Monroe Park

Toronto based indie band, Monroe Park is getting ready to make their official introduction to the world with the release of their debut EP.

Bandmates, Paul The Baptist (Lead Singer), Stefano Barbera (Lead Guitar), Anthony Corrente (Bass Guitar) and Rob Debartolo (Drums), have been working together on their sound since 2013 with the mission to bring a refreshing new sound to the rock landscape. From one listen you can instantly see that their heavily influenced by contemporary soulful bands such as Kings and Leon, Alabama Shakes, and Iron & Wine. They appear to be a good group of guys that possess a legit passion for music. I recently caught up with the guys to learn more about their story and what we should expect from them in the near future.

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Who is Monroe Park and why should the public care about you guys?

We are an indie alternative group that is focused on bringing a refreshing modern sound to music.

What was that pivotal moment that made you guys decide to form your band?

Monroe Park started in 2013 with Stefano and Paul who were teaching lessons at a music school. We began writing together in between lessons and probably wrote over 20 songs during that time, while also performing at charity events and local coffee shops. It wasn't until the end of that year that we felt we wanted to develop our sound. We had all of these songs written but felt that we were both missing out and limiting ourselves musically, so in 2014 Stefano reached out to close high school friends Rob and Anthony to complete the band.

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

The greatest evolution in our music over the past 2 years was becoming a four-piece. With the addition of Rob and Anthony, Monroe Park was now able to develop their musicianship together, reach new heights in their song writing process, and bring the true experience to the audience.

Could you briefly describe the music-making process behind the creation of your latest release?

For our upcoming release 3 of the 5 songs were written during the Stefano and Paul era, the other 2 however were written collectively as a band. The way those last two records came together is telling of how most of our music will further develop; the 4 of us sat together for hours on end until we could communicate what we were trying to express musically, until finally locking it down. This project is the story of 2 years of work, we have worked with many people along the way and have had the opportunity to experience all aspects of the music making process. What we didn't realize was writing the songs was only the beginning. For this EP alone we did pre production, recording, production and mixing and mastering at 3 different studios, With most of the recording done at Coalition Music respectively.

How many songs did you end up recording for this project and how did you decide what made the final cut?

We wrote a lot of songs prior to the EP but only recorded the 5 that ended up on this project. However those 5 songs were recorded 3 different times in 3 different studios each providing different equipment and knowledge from the engineers. By the end of it when we went to the final studio to mix and master we had the opportunity of pulling takes from all 3 session prior as well as doing some final production

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time as you develop?

Most of the EP deals with the concept of time and change. As we continue to grow and experience music we wish to also reflect that in our art, as something that continues to grow into something bigger than we are

What has been your biggest challenge as a band and how were able to overcome them?

The hardest thing over these past 2 years was completing this EP, we've dealt with the reality that there a lot of people who are in this for suspicious reasons which has provided for some set backs. But aside from that, the process of just putting together music that we are 100% happy with has been a challenge. Every step that we have taken, every person we have brought on along the way was to improve the sound of our music and make sure when we look back at this moment in time we wont have any regrets, and although that has set us back in timing things have come together over these past few months and we're finally here.

What are your thoughts on the idea that rock music is dead?

Who said that? Maybe rock has changed. All music has changed and will continue to. We're here to see it all by being a part of that.

Once this project is released, what's next for you?

The work only begins here, now its time to get the music out there. We are lining up shows for the summer, working on the next music video and also, we have the second project in our pocket ready to get back in the studio as soon as we can.



Zambah is proud to announce that we'll be sponsoring Monroe Park's EP release event taking place in Toronto on February 19th at the Cameron House (408 Queen Street West). More details and RSVP info can be found - here.....Also, on that same day be on the lookout for a special announcement from us because the boys will be premièring their new EP exclusively on Zambah! - Zambah Music