New Monarchy – An Xperience Interview

New Monarchy – An Xperience Interview – by Sketchy Hubris.

“Thinking of the thoughts that I’m used to sharing / But wait, no one’s caring …”

The Machine / New Monarchy

Alternative rock band New Monarchy named themselves after growing up in a constantly changing environment, which influenced their worldviews:

• In 2017, members Dan Shapiro and Patrick Nyman started creating their own sound out of their home in Upstate New York, which was greatly influenced by early 2000s indie-rock.
• By 2020, member John Pailley joined the band as the band’s core drummer. Pailley strengthened the band’s overall roots and view on rhythm.
• New Monarchy currently works with many local artists, engaging in music video production as well as social presence.
• Their 2023 debut single, “Feel,” gained them an entryway in today’s music society.

Now playing live as a full group, joined by bassist Logan Will, they will be saturating the local music scene with live appearances. They will open for the band Curveball and Otobo at a show on Thursday, September 26 at the Avalon Lounge in Catskill.

RRX: How did the name New Monarchy come about?

DS: Patrick and I started to play together in Vermont and at first, we were going by Orchard View, and John said that name sounded like a retirement home.

So there was this video game we used to play that had a faction or group of characters in the game called the New Monarchy, and we agreed that sounded cool and would work.

RRX: What is your intended audience or demographic?

JP: I would say 20 to 40; a biggish range. I definitely don’t see my grandparents listening to us.

DS: Skinny little artistic boys who wear cardigans and also like harder stuff. (laughs)

RRX: I am going to see the Violent Femmes. Why I am mentioning this is because I find your song “The Machine” sort of an anthem for your generation, like the Femmes did for ‘80s youth. Your thoughts?

DS: “The Machine” was written about myself and dealing with the positives and negatives I was feeling in my growth. Most of the song is shit-talking to yourself – there is a verse that seems to point to hope and then goes back to no hope, no resolution.

RRX: Well, I am a grandpa and I dig that song.

RRX: Logan, as the newest addition to New Monarchy on bass, what made you join this band?

LW: I worked with John at Guitar Center and immediately loved John; I tried to get him involved on drums in some of my projects. He had me check out what New Monarchy was doing. I started listening and it stayed in my rotation. They needed a bass player to play live; I finally met Dan and it clicked.

RRX: Patrick, what is your favorite song to play keyboard on?

PN: I would say “Nothing New.” It’s the one I’m most active on and I have a nice polyrhythmic line. Also “Part Time,” in the second verse, I play a nice Rhodes kind of sound.

RRX: The show at the Avalon in Catskill on September 26 is a bill of Guitar Center-originated band members – Otobo, Curveball, and you guys. Why so many quality bands from there?

JP: It’s a place where musicians gather and share ideas. It’s a store of musicians, so it’s natural progression.

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