MONK - Dive Deep, Rise Strong ! (USA - HardCore - Interview with Frank).

Hello! Can you introduce yourself and tell us how it all began for you – your encounter with this musical universe, what appealed to you, what fascinated you and what made you want to get into music?
I'm Frank - vocalist for Monk and I guess 'producer' for the band. I grew up in the hardcore and punk scenes of Sudbury Ontario, Canada and started off as a promoter before I dabbled in music. I started out community building in online spaces, with a message board called 'Punksud' that eventually turned into me booking shows for hundreds of bands over the years. What fascinated me was that we could make something from nothing, build a place where people could show up and be themselves, and enjoy live music - giving the youth something to do and keep them out of trouble. Plus, it was a really good way for me to avoid getting a real job through college.

Tell me about the band... How you met – the current line-up – past experiences – and above all – WHY the need to form THIS band?
Monk came together after about 10 years of me trying to get a new band going. I was working on my career as a designer in tech and after moving to a new city, was having trouble connecting with people in the scene. During the pandemic, I hit up my friends Ian and Dan Romano who were out of work due to restrictions and we demo'ed some songs. It was kind of a backwards way of doing things, but it worked and eventually pieced together a more 'full' line-up here in LA. The current line-up consists of myself, Connor McKenna on bass, Scott Savarie on guitar, Jesse Kalamian on drums and sometimes Marcio Rivera, who occasionally fills in when others aren't available.
We went through a bunch of other folks during the early days, and sometimes rotate members depending on timing and opportunity. That's one thing we're not shy about - this project is always bending and flexing depending on needs. 
I started Monk because I wanted to merge two worlds that usually stay separate - mindfulness and aggression. I'm not an angry kid anymore, but I still love to create and make music. This has helped give me an outlet and connect with other like-minded people, which has been really empowering and motivating. 

Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all cost?
It's hard for me to define us because I'm so close to it, but I just read a review from a french magazine that said we sound like if Minor Threat had a baby with Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and sprinkled in some Pixies style grunge. I'm down with that! 
When writing we try to keep simple riffs, but add some interesting layers that are maybe more atmospheric and meditative. I'm not here to convince anyone to listen to us. You either rock with us or you don't. 

Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences? How important are the lyrics for you? Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics?
Lyrics are central to me because it's where I'm able to contribute the most. I take inspiration from spiritual books by Ram Dass and Thich Nhat Hanh, hardcore vocalists like Henry Rollins and Patrick Flynn and more soulful artists like Neil Young and Julie Doiron. I like to pick stuff up from all over the place. Buddhist teachings, hardcore screams, folk and field recordings - there's so much to experience and be inspired by. 

About your latest release?
Our latest record is “Dark Side of the Mind” and it’s a full-throttle hardcore punk EP with a b-side meditation. It’s out now on Dine Alone Records and Tarantula Tapes.
It was recorded at Camera Varda Studios in Welland, ON as well as Pirate Studios here in LA. The artwork was designed by myself and Jack Rogers. 
The record is about confronting the parts of yourself you’re afraid of or ashamed of and learning to make peace with them. It’s about the thoughts we try to bury, regrets that linger, and the moments we wish we could change.

Future plans?
Release more music. Have more fun. Give back to our community when we can.

Your most insane dream with the band would be?
To play a show inside a monastery, opening for Andre 3000 and Justice performing a 20-year anniversary of 'Cross'. 

Your BEST & WORST concert – as a band – and why?
Best: Most recently was playing in Aguascalientes, Mexico. We played to a random crowd of rock enthusiasts who might as well have been there for the county fair. They were so appreciative of us, treated us so well, and the gratitude went both ways. I could relive that night forever. 
Worst: I don't know that we've had a worst show. Maybe playing to an empty warehouse in LA once, but even then, there are fun moments to be had.

Next live-appearance(s)?
We’re doing a batch of shows in the south west before the end of the year - LA, San Diego, and Tijuana. Should be a blast. Then we'll focus on writing some new music in 2026. 

Some words on your local scene – bands you're friends with and you'd like to name?
Independent music in LA is thriving right now! Go and check out bands like Gottlieb, Hatespeech, Jack-Knife, Headspin, '92, Cure for Youth, Ceramik, Texturas... 

Last word is yours..
Thanks for listening and for caring to dig deeper. 

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Credits :
Live photos : Pope Chinaski