Introducing | Benny Monteux

As the Edinburgh-based artist prepares for an autumn packed with songwriting, touring and new releases, we caught up with Benny Monteux.

From his influences and musical style to live sets switching between solo efforts and full band performances, we spoke to Benny to find out more.

Can you tell us more about how you got into music?

I got into music because as a kid I was constantly exposed to it. There was always a classic record playing somewhere in my house and my dad always played Eagles and Springsteen songs on the piano! I got my first guitar when I was 11 and I never looked back – my record collection grew and grew and eventually I discovered emo, punk and hardcore as well as being exposed to all the greats which is sort of how I ended up doing what I’m doing now!

What artists/bands influence your musical style?

My main musical influences in this particular project are frank turner, Rob Lynch and I Am The Avalanche. My music is best described as folky pop rock with a punk edge – big guitars and choruses with lyrics that tell stories.

How has your music changed over the last few years?

My music has changed over the last couple years in the sense that I started out as much more of a pop act and then naturally began to gravitate towards a grittier, more punk-influenced sound.

In terms of a live set, what can people expect?

My live set is always raucous, in your face and high energy whether I’m performing on my own or with my band. I really care about connecting with the crowd so I always try to get that across!

Do you prefer performing solo or with your band?

I play by myself a lot more than I do with the band but I honestly couldn’t choose – I love both but for separate reasons. By myself I can do whatever I want but with the band it’s a much bigger event with a bigger sound that’s hard to ignore!

As festival season fast approaches, which festival would be your ‘dream’ to perform at?

My dream festivals would be Slam Dunk and Reading & Leeds – if I got on either one of those I’d be super fucking happy!

What do you have coming up for the rest of 2015?

The rest of this year I’ve got a double A-side and music video which should be coming out September/October, then I’m off out on tour around Scotland in support of that and then again in November with a couple bigger shows thrown in there!

Anything else you wish to add?

I’m playing my last Edinburgh show for a while on June 17th supporting Blackwell ( who just came off tour with Charlie Simpson) so come and say hello!

Keep up-to-date with Benny Monteux:
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Bandcamp




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