In February Portrait had the pleasure to chat with the 100 Monkeys about their involvement with the upcoming Spencer Bell Legacy concert and their current 100 cities tour. Readers were also able to submit their own questions. Hi Guys. Could you tell us about the Spencer Bell Legacy concert? How did you get involved?
The members of 100 Monkeys have been working with the Bell family and Dr. Gary Hammer for a few years now, putting on the legacy shows and trying to spread the word of Spencer's music and art since he passed away in 2006. We got involved because many of us were personal friends of Spencer's, and bringing his music to other people means a lot to us. Can you tell our readers a little about Adrenal cancer and what an orphan cancer is?
Adrenal cancer is very rare compared to other more common cancers, and as a result it gets less public attention and receives less funding for research. Because of the way it starts and can spread through the body, it is frequently discovered in its later stages, and is frequently fatal.
(Note from Editor: The symptoms of early Adrenal Cancer can mimic other common health problems, and there is no standardized testing. Most often it is found when looking for something else.) At the end of the day what do you most want to inspire in people through this concert?
It means a lot to us when we hear that listening to Spencer's music or reading his writing has inspired someone to pull their guitar out of the closet or start writing again. Anyone can create art and get satisfaction from the process, and when people come together as a group to celebrate and appreciate an artist's life and work, it can make you believe in yourself too. In addition to the Spencer Bell Legacy Concert and raising awareness for Adrenal Cancer, what are some other charities and causes you feel strongly about?
Autism Speaks and Acts of Love are both causes we have supported. A couple of us (Ben Graupner and Ben Johnson) have worked as therapists with autistic children in the past, and we have a lot of awareness of autism in society today. (Question from Deborah)
I see that you have some new bands performing at the Spencer Bell Legacy concert in Dallas. What advice would you give them and the people attending on what to expect at these concerts?
I would expect a warm, fun, and appreciative audience. People come to the legacy shows to get into the music and to meet new people. I've met wonderful and interesting people at these shows. (Question from Deborah)
You have been travelling a lot on this 100 city tour and even got stuck in the snow. What has been the best experience so far on this road trip and what has been the worst?
Cold hotel rooms and soaked luggage can't put a damper on rock and roll! The best part is working and moving like a team, and feeling like you're always about to go somewhere new. (Question from Claire)
Have you had any formal training for the wide variety of instruments you play, or is it all self taught?
Some of us have has formal training on some of the instruments we play, but none of us have had formal training on all the instruments we play. Some of us have had no formal training on any instrument. (Question from Claire)
Are you guys ever going to come to the UK for some shows?!
Yes, definitely. Soon, we hope. (Question from Kim)
I’m so impressed with all the different instruments each band member plays, I’d love to know which one is their favorite to play? When it’s Jackson’s turn to play the drums does he get excited? Or does Ben G hate when he has to play the bass?
Every sound and style has its place, and the same is true of who plays what when, but we all enjoy playing all the different axes. There's a different satisfaction that comes from each arrangement.
What is your most embarrassing memory on tour?
Someone gave us a shirt that said, "what happens in the van stays in the van" and that's true. There was a karaoke session one night that some people might be glad there isn't a video of. (Question from Deborah)
What item(s) do you run out of that have been the hardest to find on the road?
Bongo heads that fit were tricky. You really can't have too many clean pairs of socks. (Question from Deborah)
When did you and why did you decide to go casual with the attire (from one who was used to seeing the suits or at least a jacket)?
It depends on the weather. (Question from Susanne)
I heard that Jackson and Jerad produced a movie together. What is it about?
It's about a young man with down syndrome who romantically pursues a single mother in a small town, while her volatile ex-boyfriend watches on. (Question from Kelley)
What countries will you be visiting on your European tour?
As many as we can! (Question from Anonymous)
For Jackson: What's your favorite childhood memory?
I sled into a cement wall when I was five and busted my head open. Had to go to the hospital and get stitched up. (Question from Megan)
Besides being musicians Jackson, Jerad and Ben G are all actors. Is there any chance we would be seeing all of them together in a movie?
Yes definitely. We are working on a couple projects right now that would involve the whole band. (Question from Rachel)
What song/artist is your guilty pleasure?
Andy Warhol (Question from Gloria)
Do you do a lot of song writing on the road?
We do a lot of songwriting everywhere, whether we're holed up in a hotel in Idaho or back at our home base in LA. Musical and lyrical ideas can go around for months before turning into a song, or sometimes a spontaneous idea can catch our ear and we can't put it together fast enough. (Question from Gloria)
Do you get to see any of the sights of the cities you visit? If so, what have been some of the highlights?
Very few actually, you rarely have time to be a tourist, but when we get a chance it's really fun to wander around a new city and try to meet new people. (Question from Cynee)
What happened to Jackson Rathbone's face? It looks as though he has a slightly bruised left eye,a scrape on the bridge of his nose and a scrape on the left side of his face.
Diamond Jim Brady says, "Leave it to legend." (Question from Cynee)
The second leg of their tour appears to be in the tornado alley area of the U.S. during tornado season. Are they prepared for that? Will you be doing any storm chasing?
If by tornado you mean the rock and roll thundercloud that precedes our tour van, then yes, we will be doing some storm chasing. (Question from Melanie)
What are your favorite songs to perform at your shows?
There's a joy to playing every song, and different audiences respond to them differently. It's the most fun when the audience is getting into the song, dancing or singing along.
We all know that you do your "Monkey Switcharoo" at each show and you've said that some people play some instruments perhaps not "better", but differently, adding to the song in which they're playing. My question is do you favor any instruments over others and since you swap instruments after nearly every song live, do you ever blank on what you're playing/about to play or does the Monkey Switcharoo keep you on your toes for performances?
I've definitely reached for one instrument onstage and found it already in someone else's hands. Wait, which song that I play that on? It definitely keeps you on your toes. Some of us are stronger on certain instruments in certain ways, but it's all about the best arrangement for the particular song. (Question from Jodie)
Is the 100 city tour going the way that you imagined it? Is it harder/easier, more fun/more draining than you imagined it would be?
It's very fun, challenging, and rewarding. It's tiring, but there's nothing like rolling into a new city and loading gear into a new venue, for a new crowd you haven't even met yet. (Question from Jodie)
Where are you looking forward to going most on the tour?
Every place we are going. Seriously, every place is different and has it's little quirks, and it's a pleasure to experience all of them. (Question from Lori)
Has your band ever been surprised (for example, recently) by the enthusiastic feedback from (say a small) audience?
Definitely. It's awesome. Sometimes I think you can connect with a smaller audience more, and when people get into the show it's more fun for us too.
Source
xoxo
Carrie
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