Tiffiny from Whattheruckas.com recently met the band and had the chance to interview them before the show at The Marquis Theater in Denver on 13th January. Here’s what the band had to say:
How would you describe 100 Monkeys to someone who has never heard of you? Ben G.: We’ve been asking on our website and someone described us as “rockapaloozical,” which I thought was pretty accurate.
What experience would you like people to come away from a 100 Monkeys show with? Ben G.: An extremely good time. If we can inspire someone to create their own artwork, that’s probably the greatest thing we could ever have someone leave a show with: inspiration.
What is your favorite part of a live performance? Ben G.: Just being able to interact with fans. We make up a song or a few songs every show. Getting a suggestion from the audience and making something right in front of people like that is one of the best parts because it’s always fresh and always new. It’s always great to play a song that people have been wanting to hear all day long. When you play it, everyone has such a great time. The giant dancing banana is also a perk.
Well, I can’t imagine that not being anybody’s favorite part. Ben G.: Yeah, it’s not often that you get to dance with a gigantic banana.
No, not every day. What is your favorite part of touring? Ben G.: All the parts of touring are kind of my favorite parts of life. I like driving, I like playing rock and roll, and I like traveling and seeing new places– it’s kind of a mixture of all those wonderful things. I don’t know if I could pick a favorite.
Is there anywhere in particular that you’re looking forward to seeing? Ben G.: Well, definitely places we haven’t been. Like Tulsa. None of us had ever been to Tulsa, Oklahoma before. We just had a great time there. I know I’ve been to Denver and Denver’s awesome, so I’m looking forward to going there. All these new cities and new places are what I’m looking forward to the most.
What’s next musically for you guys? Ben G.: We’re working on a project in February that we’ll be announcing pretty soon. Then we’re starting a tour again in March. We’re all going to head up to the Spencer Bell benefit on April 24th.
The 100 Monkeys treated us to Reaper and Wings on Fire when they were interviewed on KXAN Austin today! Did you miss it? never fear, you can see it right here:
So, you can’t go to Nashville because it’s too far away? Never fear, the lovely Nickki and Vicky will be broadcasting live from backstage at the Wildhorse show on 7th November 2009!
They will be chatting with the band just before they go onstage so tune into Blog Talk Radio to hear it LIVE!
100 Monkeys 100 City tour is on the cards and Jackson himself said in a recent radio interview that the dates would be announced in about a month. So, keep your eyes peeled to 100 Monkeys Official Web Site for updates on the tour! Rumors are abound that some of the dates may include Europe but at the moment, its just speculation. We can only hope right?!
Vancouver Radio Interviews
Whilst in Vancouver, the band did several radio show appearances. You can listen to them by following these links:
What has Nashville got to do with European Monkey fans I hear you say?! Well, I myself am jumping on a plane and crossing the pond over to Nashville for the Weekend of 6th-8th November! Its a dream come true to finally see the band live rather than on you tube! I hope to have a great review to share with you and photos too upon my return!
I will be tweeting updates whilst away so make sure you follow the Monkey junkies on Twitter for the latest news!
Firstly, a big big thank you to Lea for taking the time to transcribe the 100 Monkeys interview with Nardwuar. Bear with us here and we shall have it translated into Spanish, French and German shortly!
Nardwuar: Who are you? Jackson: Uh…We are 100monkeys. N: Actually, Jackson, I should probably say: Can you do Disney 411 intro of your bandmates?
(generally “Oh no you di’int!” sounds coming from the rest of the band off-camera) J: (in excited, high pitched voice) Hi, this is Jackson, and we’re here with 100monkeys! We got..We got Jerad Anderson, and Ben Graupner, and…and…Uncle Larry…and we have Ben Johnson here! Oh my God, we’re with Nardwuar! Wow!
