Canadian alt-rock trio MONOWHALES, winners of a Juno Award, hails from Toronto, Ontario. They are the first and only independently managed group whose single reached position two on the Canadian Alternative Rock Chart.
The three-piece group, formerly known as Ginger Ale & the Monowhales, made its public debut in 2017 with the release of their first single, “Take It Back,” which was produced by Al-P of MSTRKRFT and peaked at #25 on the Mediabase Canada Alternative Rock Chart.
The band traveled to Toronto to create new music with producer Ryan Worsley after spending the second half of 2018 on tour. On September 13, 2019, the resultant song “RWLYD (Really Wanna Let You Down)” was made public.
On March 5, 2021, Monowhales’ debut album, Daytona Bleach was made available. The band used storefront displays and guerilla projection projects throughout their hometown of Toronto to publicize the release due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The band recently released a new single called “Change ###” along with a music video for the new album called “Tunnel Vision.” We got the opportunity to speak with the band to learn more about this release and the band itself, and you can follow them below.
1- Where did you come from, where are you based now, and why?
I was born in Damascus, Syria and my family immigrated to Canada when I was a baby. I’ve lived a lot of places to be honest but I call Toronto home. This is where my roots and my branches are. I also love that everyone from Toronto seems to be from somewhere else. Comforting that I fit the bill.
2- How did the band start?
We all went to college together and a friend invited us all to play a few songs together. The dynamic made sense instantly and the rest is history.
3- Who are your biggest influences?
This is a hard one as it’s always changing and I find that my biggest influences come from seeing live music. There is something to take from every performer. I will say I watch a lot of live Queen videos though as those performances make me pretty emotional.
4- What is the message behind Change###?
Change is a revolving door. Just when you think you are in the swing of things it hits you on your way out. This song tells the story of how exhausting it’s been to keep up with it.
5- How does your creative process work?
To be honest with you it’s all over the map. Every song is different in how it decides to come together. We are all very involved in the music. A bit overly obsessive if I am going to be honest. We’ve come to accept that’s just our nature and what each of us has to offer makes our music that much more unique.
6- What changes would you like to see in the music industry to allow you to make a living from your music?
In general, I’d prefer more opportunities for those who have systematically been blocked from them. At this point in time, it’s more important to consider greater changes than just ones that directly affect me.
7- What is the best gig you’ve ever played?
We opened for MOTHER MOTHER in Regina, Saskatchewan inspiring 2022 and it was unmatched. Those crowds were incredible and devoted. It was a special show that we will never forget.
8- If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Please be kind, and vigilant and take care of each other Oh, and this: https://youtu.be/fV4DiAyExN0
9- What is next for MONOWHALES?
THIS TUNNEL VISION TOUR IS GOING TO BE NEXT LEVEL AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO MELT YOUR FACES. SEE YOU SOON. LOVE YA.
The Hollywood Six 