The Rhythm Surf Monkeys

 

'Reinvented' is a fearless affirmation of self, a declaration of independence writ in hard rock stipulations down to the virtuoso axework and hard-as-nails lyricism.
 

The Rhythm Surf Monkeys are not as serious as their name would seem to imply - but almost. The band has no less than four singers - one of whom has pipes that would rival Chrissie Hynde - and their new single 'Reinvented' sounds like something concocted from late seventies compositional sensibilities and instrumentation. That is a huge compliment, in case you were wondering. A forward-leaning lament, the unflinchingly granitic track features an excellent (axcellent?) guitar interlude and some of the most seethingly instigational lyrics we've encountered. If you were even contemplating the prospect of moving on from a bad relationship when this song first came on, you will have done so by the time of its final, fateful refrain. Independent reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with the band to talk about their love of music, the current projects at hand, and the circumstances that led to the development of their popular new single.

LAUREN: When did you first discover your love of music?
JIM: Very early. I truly do not remember a time when music wasn't a part of my life.

LAUREN: Your song ‘Reinvented’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
JIM: When you don’t expect it you are almost in disbelief because you hear the first couple of notes and you get paralyzed for a moment going... 'Wait, that’s our song!' Then the elation sets in. And when it's in rotation with iconic bands you just have to smile ear to ear.

LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
JIM: Sadly, it was a struggling relationship. 'Reinvented' was what I was feeling at that moment of time. The lyrics really just flowed.

LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as ‘Reinvented’?
JIM: Yes and no. With four different vocalists I am not sure it's even possible. You go from a song like ‘Prospect Avenue’, which is about growing up in the seventies, to 'Pen of Cowards', which is about cyberbullying and teen suicide, with a couple of stops about lost love in the middle somewhere.

LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
JIM: I am easy to get along with. You can’t go into a studio with every line of your song perfect, or every arrangement as submitted. You have to be open to coaching, getting ribbed, and not always getting it your way. You have to think of the overall project and not get selfish if your idea gets shot down or your track doesn’t make the final cut.

   

LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
JIM No... I did not. My dad always says he auditioned for the Glee Club when he was young and the teacher kicked him out after just 'DOE- RAY- ME'; he never got to finish! I gravitated to music via another influence and taught myself to play guitar. Not knowing theory or sight-reading hinders me, but sometimes that lack of formal information allows one to break rules and create something cool.

LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
JIM: The most rewarding thing is the creation of a song. You have this idea, you put it on paper, you strum a few notes, you write lines, cross out lines, present it to the band, and record. After it is mixed the satisfaction truly does come from the journey. I am a true believer that you have to write bad songs as well as good songs to be a better songwriter.

LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
JIM: Old school rules in my camp. Foreigner, Chicago, Grand Funk, Peter Frampton and bands like that. Bad Company as well. I think that the canvas for creation was unlimited years ago. Bands like Pink Floyd, and Yes blow me away to this day with their creativity. I am not sure today's music takes big risks, or that the musicianship is as good as it was forty years ago. There is a cookie-cutter mentality with executives. I sat down with one and he said you have to tell a story A, B, C. I respect the industry, but for me - and this is just me - I think innuendo and phrasing are important because a phrase can set the tone rather than a whole chorus. Aerosmith's lyric ‘You can’t catch me 'cause the rabbit done died’ and Mellencamp's ‘seventeen has turned thirty-five’ speak volumes and allow the listener to interpret the song on personal terms.

LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
JIM: I wrote ‘The Old Soldier’ about my dad. We performed it to open the 'Salute to the Troops' show in May 2014. I did not tell him in advance that we were performing it. In the parking lot, a man came up to me and said his father passed away some time ago, but the song made him think of his dad. Powerful stuff, music.

LAUREN: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
JIM: We have two. One is just footage from the studio. The second is a trailer for the album introducing the talented musicians who made it.

LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
JIM: I am not in a position to give advice. I'm still growing day by day myself. What has worked for me is patience. You really need to get it right in the studio; recording, mixing and mastering. When you are close to being done, don’t give in to cutting corners out of impatience or anticipation. That extra time spent could be the difference between success and failure.

LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
JIM: We are in pre-production for our third album. The songs are all written and we just need to tweak some lyrics. Gotta get the music to the group and begin booking studio time! Our current album has all quality tracks, and videos were made for every song except one. A lot of patience was required for that. We feel ‘Reinvented’ will do well, and we want to enjoy that ride because we earned it in terms of time invested. The third album... we want to get it just right. Pre-production will be key.

LAUREN: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us about your experiences in music and ambitions for the days ahead. We wish you the very best!

http://www.jimhiltzsongwriter.com

© 2024 Marquix Global Network