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Newcastle-based melodic punkers Monkie Mind are back with their blistering new single and music video, Ignite, which is out now through Canadian label People of Punk Rock Records. Lee
Wright (vocals/guitar) talks us through the origins of the band.
What are the origins of the band, and how long have you been playing together?
I formed the band around 2018 together with good friends Martin Paynton (The Panic Report) and Michael Olga (The Toy Dolls). All of us have been part of the punk/alt scene for many years, so we know the circuit well.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourselves?
They should expect a high-energy performance. We play fast, melodic punk rock with plenty of singalong choruses—just what you need at a live gig.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?
As we’re all what I like to call “established” musicians, we’re no strangers to the live circuit. Although it was a bit daunting, as it was the first time for me performing as a frontman! I made sure the first gig was out of the local area, ha ha—I wanted to test the waters first, so to speak. As it happens, we were fine. It was just a small pub gig, but we made it through the set… just!
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
As it happens, we’re counting down the days to our latest single/video release. It’s called “Ignite”. Other than that, we’re rehearsing a lot at the moment for upcoming shows.
Regarding a similar audience, which band at the moment do you feel that Monkie Mind would be best suited to open for?
That’s a difficult one as there are so many! But off the top of my head, I’d have to say—although these aren’t new bands—Alkaline Trio, Rise Against, or maybe even Amyl and the Sniffers. We could get away with that, I reckon.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
A local band called Kid Punk. They’re working hard to break through.
What frustrates you about the music business?
The mainstream music business is quite corrupt in a way. If your face, age, or style doesn’t fit, you normally don’t have much chance of getting any help.
What are your first musical memories? And what lightbulb moment made you say, “I want to do that”?
My parents randomly gifted me a guitar for Christmas when I was around 14 years old. That in itself was a lightbulb moment—I was hooked on playing that thing all day, every day. I was a huge music fan already, as my older brother was always blasting his punk rock all day. I used to play his vinyl and knew I wanted to play in a band early on.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
The last gig was Stiff Little Fingers in Newcastle. I’ve been watching them since I was 15—always magnificent.
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
This may come across as a bit selfish, but I kind of live in my own bubble. I don’t watch or read the news, nor do I watch TV. I’m quite detached and just focus on what’s directly in front of me and my circle. It’s not that I don’t care; I just don’t speak on issues I know very little about.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. I’ve always been a fan of everything they’ve done.
Everybody is a fan of something; who or what are you a fan of?
I’m a fan of all things Japanese! I love the culture, and I’m a fan of bonsai trees! There ya go.
What new music have you enjoyed so far this year?
I like the newer punk bands like The Story So Far and Turnstile.
What does the remainder of 2026 hold for Monkie Mind?
Another single release and a couple of live shows.
How active are you on social media, and where can people connect with you?
We use Facebook a lot, as well as Instagram. That’s the best place to find us.
