Gigging Hard and Dreaming Big: Meet Monumental

Rising band Monumental talks us through their origins, mental health challenges, big-stage dreams, as well as what is next on their path to making indie rock noise.

“Making music is one way of getting it all out,” states drummer Denny, “but listening to it is how I get inspired again”.

Essex-based band Monumental would typically be seen spending most weekends gigging across the southeast of England, raw guitar riffs, rattling pint glasses and exhilarating energy that pulls the front row that bit closer to the stage.

Monumental’s roots trace back to the seaside city of Southend, where Alfie (lead guitarist) and Nathan (bassist) met Finn (frontman and rhythm guitarist) busking in the bustling high street of Southend playing ‘It Must Be Love’ by Labi Siffre, unsure whether he was even going to busk that day. After their original drummer left the band, Peggy’s Music Bar was where current drummer and backing vocalist Denny had exclaimed, “I am gonna be in that band one day!” when watching the band perform with their previous drummer. Little did he know that his dream of becoming monumental himself was about to be fulfilled.

Not even two years later, and the Essex boys have performed around 50 gigs in many venues, working alongside Tonic Music since the end of 2024.

At the Half Moon in Putney, the bassist was at the Dirt Road Band gig in March last year, when he met Tonic Music volunteers Jan and Tom (aka Ma and Pa Tonic, who are rather fond of them), chatting about studying music and The Libertines. Throughout the year, Nathan had multiple encounters with Tonic Music, getting to know them and the charity getting to know him. It was not until late last year when Monumental began working alongside Tonic Music.

“I have got a lot of mental health issues, and I struggle with that side of things," explains the drummer, “and music is my escape. If I am feeling anxious or sad, I will put a bit of music on, or write how I am feeling into a song to let the anger out.”

“I do not think mental health is spoken about enough, but Tonic Music is the change. Talk about your mental health, speak out. It is better said than in your head.”

When asked about their challenges of being a rising band in the music industry, Monumental’s lead guitarist shared that “it’s hard to keep motivation up if you have a bad gig or not many people show up.”

“You might beat yourself up about it, but you have got to support each other and just know that the next gig is gonna be better.” 

Monumental is set to return to Essex to perform their debut at Hot Box in Chelmsford. When asking what the audience can expect from the gig, frontman Finn simply stated, “a good night,” before anxiously adding, “…hopefully!”

The band’s most memorable gig to date was London’s iconic 100 Club from June last year. However, this summer, the band will take the stage in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,000 at the Mersea Island Scooter Rally, marking yet another significant milestone in their musical career. 

It is clear that the Essex band is revving up for bigger things. Bigger dreams, bigger gigs, and even bigger plans for the future. 

“Our dream venue is one we all agree on,” Denny says boldly, before Finn quickly jumps in to interrupt, “Wembley!” Followed by laughter erupting from the band.

This exchange sparked a lighthearted back and forth about which legendary venues they would love to play in.

“Yeah, Wembley is everyone’s dream, but do we all agree on Royal Albert Hall?” Denny suggested, which the band promptly responded with an enthusiastic “yeah!”

In terms of their music, the band’s latest single Reasons was released February this year, but they hinted that they have a few recordings ready to be put out, once they feel “it’s the right time."

“We could release another single, receive a few thousand streams, or we could build a following first and then release new music,” Finn explains, before adding cheekily, “so, if you want to hear new music, you’ve got to be following Monumental!”

It is clear to see that the band’s focus is not about numbers of streams, but the connection with their growing audience, both online and during their gigs, something that sets them apart. 

“We can get together and power through everything as one,” says bassist Nathan, “and if something negative happens we can say ‘let’s put that to the side for now,’ I think it shows a lot of growth in us as a band and as mates.” 

Find out more about Monumental at www.monumentalband.co.uk, where you can also listen to their latest release.

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Grace Riley

Music Journalist