Riding Shotgun with Monopoli
t's always nifty to follow the progression of a band, especially when they're a local band (and a good local band at that). Monopoli have been around for several years now, and after some lineup tinkering have emerged as a four-piece on the brink. Heck, they even made it onto a sampler cd put out by one of the major chick lifestyle mags (that would be Jane, for those who don't read said chick mags). Monopolian Alfonso Velez gamely A'd my Q's, and you will note below that the Black Cat is the favorite venue of Monopoli, Chapel Hill does not give Monopoli warm fuzzies, and you might come across a commando Monopolian or two if you catch them in the midst of a tour. Read on, and then go see Monopoli and their finely crafted pop-ishness at, appropriately, the Black Cat (September 22, with Soft Complex and Cedars - $10).
Fill in the blanks:
Touring is: A blast.
Our first gig was: New Year's, Velvet Lounge 2004.
Our favorite venue to play is: Black Cat.
Hygiene on tour is: Non-existent, no underwear.
Our favorite thing about touring is: Seeing new things everyday and night.
And the least favorite thing: Coming home.
City with the best audiences: Ottawa.
The band member most likely to disappear after a show is: Alfonso.
The tour bus/van smells like: Gamey, very gamey...
Laundry is: a) washed regularly, b) washed irregularly, c) we go shopping a lot: B.
What's the most unusual item on your rider? A copy of the Big Lebowski, once a day watchers here.
Who controls the music in the touring vehicle? The Driver.
And what are you listening to at the moment?
Cody Chestnutt, Secret Machines, Kings of Leon, Spoon, Pops, Miles, Leadbelly.
Your new favorite watering hole after being on tour? And/or the best place to get greasy, hangover-curing food?
The Red Room in Toronto.
Most amusing memory from your current or most recent tour?
Locking ourselves out of the equipment loft.
Please name the city you wouldn't ever play in again?
Chapel Hill, NC.
Or, if not a particular city, which venue makes your skin crawl?
The Cave, in Chapel Hill.
Apart from the obvious cd, what's the merch item of yours you think people should shell out for?
Limited edition athletic bands.
Have you been to the top of the Washington Monument?
Yes.
What is your favorite Monopoli song?
"Big Man."
What would you like people to be saying about the Monopoli in 50 years?
"My God, I can't believe those guys are still touring!"
What would you most recommend to a first-time visitor to D.C.?
Call us up and we'll take you out to our DC.
Which token would most accurately represent Monopoli in the game of Monopoly?
The Rolls.
"If I wasn't in Monopoli, I'd...":
Be an international man of leisure.
Please recite a line of poetry:
Hoy puedo escribir los Versos mas tristes.
And finally, it's BigYawn's round. What's your poison?
Wodka "on De Ice."
For more Monopolian goodness, make your way to www.monopoli.tv, or www.myspace.com/monopoliband.
Megan Rides Shotgun
What is this Riding Shotgun, you might ask? BigYawn knows you're not happy simply with the excellent music being made these days. Oh no. You want more. So, Riding Shotgun takes you beyond the official website bio. Think of it as a chance to get to know the people behind the bands you know and love (and the bands who you soon will know and love!). I'll track down good bands coming to town, corner them, and have them answer the burning questions. And they've agreed -- because they're such nice people.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.