From the Ovaries to now The Beautiful Monument, the “bunch of complete weirdos” are a four-piece-all-girl alternative rock band hailing from Melbourne, Australia. Lizi, Laura, Shelby and Andy are refreshing faces and a powerful change to the industry. And the sad story of how their name came to be will leave you with admiration for these women.
With their EP “The Lost” released in 2015 and their first full album debut, “I’m the Sin” released earlier this year, as well as a sold out show with I Prevail, they are a force to be reckoned with. Alternative Junkiee had the pleasure of interviewing TBM and getting to know them a little bit more.
“Just do it. You get one shot to live your life, unless you believe in reincarnation; make the most of what you’ve got.” - The Beautiful Monument
1. Why the name The Beautiful Monument? Who came up with the name?
The name was established by Lizi and Shelby one night at a pub. It came about when they were asked to be god parents to a little boy called Memphis. Unfortunately, Memphis passed away before the girls could ever meet him so they decided to commemorate him in the name. They found out that Memphis was a lost city in Egypt often referred to as “The Beautiful Monument”. This is why our logo is a pyramid split in half to make giant “M” for the little dude.
2. How would you describe TBM?
Musically, hooky and honest. Personally, bunch of complete weirdos
3. How did you all meet?
Lizi and Laura met in 2010 at Rock School in Brisbane where they proceeded to create an all female band called The Ovaries (don’t judge). Funnily enough Shelby was actually their biggest fan and ended up becoming best friends with Lizi. In 2012, Shel and Lizi made the move to Melbourne and after years of convincing Laura finally came down too. We played a battle of the bands where we were in competition with Andy’s old band. Some members of TBM became mates with them and Lizi taxed Andy when they weren’t looking. Are we sorry for taking their best member? Absolutely not - haha
4. I for one just loving that you are an all female band (we definitely need more); however, since the alternative scene is male dominated, did any of you ever feel that you will you receive some backlash?
No. For us as a band, it’s not as bad as people make it out to be. We’ve been playing with other bands, usually solely male bands, for a year and a half now and we’ve been treated with the same respect as everyone else. Which is the way it should be. However, we have seen other bands with female, and female identifying, members really struggle with a backlash. It’s not fair that this is something people struggle with. This issue, and even this question, shouldn’t be a problem. It’s 2017, it’s time to make a change so that this question is irrelevant.
5. I totally agree! So what was the main source of inspiration behind I’m the Sin?
Life experiences and watching less horror movies; just straight to the point and honest lyrics. Life can be shit, we know, but it’s about what you do to own it and the outcomes you get from it. Once you realise that life can be its own horror story it’s a lot more interesting to write about and connect with.
6. Speaking of inspiration, who are your inspirations?
Every member is inspired by different individuals, we’re quite a diverse band. Lizi is inspired by A Day To Remember, Shelby with Fleetwood Mac, Andy with Good Charlotte and Laura by Ke$ha. Quite an interesting mix of people – haha.
7. Definitely an interesting mix but an awesome one nonetheless since it works! So back to the album, which song is your favourite?
It differs for all of us. I don’t think we have a favourite per say but probably the best time is had on stage during Hostage and War for sure.
8. Will you be touring this year? If yes, who with?
Yes indeed we are touring this year but sadly you’re going to have to wait to find out who it’s with, it’s pretty exciting though we’ll tell you that much. Our next show however is a sold out night with US band I Prevail at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne.
9. How does this album differ from you EP - The Lost?
This album is tenfolds better than the EP. The songs are more relatable to us and the listeners and it was a lot more thought out musically.
10. Are there any stories during your career that you’d like to share?
We went to Panthers in Penrith with our late Manager Justin Nichol, drank beers and played arcade games. He was stupid good at everything and none of us left without a toy of some sort that night. He was practically our Charlie and we were the angels hahaha, losing him was the most overwhelming and distressful thing that’s ever happened to us and our sound engineer Cal. Everything we do, we now do for him.
11. I am sorry to hear that. What does the future of TBM have in store? What can we expect?
Less is more.
12. A fun question, what’s on your rider?
Zooper Doopers and coffee.
13. Lastly, is there anything you’d like to add to encourage young female musicians who are hesitant to start a band?
Just do it. You get one shot to live your life, unless you believe in reincarnation; make the most of what you’ve got.
Thank you ladies for this interview. The Beautiful Monument will be touring with Tonight Alive in November!
Be sure to check them out on the road later this year. In the meantime, take a listen to Manifestation from their album, I’m the Sin.
Comments
Post a Comment