Hollars and Dollars Presents: Exclusive Shitake Monkey Interview!
July 6, 2009
Haven’t you heard of Shitake Monkey?!?! The band is based around NYC and it consists of Electric Pete, Johnny Rodeo, and Chuck Brody. The three began by producing big acts like J-Lo and Destiny’s Child under the Sony roof but then decided to take their own musical paths to form Shitake Monkey. Now they have a great album out called “Street Beef”, they have shared a cd spot with 88 Keys on his album “The Death Of Adam”, and they continue with the production aspect working with other great artists like Santigold and Trouble Andrew just to name a few. Here is the Hollars and Dollars exclusive Monkey interview! Check it out!
When did you start becoming involved with music? Did you guys grow up playing instruments?
We have yet to start to become involved with music, though we have become started, so I would say we are about to start. We definitely grew up playing with ourselves.
What was it like working at Sony with all the Big names around? I’m sure many people would like to land a music job like that.
It was embarressing to be coming out of that private bathroom in the basement next to Sony Studio E’s lounge and seeing Jessica Simpson waiting for you to get out. Especially after a long night drinking at Flute and a bean burrito from Mi Nidito.
She liked it…Tell us about Shitake Monkey?
It’s three men that wish only to be brothers bettering themselves with games of wit and skill. And kettle bells.
Why is the name Shitake Monkey? Is there a meaning? My buddy always says “Shitake Mushroom” and then fixes it to “Monkey” so then when I go to say it, I have to think about it before I say it…Do you have that problem with that when your hyping your name or whatever? “Mushro…Monkey!!”
No. That is ridiculous, no mushrooms were harmed during the making of this interview.
I know all three members of Shitake Monkey have their own gigs and projects. What are they up to these days?
John is putting together his one man big top circus act, there is a lasso involved.
Pete is still trying to get the band back together and has been performing Shitake’s greatest hits on tour with Natalie Merchant and Michael Stipe.
Chuck is somewhere Digging a Hole.
How did you guys end up working with 88 Keys?
Craigslist
What was it like working with 88 Keys?
It was rough. 88 keys is mega annoying. He’s really high strung, always stressed out, and constantly snapping and yelling at us. Then he’d start crying out of nowhere and we’d have to swaddle him in a blanket like a baby. Then all three of us would have to pick him up and rock him until he fell asleep. It sucked… The breast feeding was the worst part, we still have scars.
88 Keys is supposed to be like Kanye’s best friend or whatever…Did you ever get to meet Kanye? Can you get me a pair of Yeezy’s?…no seriously…Yeezy’s?
We’ve never met Kanye but he did send us all a bunch of sneakers to the studio. I think our intern has them all.
Is there a video dropping for that collaboration song?
There is a video, but you have to follow our twitter to unlock it’s secret.
What are your plans for 2009? For Shitake Monkey and for your own production?
We’re going to start a ballclub and see if we can get some games goin’.
Any shout outs? Last words? Life advice? Anything?
I have a shout out/Life Advice/Last word…. Eddie Van Halen, sell your uzi and machete. You don’t need them, Monkey Swat will protect you now.
Hollar Your Fives!
What music are you listening to these days?
1. Shitake Monkey
2. The Remixes
3. The Album
4. The B-Sides
5. The Out takes
That’s It!!!
Things you need to get through your day…
1. 3.5 Liters of H2O2
2. 120 Grams of Dried Soy Protein, shaken, not stirred
3. 8 Glasses of Whole Milk con Dillweed
4. Half case of Monster Energy Drink or in lieu of that 2/3rd case Sparks
5. 350 Pushups, 1 oxycut, pinch of salt
A list of other “Possible” names if you were not a Shitake Monkey
1. ManBaby
2. Sea Raisins
3. Peter, Chuck, and John
4. Nick LauShea
5. ManBaby and the Sea Raisins
