Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Three-times SAMA winning band Monark returned to the music scene this year with their self-titled second album which spawned the radio-friendly hit Broken.
Having just finished a nation-wide tour, we caught up with lead singer Eugene Coetzer to find out a little more about their latest release - which was recorded at band member Ewald Janse van Rensburg’s studio in Potchefstroom - and their future plans.
How would you describe the mood of this album?
“It was intense, kinda dark at times, but I was trying to write the light into it, because there’s always hope. Even in the most inhospitable places you find life. This album was an attempt to stay away from false hope.”
What is your favourite song on it – and why?
“You Lie: For me it was the most flow that we’ve ever achieved. The lyrics, mood, melodies and production are one.”
What are you currently listening to? “Raury, Drake, Chance, Radiohead, Coldplay, Wendy Rene, Anderson Paak.”
Who would you most love to collaborate with?
“Kendrick Lamar.”
What do you hate most about the pop industry these days?
“The lack of unity in songs; there are a lot of songs that are so purely constructed - you know it’s like six songs in one. The real trick is to say what you want to say in the way you want to say it and keep it all together and simple. Also that no one writes for themselves.”
How did you guys come up with the name Monark?
“When we were growing up we aspired to be like the 80’s superhero ‘Monark Starstalker’. He’s the realest after all.”
What’s next for the band?
“We are making plans for some trips abroad, writing for other artists, and are making an effort to connect with all our streamers abroad.”
Thanks for chatting to us, guys!
