Name: Darren O'Brien
DOB: 26/08/1983
Sex: Male
Position in Band: Voice/Guitar
Equipment: Gibson guitars, Shure mics, Orange amps
Darren: Well I guess it was pop music, 80's stuff because that was the era that I grew up in although my uncle (Paul) was a massive Smiths fan and there is footage of me dancing to a certain track, well that's my justification. The first thing I bought for my self was Queen greatest hits vol1, but the first time I was definitely moved be music was Champagne Supernova by Oasis, that track alone got me "into" music, well to the extent that I am today, hence MonaTone.
IV: What did that musical background mean to you?
Darren: Well not a great deal until Champagne Supernova, that opened doors to other music from Morrissey to Dylan.
IV: When and how did you get your first Guitar?
Darren: When I was 13, so 1996. I think it was an early Christmas present it was crap, I was ripped off. Listen kids NEVER tell the shop assistant that you're buying your first guitar what's good? They rip you off.
IV: What was the Guitar?
Darren: I can't remember (thank god), but I do remember its ultimate demise. My mother smashed it into the place where dead guitars go. I then go my first Eppiphone (which accidentally went the same way, but at my hand this time).
IV: When did the bug for the band bite?
Darren: The days of Oasis 96/97 I knew. That's when I started writing lyrics, I wasn't good enough to write the melody too.
IV: When did you meet Ray?
Darren: Well it was the summer of 2000. We had the same immediate circle of friends, and an awful lot in common.
IV: Did you hit it off?
Darren :I liked the fact that the guy was out on a limb with his sense of style, which in Crumlin it is very hard to be different. He also played guitar and in the hazy, crazy days of summer friendships are forged.
IV: So when did the band commence?
Darren: I had a pleatra of lyrics which were devoid of music. Ray was in a band Stolen youth (now Repel) they asked me to join but I was preoccupied with the summer love I was in (As he smiles mischievously) so turned them down, remember kids music comes first it doesn't split.
IV: So then how did it all start?
Darren: Obviously the relationship failed, hence MonaTone was born.
IV: Does that explain the predominance of relationships in your lyrics?
Darren: Well initially I guess it was my inspiration to write, but that was at my "each and every word must rhyme stage" I think I've developed as a song writer now so I can tackle wider issues, but in the same breath one must write of what they have experience of.
IV: What was your first track?
Darren: It was when I was fairly young 12/13 I think it was called "middle of nowhere" My first MonaTone track was "My Story" but it wasn't called my story initially.
IV: Can you Describe the MonaTone sound?
Darren: Can you describe the colour of the wind? Can you explain life? Its just there, sometimes its "Oasisy" or "Smithsy" other times like "The New York Dolls" and "The Yeah Yeah Yeahs" If you listen to the solo version of "Angel of the Blue" its "Dylan" esque. Its not a question I like I think one should make up their own minds
IV: Where have MonaTone been for you?
Darren: In what context? as a band they've been relatively tight nit, but for me its been my palette and canvas to paint my picture with words and images.
IV: Where are MonaTone going?
Darren: I'm not psychic to the pub, the Grave, The collective memory of millions, I don't know, but I agree with Ray, "Angel of the Blue" is a stand out track and if we can keep that consistency we can contend for some kind of relevant status.
IV: What are your Influences?
Darren: Noel Gallagher and Oasis in general, Sack are a major inspiration to me as I see them as a Dublin band who've made it I adore their sound and on stage performance a l� Martin McCann, Paul Oliver (uncle) set the ball rolling and always introduced me to new music, Morrissey for lyrics and style, Bob Dylan again lyrics that paint pictures. The likes of Bowie and Reed for pure conviction in their appearance and music I loved the whole innuenendo of sexuality. I suppose that my influences are too great and vast to list, so I'll try and let my music do the talking.
IV: What do you do with your days?
Darren: Study Design as I'm in collage Carlow I.T.
IV: Do you feel the pressures of modern life?
Darren: Well I won't be leaving any notes in my dressing gown, just yet!
IV: Can you read music?
Darren: No not traditional music but I can read Chord diagrams and tab.
IV: Comfort or Style?
Darren: Style, I notice I'm the only one to say that.
IV: Any words of Wisdom
Darren: Because we must, no but in all fairness. (People will get that won't they Lou). Seriously though, you want words of wisdom read Marx you want good music then I can help you I'm no philosopher. I'm sick of music artists hugging rainbows and saving Whales if they want to more power to them I'm not against it but please no more aimless talk.
Thanks Darren