— N: You guys are the 100monkeys in Vancouver, British Columbia
*points mic at Jackson* J: …100 monkeys! N:…Canada! And you love, your band – you love Daniel Johnston don’t you… J: Yeah, we love Daniel Johnston, he’s a huge influence. And actually, I got to see a Daniel Johnston show, like uh…he performed here a couple of nights ago, so I got to go see that, it was amazing, man..watching him perform live..like, that man puts his heart on his sleeve. N: What can you tell the people about Daniel Johnston? *points mic at Ben J* Ben J: What’s that? N: What can you tell the people about Daniel Johnston? Ben J: Oh, he’s just an incredible songwriter. He’s probably one of the best songwriters alive today, I think. Ben G: He’s an artist as well, his graphics, his visual art that he draws is just absolutely amazing N: And Daniel Johnston has a message for you! J: *looks shocked* He does?! N: Yes. *gestures to laptop* Crowd around here, 100monkeys, we have a message right here for 100monkeys…by…Daniel Johnston..here it comes right now, this is Daniel Johnston’s message to 100monkeys.
Daniel Johnston: Hi, this is Daniel Johnston for the 100monkeys…Could you please do one of my songs-
*Jackson gasps*
Daniel Johnston(cont)-I’d really appreciate it, I hope you have a hit, and we’ll all be rich. Thank you.
Jackson: Oh..I…YES. Just got a blessing from Daniel Johnston to do one of his songs…
— N: Daniel Johnston! J: That was…one of the most amazing messages I think 100monkeys has ever received, uh…thank you do much Daniel, we’d love to do one of your songs- Ben G: Walking the Cow, Walking the Cow. Jerad: We’re going to work on it today. N: And you can both get rich on it! J: Oh, we’d love it, we’d love it…Especially Daniel. Jerad: Because it’s definitely not about the music.
*nervous giggles* Jerad: *laughs* I’m just kidding.
—- N: 100monkeys, you played the Rio Theatre. *holds mic out to Jerad*
Jerad: …That is correct. N: …And you guys cause RPattz to piss in a cup! *holds mic out to Jackson* J: …….. N: Yes! Robert Pattinson, pissed in a cup! *holds mic out to Ben G* Ben G: Wh….Which?! N: The Beatlemania that was happening when the 100monkeys were playing the Rio Theatre – it was a pretty crazy show, wasn’t it – *holds mic out to Ben J* Ben J: It was a pretty crazy show. N: In Vancouver, and it caused Robert Pattinson, who is backstage checking you guys out- Ben G: I thought, I thought that was some kind of expression, like, for the police coming, like “RPattz pissed in a cup” was “The cops got upset.” N: No! Ben G: In a cup, ‘cos there was so many people there? N: The gig was going great, it was a great gig, wasn’t it. *holds mic out to Jerad* Jerad: It was, and you sold it on ebay, because I bought it. N: You did buy it! Jerad: I did. N: I thought he left a gift for you! Jerad: No – YOU sold it to ME- N: I didn’t sell anything!
*Jerad looks confused* N: But I just thought it was incredible Jackson, to have such an incredible Beatlemaniac following that poor RPattz has to piss in a cup-why does he have to piss in a cup? *holds mic out to Jackson* J: …..sometimes pissing in a bottle is difficult… N: The reason he had to piss in a cup was becuause he couldn’t go to the washroom, the washrooms were completely packed with the crowds! *holds mic out to Jackson* Jackson:…heh… N: And the crowds wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for the…*holds mic out to Ben G* Ben G:..100 monkeys… N: Yes! So, indirectly, the 100monkeys caused RPattz to piss into a….*holds mic out to Jackson* Ben: …Cup! Yes!! J: I feel like we’re winning a contest right now…
—- N: Jackson, you’re also into the band Islands, aren’t you? J: Yeah! I love the Islands! And they were, uh…first The Unicorns N: And they’re known for the song you love…*holds mic out to Jackson* J: Which one? There’s so many, like Don’t Call Me Whitney Bobby, uh..Rough Gem, uh…Evil Creeper, that’s a great song..I Was Born a Unicorn is still my favourite song…’I was born a unicorn, a unicorn…” N: And Jackson, Nick from the Unicorns has a message for you! Right here!
— N: Here’s a message from Nick of Islands, to 100monkeys. J: Excellent.
