOW FOR ANY ARTIST WHO WOULD IT BE?

A: Phish, Lettuce, Dopapod or Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM?

A: Our favorite original song to perform live would have to be, “Cool like Kevin.” The jam section in the song tends to dive down the rabbit hole and is a great sing-along for the crowd. Our favorite cover to play is “Jump in the Line (Shake Senora).” This one usually brings out the conga line.

Q: WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR MUSICAL GAME? 

A: Practice. Listen to music. Solo gigs and side projects help keep our chops up. 

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BEGINNERS WHO ARE NERVOUS ABOUT PUBLIC PERFORMANCES?

A: Relax. Breathe. Practice. Listen. If you are passionate about what you are doing, people will enjoy. 

FACEBOOK:

The Psychedelic Monks

INSTAGRAM: 

@psychedelicmonks 

Tiffany Evers is the editor and co-owner of East Coast Current magazine. In 2014 she was recognized by Editor & Publisher Magazine as one of the “25 Under 35” innovators in the newspaper industry. In 2016 she was elected to the Board of Directors for the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce. Follow her @eccprint

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