This Spring,I had the pleasure of speaking with James Balogach of Poptart Monkeys, about the phenomenal success of this popular indie band that specializes in rock, punk,alittle rap and well, basically some of everything. The Poptart Monkeys are very well known in Eastern Pa. and regionally up and down the East coast, in places like Potbelly’s in Fla., The Plantation Room in Georgia, Gatsby’s in Tennessee and the Skybar in Alabama, where they play regularly while touring. Currently they have just returned from Key West Fla. playing nightly for the annual college spring break celebration. For anyone who has not heard, or especially seen them, well, in short you don’t know what you’re missing!
The band formed about nine years ago and was a hit practically from the first show,although not one of those original members remains in the band today. Over the years the sound has developed and evolved, but has always been nothing short of amazing. One year after the band’s initial formation, two new fellows joined, one of them being James Balogach, a talented bass player with an electric personality.
Perhaps the most striking thing about this particular band is their devotion and love for their fans. James says that the fan base usually makes or breaks any band and is a crucial part of its success. Poptart Monkeys, or PTM as they are more commonly called as of late, have an intimate and family-like relationship with their fans. “Fans are our family,” he says, “and should be treated as such. Without our fans what are we?”
The band was recently embroiled in a hot competition for a one million dollar recording contract courtesy of BODOGmusic. PTM made it through three tough rounds but didn’t snag first place in the end. As James will tell you though, the fan support was amazing to say the least. To see the show of support, he says, was the most awesome experience in the world! The fans piled onto buses and made the trip to Philadelphia all three times.
PTM had an interesting and unusual situation arise a year into their life. A short time after writing to the Kellogg company requesting possible promotional support, what they received was something unexpected…a demand by the corporation to immediately stop using the name Poptart Monkeys. James says, “The band however, stubbornly refused on the grounds that the words “pop” and “tart” were already words before Kellogg’s used them to name their toaster pastry!!
There have been a number of members who have come and gone in the band over the past nine years. I asked James how this affected the continuity of the band’s style. He says that PTM has been evolving and changing anyway, and that was just part of the changes. The band had a sort of heavy metal sound almost at the beginning, and then became more punk-like, and also sounded more like traditional classic rock at times. Even later it grew to have more of a top 40 (if you will) sound. The last CD has quite a few ballads.
Sadly, PTM is about to lose James himself this spring, as he desires to spend more time at home and pursue some other music interests. In James own words he describes what has been bittersweet news for fans that adore him as the fun-loving, crazy guy that gives the whole band its persona…
“I’m a lucky guy. For the past eight years I have had the opportunity to perform and entertain small crowds and huge crowds all over the United States by playing bass guitar in a rock band. I have taken part in creating four Cd’s worth of music that are currently available in record stores Nationally. When I fill out a form that asks for my occupation, I can say full-time musician, which I have to tell you is gratifying. I have a voice in how the band runs it’s business and helped create a corporation. Best of all, I have met many people that I consider personal friends as well as supporters of this band that made my eight years memorable and kept me going with smiles, hugs, encouragement, and respect.
Rumors of me leaving have been out there for some time. Here’s the official word from me……..James will be exiting PTM. My last show is scheduled for Saturday April 7th 2007 @ The Coal Hole/Shamokin, PA. The band Poptart Monkeys will continue and have a lot of great things planned. I will miss being a Poptart Monkey, but I will miss my friends most.
I guess you have to know me to understand why I made this choice. First I have to say that Poptart Monkeys have had many member changes over the years and I could still call every single member a friend. I’m not leaving because I can’t get along with the guys or I don’t like the music direction or because there’s creative differences or any other usual excuse given. It’s nothing like that. This was a very hard and long thought out decision. The traveling and being away from home, diet, lack of good sleep and the go go go go 24/7 whirlwind have all contributed to the decision. I’m not feeling old I just love sleep and food and the two didn’t always fit into the schedule and the schedule never stops. I am also married and would love to see my wife more often. Whooo! A Saturday off! And here’s where I run into the fork in the road. I still love music and there are at least half a million songs out there that I never had the chance to play. Gotta do it. More importantly, I have a growing collection of original music I want to record and release for my own sanity. Some of you may be surprised when you hear them.
So here’s what I’ve come up with. I will be joining a friends band, Shoot The Moon, and playing mostly Pennsylvania clubs but some out of state shows are possible. I will contribute my original ideas along with new cover songs to the bands already impressive song list to make up a killer live show. I won’t let the original music pass if I don’t like the results myself. Like PTM, Shoot The Moon will push for National attention through original music. I will still be able to see many of my friends. Some of you I won’t, but I would love to keep in contact with you.Hope to see you out there soon and thank you for the love. I will still be in close communication with PTM and for once will be able to see a show myself. PTM rocks!!!
As The Poptart Monkeys go forward with continued success, the fans of this fantastic live and studio recorded band will continue their undying love. Watch for this band to go national soon as it is only a matter of time. Visit their web page to get more information as well as a delicious sampling of their music.
