Meet Tonic Music’s New Ambassadors – Monumental
- 36 minutes ago
- 4 min read
We are proud to announce Monumental are the first band to be Tonic Music Ambassadors – the Essex-based band speaks to us about their dreams, new music, and what it means to become ambassadors.
It all started in 2023, when indie-rock band Monumental came to be. Nathan Bennett (bassist) and Alfie Wickins (lead guitarist) were mates in college, and were strolling down Southend High Street during their lunch break, when they first laid their eyes on Finn Sexton (singer and rhythm guitarist).
What impressed both of the college musicians was not just Finn’s vocals, but the choice of song he decided to belt out on the high street, Labi Siffre’s It Must Be Love. Later that evening, Nathan dropped the busker a message on social media asking “you wanna be in a band?”
It was from that moment onwards that everything started to fall into place, up until the original drummer left the band, and the boys were in a dilemma.
Thankfully, Denny Keil (drummer) had been watching Monumental play at Peggy’s Music Bar in Leigh-On-Sea and had always wanted to be in the band, so the spot was finally open for Denny to bring a new lease of energy into Monumental.
From fumbling through song covers, to releasing their own original music, to performing across pubs and clubs, the band have come a long way to get to where they are today, and their journey has been nothing but monumental.
After almost three years of gigging and making music together, the Essex-based band are showing no signs of ever slowing down.
“All of us in Monumental have dreams,” explained Alfie, “but as time has gone on, my dream is to just have a great following of music lovers who come to our gigs and support us.”
For Nathan, he is buzzing to be “able to play so many gigs, I cannot wait to see what this year has to offer!”
Similarly, Denny is needing to scratch that ever-lasting gigging-itch. “I just want to be able to gig as much as possible and give people a good time,” while also adding, “playing Reading and Leeds Festival is the dream.”
“My dream is to make it with these lads,” is what Finn is ultimately manifesting for.
It was at the Half Moon in Putney at a Dirt Road Band gig that Nathan had first encountered Tonic Music, where he met Jan and Tom (also known as Ma and Pa Tonic).
“I spoke to Jan for a while at that gig,” said Nathan, “she is the loveliest person I have ever met.”
“She brought so much joy to that day, so much so that I have been following Tonic Music at gigs anywhere I can!”
Soon after, Nathan introduced Tonic Music to the band. At this point, the entire band were on board with what we do, and the band mates resonated with the mental health support we provide.
“I struggle with anxiety,” said Alfie, “even now when I have a lot more experience with playing gigs.”
“Tonic Music means so much to me because I have always struggled,” Denny admitted, “having six different mental health problems, with one being Tourettes, can make you an easy target for bullies at school and on social media.”
“It is so important to support charities like Tonic Music as they are here to help others, so they deserve all the support, love and respect.”
Not only this, but the drummer opened up about losing a loved one, and how that took a toll on his mental health. “I made some bad decisions due to the grief of losing my grandad.”
“The healing process was long but worth it, it was about listening to people and not shutting them out. I can only recommend that other musicians get their problems out with music, write a song, a poem, whatever works for you.”
We are thrilled to announce that Monumental will be joining the Tonic Music family by becoming the very first band to be ambassadors, after supporting us for many years.
“It is one of my proudest moments to be an ambassador for Tonic Music,” said Nathan, “as someone who has struggled with my mental health and preaches how important it is to speak out and talk to someone.”
“I already know how hard the music industry is, and I have barely scratched the surface,” said Finn, “we have lost too many talented musicians, so for Tonic Music to support those in need is really valuable. I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to be an ambassador, especially to be the youngest ones they have ever had!”
“If you are feeling down, Tonic Music will be there for you.”
DENNY
And for Alfie, being an ambassador is “something I never thought I would do,” he explained, “it makes me feel very thankful and honoured to help promote the amazing work that Tonic Music does.”
“I love Tonic Music,” said Denny, “I will never take my Tonic Music wristband off. It is forever!”
Expect plenty of new music from the band, gigs throughout the summer, as well as their debut EP on the horizon.
Catch us regularly at the Teenage Kicks club nights at The Fickle Pickle in Westcliff-on-Sea, in collaboration with Indie Cult Club.
Upcoming Monumental gigs:
The Great Escape, Brighton (13th - 16th May)
Dublin Castle, Camden (20th May)
Teenage Kicks, Westcliff-on_Sea (10th June)
Dust, Brighton (13th June)
Old Blue Last, Shoreditch (14th June)
Big 7 Scooter Rally, Ardingly (19th June)
Teenage Kicks, Westcliff (13th August)
Star of Kings, Kings Cross (20th August)
Essex Arms, Brentwood (28th August)
Don't forget to check out all our Courses, Groups and Workshops currently open for registration for working musicians and those working within the music.