– Nick from Islands: Hey 100monkeys, it’s Nick from Islands, Nardwuar asked me to send you a video saying what’s up, uh…um…he mentioned you guys were fans of Corey Haim, vampires, Don’t Call Me Whitney Bobby, the Islands song…um…Nardwar likes trivia, so…I figured I’d unload a little bit of trivia about those things, so – Don’t Call Me Whitney Bobby is a reference to Sly Stone, a Sly Stone song, and to Whitney Huston and Bobby Brown, obviously…and, um…I made a movie with Corey Haim when I was in film school in Canada, by crank-calling his uncle and convincing him to act in the film. Which, uh…did not go very well. Mostly because he was…I don’t know how to say this without sounding libelous…it didn’t work. But he was fairly terrible about it, and I was too, I was young, and if you see him maybe you should ask him if he remembers me…probably not. Anyway, enjoy Vancouver, and say what’s up to Nardwuar for me.
— Jerad: S’up Nardwuar? Jackson: What’s up, Nardwuar? N: Nick from Islands! Daniel Johnston! Welcoming the 100monkeys to Vancouver! Jerad: I love you! N: We love the 100monkeys! Thank you for helping generate all these amazing connections to your band – Islands! Daniel Johnston! Jackson: That’s amazing, thank you much, I mean…hey, uh, we just came into town to record some music, mix an album, play some shows, we never imagined that we would get such illustrious performers such as Daniel Johnston, and Nick from the Islands, that’s amazing.
—- N: I have a list for you, 100monkeys. At number 5, we have Chris Martin. *holds mic out to Jerad* J: … N: At number 4, we have Tori Amos. *holds mic out to Jackson* J: *nods* N: At number 3, we have Justin Timberlake. *holds mic out to Uncle Larry* UL: ..’kay. N: At number 2, we have Jackson….*holds mic out to Jackson* Jerad: …Smith. N: Rathbone. J: Oh! I thought you were going to say Jackson Brown. N: And at number 1…*holds mic out to Ben G* Ben G: …I don’t know… N: We have Ben… Ben G: Graupner? N: Ben Graupner!! *holds mic out to Ben G* Ben G: …What’s it a list of? N: You’re number 1! Yay! Ben G: Yay! N: Look who you beat out – Chris Martin, Tori Amos, Justin Timberlake, Jackson huurrrrRathbone, in Top 10 Hands as written by Willow Raine. Ben G: ….. Jerad: Lemme see your hands N: Top 10 Hands! Can we do a comparison there, Jackson, like the hands? He beat you out! Top 10 Hand! Ben G: I really have more hand than you…. Jerad: That’s what it is Ben G: On the size scale…You got the thumb thing… Jackson: Yeah, I got the thumb thing, that’s weird. That doesn’t give me any cred, the thumb? Ben G: They gave me, like, a hand award? N: Willow Raine, gave that to you. You’re number one, on a hand award! Ben G: Willow Raine, thank you very much. N: What I think is interesting, you guys have played a few TwiCons, haven’t you? Jackson: We have, we have. N: The woman who played the hands of the…*holds mic out to Ben G* Jerad: book. N: of the book, was at one of those- Ben G: Oh!! I met her, she was cool! N: Her name is Kimbra! Ben G: Kimbra…I remember meeting her, she was like “I was the hand model for Twilight!” I was like, “That’s so bizarre and weird.” *grins* N: And did she charge you 20 dollars for a photo? Ben G: *laughs* No, no…
—- N: *hands picture frame to Jackson* Here we have your co-star Kristen Stewart, and what punk t-shirt is she wearing? Jackson:…Minor Threat! N: Minor Threat, a hardcore band t-shirt! *holds mic out to Ben G* Ben G: Oh, right! You do your research! N: What does Kristen taste like, Jackson? J: That is an inappropriate question, Nardwuar. N: Her blood! You drink her blood in the movie! J: I don’t drink her blood in the movie…I try to, but I don’t get it! I miss. Don’t quite make it. Jerad: Here’s the neck…*mimes biting near a neck* Miss. Jackson: Near, near miss. N: Jackson, in the movie do you wear a wig? Jackson: Uh, in the first one – no, in the second two, yes. N: And was it because you did some movie in GreenLand? Jackson: *laughs at pronunciation of Greenland* Yeah, yeah, I did a movie called The Last Airbender with M. Night. Shyamalan, and uh, I had to get this crazy haircut where I shaved up the sides, you know, doing the whole punk thing…I could rock the Casbah now – check it out, I’m The Clash… N: No, exactly! Who you are is Varg! You are gonna be Varg, and I have a gift for you! *hands large gift to Jackson* J: Oh man, this is amazing!! N: What do we have there, can you please explain? J: This is, this is Burzum anthology, oh my God… N: You are going to be, for the people that don’t know, Jackson is going to be playing this gentleman- Jackson: Actually, I gotta break the news, I’m not actually going to be playing this gentleman anymore, the dates ended up falling through, I’ve been pursuing this role for two and a half years, and the dates just didn’t end up lining up…unless the movie gets pushed to next year… N: It’s the Lords of Chaos movie that they’re hoping to shoot *hands Lords of Chaos book to Jerad* for the movie Lords of Chaos. You were gonna play good old Varg J: Man, Varg is amazing, I’ve read a lot of interviews with him, and the guy’s just a really smart, smart man, makes great music and, um, I like black metal but I love his music probably the- N: Well this is a gift from me to you Jackson! J: Well thank you Nardwuar! *they shake hands* N: And if you open it up, look, it’s the Anthology! It’s the Burzum anthology with the story! Jackson: Oh my gosh…
— N: Well, thanks much 100monkeys, keep rockin’ in the free world, aaand..Do Doodle-Oo-Do…. *holds mic out to Jackson* Jackson: Do-do!
