|
(May
13, 2005)
“With
a name like Pond Monkeys, it hasn’t really been
that difficult to exceed people’s expectations,”
explains singer/guitarist/keyboardist Alex Ward.
“All we have to do is tune our guitars and most
people are impressed.”
The band’s name and relative youth betray the
experience that has come from performing for more than
seven years together.
“Derek [Wright: vocals, guitar, bass,
keyboard, drums] and my brother [Austin Ward:
vocals, drums, guitars] and I started this when we were
all in middle school,” says Alex.
“I was in 8th grade; they were in 6th.
We were decent then, and I’d like to think that
we’ve only grown as musicians.”
In 2001, fellow
Fort
Scott
teenage-musician Daniel Brasuell joined the band
on vocals, guitar, bass and drums.
“As soon as Daniel joined,” explains Alex,
sipping from a steaming mug of Chai tea latte, “We
picked up the pace and never looked back.”
Indeed, during its seven-year tenure, the band has
already released 4 full-length albums and numerous EPs.
Notable venues such as The Bottleneck in
Lawrence
,
KS
, the Grand Emporium and the El Torreon in
Kansas City
,
MO
, and the Boobie Trap in
Topeka
,
KS
, have all held witness to the musical artistry of Pond
Monkeys. With
their professional song writing and energetic live
shows, the boys have gained critical acclaim and a
strong following of dedicated fans.
Pond Monkeys broke onto the
Fort
Scott
, KS, music scene in 1997, though it wasn’t until late
1998 that the original members performed their first
public gig. By
then, another trio of teenagers had already struck gold
and stole a bit of the Pond Monkeys’ thunder.
“What are the odds that right as we’re
starting, another band of brothers becomes famous?”
asks
Austin
. “At
least our name is more original than Hanson.”
Yes, the band’s namesake is one of legend,
inspired by a mutual love of education and obscure
historical information among the band members.
“I was flipping channels and overheard ‘pond
monkeys’ on TV. I
was in 6th grade.
Monkeys are cool,” clarifies
Austin
.
In the summer of 2005, the band faces yet another
milestone event: the departure of Daniel.
“He’s been planning to leave for
Nashville
for awhile now,” says Alex, referring to the band’s
other lead vocalist and songwriter.
“We wish him the best of luck.
I will admit that his move does put a mild kink
in my plans for world domination.”
Alex continues with a grin, “Just so you know,
this definitely will not be the end of Pond
Monkeys.”
With an already respectable legacy in place, the
remaining members of Pond Monkeys appear to have their
eyes on the future.
alternate story |
