GMA Interview Interrogation: Trash Monroe

"We don't have a uniform or set dress style. It's just really an expression of each individual and who we are".

Following their successful performance at the charity event Danfest, which was a festival designed to raise awareness for autism involving raising money for the chosen charity from which former drummer David Pankhurst's son has autism; and David's sad departure from the band leading to the new drummer Jay being instated, I had a couple of minutes sit down time to talk to the band and find out what's happening, how they enliven their sets and what the future has in stock for them.

By Rhys Stevenson

So guys you played Danfest which was raising money for charity in order to raise awareness of Autism, how was this for you?

We had a great time, playing for a good cause. It was worth while for us to see Dan and Evie's face light up watching the bands play. Was great that the day turned out well and raised money for the charity.  


Danfest was David Pankhurst's last live show, what was the band's reaction to him saying he can no longer play?

We were really shocked Dave was with us for just over a year. It was a bolt out of the blue and we were gutted. It was a tough time for the band and Dave but with his blessing we carried on and found a new drummer. Leaving a band is always a difficult thing especially when the decision is taken away from you. Dave's now gone into band management and we wish him every success in the future and glad he's managed to keep himself involved with music in some aspect.  


From September till the end of the year, what plans have you got and how do you plan to finish 2013?

We're planning on doing a load more gigs really and planning what's next for new recordings and videos.


Some people have commented on each member and their dress style on stage, what would you say your individual dress style is like?

We don't have a uniform or set dress style. It's just really an expression of each individual and who we are.


Now Brad as your the lead guitarist, what was the most challenging aspect of you learning to play and what tips and tricks can you share with GMA's readers?

Learning to play for me was fairly tough, especially with the lead work (my fingers aren't that quick).

As for tips and tricks, learn the music you like, then forge your own style. There are a million faster players who can out shred, sweep pick or whatever than me. But I aim for feeling, and that counts more in our music than any amount of technical ability can give you. Matt has a much more technical role in the band and is often overlooked on the 12 string, as he is more often than not playing a lot of melodic lead runs throughout the songs and I consider him the lead guitarist as well in this band. We both play rhythm and we both play lead. Without the other, the band would not be the same.


Ken, same question as above but applying to Bass Guitar.

I wish I could give you more of an answer, I didn't find anything particually challenging, at the same time music shouldn't be challenging except to the listener.


Melany, your vocals are sensational. How do you practice your singing and how did you get into singing?

Thank you that's very kind. Since I was young I've always loved to sing.It just is such a free way to express yourself.I can't not do it.


Jay, you're now Trash Monroe's new drummer, how have you felt so far and how would you sum Trash Monroe up in one sentence?

So far I have felt welcomed into a warm and loving rock and roll family which allows me to have a whole lot more freedom of expression. To sum Trash up in one sentence?? Trash Monroe are a pop-punk through to monstrous heavy metal enema that the whole world needs in it's playlist.....and other places


Regarding the stage presence, Brad and Melany, the relationship between you two on stage is interesting, who came up with the idea of what you could call 'dramatics' whereby Melany puts her arm round Brad's throat, what is it meant to portray?
             
Brad: From my side of things, I wouldn't really say it was anything that was planned out, how I react to Melany, Ken, Matt or Jay on stage depends on the song and the feeling I get from it at that moment, be it the rhythm of the music, or how the lyrics affect me or how I want to interpret them at that time. Everything that comes out on stage is a reaction to the music, the energy in the room and is my way of expressing myself further.

Melany: It's because I'm trying to get his attention ;) but to be serious, this is NOT a show for me. I do not plan to do anything beforehand. There are parts in certain songs which makes me want to be close to certain members of the band at certain times and other times I like to stay alone. For me it's my mood. How I'm feeling. A vibe. Sometimes I draw strength from the physical contact onstage. It reminds me that I'm not alone. Sometimes it's not as deep as that and I just wanna say 'Hi, enjoying yourself?' to my band mates.

     
To all band-members, if you had to choose what person you wanted to be for a day (musician, actor, celeb, etc) who would it be and why?
            
Brad: I'm quite happy being me to be honest, but as with most people, i'd like to be playing music as a way of living and playing alongside those that have influenced and inspired me.

Ken: Stephen Hawking to just have that clarity of mind and imagination would be great gift. I would just hope I'd be able to keep the things I've learned till the next day.

Melany: I've never wanted to be anyone else. I'd have the same amount of problems in a different body. What's the point in that? I would much rather spend the day with someone like Martin Luther King / Elvis Presley / Nelson Mandela / Marilyn whoever and try to learn something about myself through them.

Jay: I'd be Nikki Sixx for a day. To see the world through the eyes of someone with that level of determination, that will simply not allow life to put you down, would be amazing. If you can survive everything he has been through and keep going then you must have great depth of character. Plus the fact that the man defines Rock and Roll, a pure legend!!!!

Matt: I think i'm pretty fortunate to be me as I get to play music with some really good friends, but if I had to choose anyone I'd probably choose Duff McKagen as he played in and with some amazing bands and the guy is really focused and has his head screwed on.  


If you have not played outside the UK yet, where would you play first and why?

Anywhere where people want to listen to something original and will have us.


Finally are there any greetings, hello's, thank you's you wish to issue to friends, fans, family?
             
Special thanks go out to Becky Rowe for helping us with merch at gigs and everything else you continue to do for us and to Alan Comerford for getting us through some tough spots and taking amazing photographs.
             
Thank you to all that come out to shows, Buy our merch, leave kind words on our pages and generally support us in everything we do. You all know who you are. You make this band what it is and for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Viva la Trash


Catch Trash Monroe at the following confirmed dates:

27th September - The Green Room @ Welwyn Garden City, Herts
25th October - The Square @ Harlow, Essex
23rd November - The Judge & Jury @ Colchester, Essex

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