The world has already encountered The Monkees, Iron Monkey, Monkey Bone, 12 Monkeys, Monkey Business, The Curse of Monkey Island, The Arctic Monkeys and ton of other primate collaborations, but never before has the world encountered something quite like 100 Monkeys.
The Los Angeles-based band, comprised of Ben Graupner, Jackson Rathbone (from the Twilight movie saga), Jerad Anderson, Ben Johnson and Uncle Larry, will be performing in Vancouver on Sept. 12 at the Rickshaw Theater. Will be it an event of tree swinging proportions? Can you afford to monkey around? Drop that banana and find out.
RockStar Weekly had a chance to talk to the entire band about coming to Vancouver, how they originally got together, and who really wears that banana suit (I know there’s a monkey in a banana suit joke in there somewhere).
We also couldn’t resists talking to Jackson about his new flick Twilight “New Moon”, the second tale in the Twilight saga, which hits theatres this November. We also broke the ice about his lead role in the 2010 epic The Last Airbender, the new film from director M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs).
When we were growing up, we thought ten little monkeys could get themselves into enough trouble for all of us…jumping on the bed and whatnot.
But now there’s 100 Monkeys, and they’re just as impulsive and unpredictable. The West Coast band comprised of Jacksone Rathbone (a.k.a. Jasper Hale of the “Twilight” saga), Ben Graupner, Ben Johnson, and Jared Anderson has found success across the country with their unique improv style of music.
Categorized on their MySpace page as a combination of “Japanese classic music, 2-step, psychobilly” which may be good enough or equally perplexing descriptors as any, the 100 Monkeys are currently touring throughout the summer with their debut CD Monster De Lux.
Just listen for the shouted deluge of audience improv suggestions or follow the trail of over-excited, collapsed Twi-hards, and you’ll be sure to find them.
Meanwhile, StarShine caged the jovial, bantering Monkeys (sans Ben J.) for an exclusive interview in which they discuss stage life, Twilight mania, obscure global theorems, and humpback whales.
What’s the origin of the 100 Monkeys?
Jackson: The 100 Monkeys started with Ben G. and I–like 3 years ago–whenever he moved to L.A. We were roommates back in high school. We knew Ben J. back then, and we started the band as a two-man group just doing improv music and trying to get Ben J. out to Los Angeles to make some music with us. Along the way, we happened to meet up with Jared Anderson who we would jam with all the time. Now we all are together in harmony. It’s fantastic.
Ben G: It’s like an MTV reality show.
Would you ever do one of those?
Jackson: No, that would make even more drama out of what little drama there is.
Jerad: If it was a Discovery Channel reality show, yes.
Speaking of the Discovery Channel, why did you choose to name the band after “The Hundredth Monkey Effect,” which per your MySpace page, “generally describes the instant, paranormal spreading of an idea or ability to the remainder of a population once a certain portion of that population has heard of the new idea or learned the new ability”?
