Monty Are I is an up and coming band from Rhode Island yes, Rhode Island produced intense power rock."If it means anything after the genre of hardcore, then I say yes, because we're not anything like hardcore." Just for the record, neither of us knew it then but Monty Are I are indeed post hardcore. Think MCR without the makeup, with more instruments, more intensity, more credibility, and twins!
Drummer, Justin (who's twin Ryan is also in the band), is what they like to call "the artist of the band," influenced by Salvador Dali, and the abstract design, Justin designed Monty Are I's album cover for "Wall Of People." My theory was they were stick people that put together made walls, but that just doesn't sound as elite.
After being together for more than 8 years in various forms, they just recently got signed to Island records offspring Stolen Transmission Records. "We can say we did this on our own," Steve says, proud of the work effort and persistence they've exhibited throughout their time together.
If you ever get the chance to see Monty Are I live DO IT. No matter how small the stage, they put on the most impressive show, high intensity, with random brass instruments coming from left and right. "My mom asks me what I want for Christmas, I always ask for a new instrument." Lead singer, Steve Aiello has an impressive roster of instruments under his Christmas tree, including the drums, the cello, and the most recent being the Vietnamese guitar. In addition to Steve, all the members can play at least one other instrument, and sometimes choose to display their talents all in one song. "I'll probably never write another song without a string section," he says.
There's a culture in Rhode Island, Steve says. It's mostly just getting together with family and friends. It's all about being surrounded by good people, and having a good time.
A good example of the way life is in Providence is how Monty Are I acquired their name. Monty was the nickname for their high school band director, which is why many years ago they were called Monty's Fan Club. When they got signed they had dropped to just Monty, but because the name was already taken they added the Are I, as a representation of Rhode Island (RI), where they're from, even though the name is grammatically incorrect.
"We could some day get big... and we want them to feel like they are coming with us. We always want to hang out with everybody." Monty Are I's fan base is amazing. They have such strong support from their fans, due in part to their constant interaction with their fans.
Monty Are I is a band I have a lot of respect for, working so hard and doing it all their own, and still staying genuinely nice guys. Every live show I've seen has not failed to disappoint me. They'll be in DC on September 18th with Sum 41 and Amber Pacific, if you have the chance, check them out, you won't be disappointed. [CO]