Issue # 36 / August 2003

Mona the Canvas
Band Profile

By: Cameron Berkman

         In June of 2002, Ryan DeGrandy and Eric Rohter, two longtime friends and veterans of the local scene decided to start a project. Their brainchild evolved into the highly original and widely influenced band, Mona the Canvas.

         Drawing inspiration from original indie rock bands such as The Pixies, Casket Lottery, and Sigur Ros, and combining that with edgy experimental punk rock, such as Refused, and At the Drive-In, the sound of Mona the Canvas is unmatched. As for their live shows, few Florida local bands can hit the same chord of excitement and energy as they do. The degree of emotion emitted from this band is unequaled, whether they are playing for six people, or for a packed club.

         In the winter of 2002 the band went on an East Coast tour to promote their soon-to-be released EP, including a radio appearance on Rhode Island's WRIU. On January 15th Second Chance Records released the 6-song-EP, Option of an Ambulance, an original, melodic blend of harmonious instrumentation and amazingly creative lyrics such as "Move the hills, across the lawn, the lawn your house breathes on, you opened the door and my jaw is bruised on the floor."

         Recently the band has taken on 3 new members; Adrian Molina (bass), Alex Perez (drums), and Mike Ruiz (keyboard). This summer, the band is taking their expressive show on the road, touring with release mates, Never in Red. Lined up in August is a trip to Dungeon Recording Studios in North Miami for their first full-length album, Gaslight Additions, with Joe Williams (Dashboard Confessional, Further Seems Forever, New Found Glory).

         "When we recorded Option of an Ambulance, the process seemed a little rushed because we had just written the music in the previous weeks," said Eric. "But on our more recent recordings, the songs seem deeper and a lot more developed since we had a lot more time, both for writing, and in the studio."

         The band also has two mixed CDs lined up, consisting of a five-song contribution with I am Davenport, and a four-way mixed CD with Never in Red, Room with a View, and No Such Road. The future looks bright for this young band, and with time, I think that given the right atmosphere, they will grow into a fully-blossomed indie rock powerhouse.
Check out monathecanvas.com for shows, releases and more information on the band.



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