Jackson: That was one part of it, and [that idea] if you get 100 monkeys in the room with 100 typewriters, eventually they’ll create the works of Shakespeare. (See: Infinite Monkey Theorem) It’s the certain style of music we make and the music we write.
If you came up with your own Monkey Effect, what idea would you like to impart on society?
Ben G: Wow!
Jackson: We’re really trying to get people into the Spencer Bell Memorial. It’s a benefit for adrenal cancer research and our friend Spencer Bell, who was our greatest influence in all of our music. He passed away about three years ago, so we’re just working, trying to keep his memory alive and keep his music out to the masses. We were able to raise money to put out one of his albums, and we have 3 more because of the fan support that we’ve been getting. It’s just incredible.
Why have you chosen to use improv in your music?
Jerad: I think because we started as actors, most of us, minus Ben J. Improv is part of acting, so we all love doing it. We play well off each other, and we do take straight-up audience suggestions and make up a song on the spot, even all the instrumental parts.
Just then, the sound of piano keys interrupts his thought as the boys chime in, singing and playing notes, “It’s a song that we’re singing for the very first time…” Over just as soon as it started, they jump back on the interview train -
Jackson: See, genius! Where inspiration takes you, it takes you hard. If you take the drummer and the drummer starts playing bass and the singer starts singing backup vocals, you find a whole new bunch of stuff in the music that you might not find if you didn’t allow yourself the freedom to change the lyrics once in a while or completely make up a song.
Jerad: It’s called the 100 Monkeys Switcheroo.
Ben G: We increase each other’s talents.
Jackson: We all come from different backgrounds and ways of learning music. It’s really interesting, and it’s really cool to have that diversity ‘cause when it comes together, it creates this union of –
Jerad: – magic. A union of magic.
Jackson: Sometimes it sounds awful…but still magic. Sometimes it sounds good. (laughs)
Can everyone play all of the instruments?
Ben G: Not yet, but almost. People have their strengths. Everybody specializes I think in probably two things.
Jackson: We wanna give the audience a show. We love our fans. We love performing, and we feel that when you come to our show, you’re gonna get to hear a song that’s never going to be played live again. People always come up to us at the end of shows requesting other improv songs.
Jerad: I actually feel like we owe it to ‘em after a while because they’re like demanding, and I’m like, “I don’t know how!” I’m like, “Let’s just suck it up and learn it!”
Given that three out of the four of you are also actors, do you have a preference between music and acting?
Jackson: I wanna have my cake and eat it too. I wanna do both. I think the way we figure it, it feeds both sides of the creative process.
To feed the elephant in the room, Jackson, can you tease anything about “New Moon” for the yearning “Twilight” fans out there?
Jackson: It’s gonna be raging…action-packed, more steamy romance. You get to see a lot more crazy stuff happening. We went deeper into the world now, and it’s gonna be a fun thrill ride for everyone.
Also, filming recently wrapped in Pennsylvania for M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender.” What was that experience like, Jackson?
Jackson: It’s been incredible, a great set. I really believe we’re making a film that’s going to be epic. It’s gonna move people. I think the movie’s gonna turn out beautiful.
The 100 Monkeys have performed with Rob Pattinson in the past. Any chance that’ll be a recurring collaboration?
Jackson: Well, I mean, Rob’s a busy guy…(laughs) We’ve had a few chances to play with him. He’s an awesome musician.
How has “Twilight” mania affected the band’s popularity?
Jackson: It’s definitely gotten us some attention, but I think the main thing is our lives shows. People get to –
Jerad: – escape into a fun land. Enjoy good music.
Jackson: Yeah, we like to have a good time. That’s what we’re always trying to do – play music for as many people as possible.
Jerad: Hopefully, they come in ready to rock out and have some fun. That’s all you can expect.
Ben G: If you scream loud enough, we’ll make up a song that you decide what it’s called. Things like guitar picks and sweat.
Jackson: We like to give things away a lot on stage.
Jerad: Sometimes we bring monkeys and throw them into the crowd.
Jackson: By the way, Ben J. is an adamant whale enthusiast. I know that if he were here, he would want to mention something about preserving the humpback whale in particular. Just figured I’d throw that in there.
One thing’s for certain, you’ll never know what the 100 Monkeys will say…in person…or on stage.
