The Monkey Butlers

Who are Robbie Russo and The Monkey Butlers?

Well no matter how many times we’ve been asked this l, we’ve always struggled to answer. We’d like to think our sound is rather unique. We’re a 7 piece old-school rock band which blends the theatrics of Queen and Meatloaf with a sound that I guess whole be most akin to Bruce Springsteen and Roxy Music – I guess!

We’re a solid blend of Blues, Country and Indie Rock and also the best of friends. We all met studying music at the University of Birmingham nearly 6 years ago and we’re still playing. And we’re damn good too I don’t mind saying!

Song from the first album you ever bought/listened to?

Well the first ever song I remember trying to buy was ‘Build me up Buttercup’ – by The Foundations. I loved it and paid for it on some service provided by my brick phone at the time. After many failed attempts at downloading it turned out to be some naff midi cover. ‘Twas rather disappointing 🙁

But the first album I ever bought with my own money was The Doors’ first album. After I left primary school I couldn’t stop listening to ‘The End’. Talk about Morbid right! So yeah, let’s put ‘The End’ on the playlist – seems a fitting way to start aha

A song you wish you had written?

I’ve got huge affection for songwriters. People like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Guy Clark, Curtis Mayfield, Richard Thompson, Van Morrison and Townes Van Zandt. I could have picked anything by them, but I’m going to to use this platform to give some awareness to my Australian brethren; a songwriter whose songwriting cannon is equal to that of Bob Dylan himself. ‘Deeper Water’ – Paul Kelly

A song that inspires you?

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Thunder Road’ will always be my favourite song. A well-written story, a journey of growth, love and the future. And man that ending – what an ending! If I could write anything that perfect, I’d die a happy man. One of my fondest memories is seeing The Boss live at the Circus Maximus. His third and final encore, to finish off a 4 hour long set, he came out alone and played Thunder Road acoustically. You could hear a pin drop. The gig ended to the tune of 1000s of Italians singing that famous outro back to him – Chills!

I’ll keep aspiring to write a song that is so emotionally affecting, even across different nations! The song has helped shape my life.

Last song you purchased?

Steve Goodman – ‘City of New Orleans’

My latest obsession. How this guy isn’t known by the world will astound me. An incredible man with an insane amount of talent whose story should be known and live on. Do yourself a favour and watch the guy play. He was a genius.

A song that makes you feel nostalgic?

I was raised on my parents’ music and, rather embarrassingly, my taste never seemed to really deviate. I was bought up to tunes from musicals and a healthy amount of Elvis and the Beatles. But I’m going to have to go with ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ – Bob Dylan. When I was born, Mum brought me home and played this to stop me crying. If course I don’t remember that, but the story continues. I’ve always loved that song. I think it’s child-like imagery always resonates and takes me back to a simpler time.

Your favourite sing-along song in the shower?

When I’m sad it’s Counting Crows – ‘Round Here’ but let’s keep this playlist upbeat…

Dolly Parton – ‘Here You Come Again’

A song that confirmed your love for music?

‘Lake Marie’ – John Prine

There’s a live video, the live sessions at West 54th. Probably the best 10 minutes you’ll ever watch on YouTube. It’s an incredible song. Everytime I watch it I’m transported and it makes me feel everything. I’m very sad to admit I only discovered John Prine after I heard of his death. But this song is one of heartbreak, antiquity and it takes you on a journey massive personal journey and wraps everything up in a neat little bow – a final emotional blow. It’s beautiful and the chemistry of the guys playing it in the video, it’s with such meaning and passion, I want to feel that way everytime I play. Honestly the song is one that keeps on giving and I just want to shake everyone’s hand involved in that performance and thank them.

A song you put on when getting ready for a big night out?

The Pointer Sisters – ‘I’m so Excited’. Never fails.

The song do you put on repeat if you’ve just had your heart broken?

Usually I’d be listening to Joni Mitchell’s seminal ‘Blue’ on repeat but that’s not on Spotify anymore. So let’s go with ‘These Days’ – Nico. It’s a very close second. It always gets me feeling sad and helped inspire some of my own ‘break-up songs. The fact Jackson Browne wrote it when he was 16 will never fail to astound me.

Your worst guilty pleasure song?

‘One Week’ – Barenaked Ladies. Anything by the Barenaked Ladies. I love those guys. Wholeheartedly.