Page 46 T cjnews.com THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS October 22, 2009 And now for something completely different: Monday Rose isn’t your typical rock ’n’ roll band

By VICKY TOBIANAH He met Starr through a mutual friend, and they They use this name as a symbol of strength and re- Special to The CJN quickly realized they had something special. demption. Later, Matt Pasquale joined to play bass, followed “It meant a lot to us, since a lot of families were af- he first time Monday Rose played together as by drummer Ira Schwartz. fected by the Holocaust. We felt it was something a lot a band, they knew their combined individual “We don’t like to sound conceited, but after we of people could relate to and take meaning from,” he Ttalents created a musical sensation, and since perform, we just look at each other and smile. We all said. that first performance, they have been impressing their pat ourselves on the back,” Lyon said. “It is still relevant today, since these type of things many fans. “There is a lot of laughter during our shows. We’re are still happening all over the world. We wanted to At first glance, Monday Rose may seem like your four individually good entertainers, so we all come to- symbolize this idea of survival and renewal.” typical rock ’n’ roll band. The guitarist, Randy Starr, gether to make a great show. Our fans can tell we love By creating music, they want to unite different types describes it otherwise. making music, and we’re having a great time doing of people. “There are a lot of rock bands out there, so we it.” “Our biggest strength is that we appeal to all audi- decided to be a ‘roll’ band,” Starr said. Their music, a mix between Coldplay and Kings ences, and whether we are performing for two people “Maybe we should just be the ‘n’ in the rock ’n’ roll,” of Leon, appeals to a wide audience. Whether you’re or 200 people, we treat the shows the same,” he said. lead singer and lyricist Ari Lyon added. a metal fan, interested in rock ’n’ roll or have more The band prides itself on consisting of four equal “Monday Rose is like the creamy filling of the Oreo modern music taste, there is bound to be an element parts. – we’re the best part!” in their sound that appeals to you. “We all make music together, and there is no one Since coming together in 2008, the band has played While their stage presence is also a factor in their who takes control more than others. Musically, there is countless shows and is currently releasing its first EP, a success, the simplicity in no competition. But with ev- record that their fans are eagerly looking forward to. their sweet melodic tunes is erything else there is,” Lyon Lyon said that he’s always loved making music. what hooks their fans. said with a laugh. “There are videos of me from when I was two, One of their favourite Together, they work talking about how I was going to be a rock star when I songs, September Girl, through the many challeng- grew up,” he said. begins with simple guitar es the music industry can “I was born with a guitar sticking out of my stomach. chords and tells a story bring. So I had to play,” Starr added. about a young couple in love “In the beginning, it Growing up, Lyon recalled attending many and an elderly couple who was hard to find the right Jewish song sessions with his mother, who was a attempt to remember their members to fit the band,” youth group adviser. youthful past. Starr said. Now, when other chal- lenges arise, the band members learn to make the best of each situation. “It wouldn’t be fun if there were no struggles and if everything was easy for us, because you learn from each challenge and come back stronger,” Lyon said. Monday Rose singer Ari Lyon said he When it comes to their dreamed of becoming a rock star since he music, the vocals and the was a toddler. lyrics, the members of “Remember Monday Rose are simply interested in creating a o u r g o o d o l d lasting impression with their audience and eliciting days/ before all some kind of a reaction. we did was go More than that, they believe in the true value see operas and of music. plays,” the lyrics “Music and art in general is the greatest thing to says. “We were ever happen to us as people. It’s the only thing we can so in love and/ all agree on,” Lyon said. i t c o n s t a n t l y “Artists are like the modern version of prophets. showed/ apart When any major event happens in the world, good or for one day and bad, the poets and painters are the ones left standing, we thought we’d showing their work and saying, ‘I told you so.’” explode/ with As for advice to those who wish to form their own that/ the man bands, the boys agree with Lyon: “Just do it! Everyone With a sound that crosses between Coldplay and Kings of Leon, part of what hooks their smiled and said, should start a rock band,” he said. fans is their stage presence and a commitment to putting on an entertaining show. ‘yeah, I remember/ Without missing a beat, Starr challenges his my September girl.’” bandmate. “For the first many years of my life, I only knew Monday Rose members have a unique ability to “Don’t you mean a ‘roll’ band?” [Jewish singer] Debbie Friedman existed. I didn’t relate to their fans, which differentiates them from Monday Rose perform in Toronto at the El realize there were other bands out there,” he said. other local bands. Mocambo on Nov. 8 and at the Hard Rock Café on His love affair with music encouraged him to fulfil The band’s name, Monday Rose, stems from the Nov. 13. his dreams, and after recording his first demo, he began word Montrose, which was the name of the boat Lyon’s www.mondayrosemusic.com; e-mail band@mon- playing shows across Toronto. grandfather took to escape Nazi-occupied Poland. dayrosemusic.com

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG @ HEEBONICS.CA