Halifax-based band HOT MONDY makes music for people who want to listen to albums cover-to-cover. Those who connect with artists that take risks and those who embrace the new and the unexpected. Today, they release two new compelling singles, “Bloodlines” and “I Know Now,” from their upcoming album, Best Laid Plans, out April 28th.Â
The first of the double singles, “Bloodlines,” explores prejudice and bigotry as ideas that have been passed down generationally through families. It begins with the notion that all children are born innocent. Seeking to shine a light on this often overlooked element of institutionalized racism, it is influenced musically by artists like Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and Sting; leaning on hypnotic rhythms and stark dynamics combined with rich melodies.Â
“With this track we teamed up with recording artist Jah’mila to bring the song to its full potential, letting her world-class vocals and story-telling take center stage. A journey worth taking,” explains Matt Brannon.
The second single, “I Know You,” is a throwback rock song circa 1969 with elements of The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Kings. Producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda describes the sound as “…Tom Dowd by way of Eddie Kramer.”
“Featuring, a tonne of extraordinary Canadian talents like Wintersleep and Billy Talent touring drummer Loel Campbell, recording artist Kwento on background vocals, keyboardist Kim Dunn (Matt Anderson, Jimmy Rankin), and Grammy winner Drew Jurecka (Dua Lipa) providing strings and string arrangements, it is about a young man finally growing up and realizing how precious the person he loves is. Written and delivered by lead singer Travis Flint, the song is fun, groovy, and easy to sing along to. It’s the energy you needed today,” says Brannon.
In addition to these tracks, last month, Hot Mondy released the first single and video from the album “Be Mine.”
Watch the video for “Be Mine” below and learn more about Hot Mondy via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
We’re Hot Mondy, from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
Best Laid Plans is an 11-track epic that spans multiple genres. It’s a unique record in many ways; it features a number of different vocalists and will also include a 50-page graphic comic; with a short story for each track. Juno winner Michael Phillip Wojewoda produced the album, which features some fantastic Canadian talent like Loel Campbell (Wintersleep, Billy Talent), Drew Jurecka (Dua Lipa), Kim Dunn (Matt Anderson), and recording artists Jah’Mila, Kwento, and Christina Martin.Â
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
Life experiences; relationships, meaning, nature, time…it’s all talking to us.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
We’re headlining the Marquee in Halifax on June 24th.Â
What’s your goal for 2023?
We plan to play at least a dozen shows, including a couple of small tours in Ontario and BC. We also want to lay the groundwork to prove that a band can be successful and build a viable fan community without participating in the streaming economy.Â