DJ Monkey
Band Story
Joey and Mick met at a company in Pasadena, California, became friends, and started working on poetry and music in May of 2002. They realized they were comfortable with combining spoken word verses, rhythmic heavy bass lines, and hook-laden vocal choruses.
When commenting on his previous musical and writing experiences, Joey noted:
"Musically, I always wrote very simple changes. I learned my pop from Motown. My ability to write hooks comes from the fact that I hear more like a listener than a musician. Spoken Word and Rap/Hip-Hop are a natural fit for me. I was into the mix of spoken word and music as far back as The Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron. When rap first emerged, I didn't perceive it as being that much different from what the Beatniks did with Jazz in the '50s."
They realized that rap could play a part in all this, so they asked rapper "Lil' Tip Toe," who also happened to be Joey's stepson-in-law, to contribute to the compositions. He listened to the music, and on that first day, off the top of his head, gave them first drafts of his raps.
Now, the group features the narrative spoken voice of Mick McMains, Joey's hooky, completely untrained scat singing, and Lil' Tip Toe's strong rap presence. Mitch Rafal, who had come to LA years earlier, added a whole new musical layer to the mix.
As work progressed in the studio, Mick's son Ian, a guitarist, was eventually drawn into the group, adding yet another layer. The addition of Jeremy's scratching talents completed the picture. With a very hot CD, the group has received excellent press, very good reviews, and continues to make airplay inroads.
When commenting on his previous musical and writing experiences, Joey noted:
"Musically, I always wrote very simple changes. I learned my pop from Motown. My ability to write hooks comes from the fact that I hear more like a listener than a musician. Spoken Word and Rap/Hip-Hop are a natural fit for me. I was into the mix of spoken word and music as far back as The Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron. When rap first emerged, I didn't perceive it as being that much different from what the Beatniks did with Jazz in the '50s."
They realized that rap could play a part in all this, so they asked rapper "Lil' Tip Toe," who also happened to be Joey's stepson-in-law, to contribute to the compositions. He listened to the music, and on that first day, off the top of his head, gave them first drafts of his raps.
Now, the group features the narrative spoken voice of Mick McMains, Joey's hooky, completely untrained scat singing, and Lil' Tip Toe's strong rap presence. Mitch Rafal, who had come to LA years earlier, added a whole new musical layer to the mix.
As work progressed in the studio, Mick's son Ian, a guitarist, was eventually drawn into the group, adding yet another layer. The addition of Jeremy's scratching talents completed the picture. With a very hot CD, the group has received excellent press, very good reviews, and continues to make airplay inroads.
Band Members
Joey Alkes, Lil Tiptoe, Mick Mc Mains, Ian Mc Mains, and Jeremy"Mr1" Roth
Joey Alkes, Lil Tiptoe, Mick Mc Mains, Ian Mc Mains, and Jeremy"Mr1" Roth
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: California (CA)
Genre: Hip-Hop