Today we’d like to introduce you to Port Of Monks.
Hi Port of Monks , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Port of Monks (P.o.M.) started off as a 2-piece with just bass (Ray Treviño) and drums (Chris Nelson). Chris & I met while playing rhythm in a different band and we both knew within 30 seconds of jamming with each other that we needed to form our own band. We have always stated that whatever genre we find ourselves dabbling in, that it will have a punk ethos. At our core, we are a punk/rock/psych. band, who ultimately just want people enjoy and move with the music.
(Random fact: the band was named after Ray’s two cats, who unfortunately passed within months of the bands formation.
Porter (black cat with green eyes) & Monkee (American short) = Port of Monks
After about 6 months of playing as a 2-piece, we ended up finding a guitar player and hustled around the scene quite a bit. But about a year ago, the most important member of the band was found at an Austin Tunnels show. An open mic was issued to kill time and as Chris & I were on the sides of the tunnels enjoying a funny cigarette, we see buns on a head making their way through a crowd. Next thing we know, this powerhouse of a woman is screaming and yelling into the mic, thrashing and moshing with the crowd and performing like no other person I’ve ever seen live. I knew right then and there that I needed to meet her and ask her to join my band. As luck, the universe, God, and fate would have it, this young woman was looking for a band and an outlet. Enter Yumi Robinson into the world of P.o.M.
Yumi & myself actually started a side project outside of the band called Titty Baby (a name which Yumi still uses to this day). Through this project, Yumi & myself were able to see firsthand how the other persons creative process worked and how efficient we are working as a unit. Not only was a strong bond formed as bandmates but we all became best friends with each other. Eventually, we felt it best to just have Yumi as the frontwoman for P.o.M., all while leaving full creative control and center stage just for her.
Since Yumi joined the band, we have been going full throttle and have not looked back. We are not immune from change and have had to experience major growing pains, heart aches, and trials to name a few. But through it all, we trust and love one another, which makes it easier to lean on each other when times get tough.
As of right now, the band consists of Yumi, Chris, & Ray. The band is still currently looking for a guitar player who wants to be a permanent figure in P.o.M. But that has not stopped the momentum at all for the band. The rhythm section is no stranger to playing tight, fast, and sounding huge while having Yumi command the stage with effortless charisma. If you don’t believe us, catch a live show & see what we laying down.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. It took us longer than expected to find a guitar player, and even longer to find a frontwoman. Doubt began to creep itself into the mind but we never allowed our spirits to waiver. Whatever happened, we always reassured ourselves that we are where we’re supposed to be and showed each other love and compassion in times of need.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This is from Ray’s perspective of what makes the 3 of us special.
Chris- he’s a specialist in keeping time and being loud on his kit. He is a HUGE history buff and loves to debate and joke about everything. On top of being the nicest one in the band, he’s also the one most likely to break your back with a big ‘bear hug’
Yumi- a creative unit; always has the best outfits out of everyone. She is an artist, a model, and a bartender at Coyote Ugly. She also has a solo career that still has fans wanting more of her! No matter what she does, she does it BIG and rightfully has everyone’s attention; 1of1
Ray- I’m an empath who thinks deeply, is filled with fire, and a chaotic neutral. I love to draw/sketch, and read books. My bass playing is rooted in the playing styles of Verdine White of Earth Wind & Fire, Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, & Lemmy of Motörhead.
-it is fair to note that all 3 of us specialize in consummation of herbal remedies-
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Ray: My original band that I was in, Wailing Fed, is a complete different style of playing and genre than what I am now in. That band was like an Americana-pop band. More focused on the “singer/songwriter” vibe but nonetheless, I learned how to be a professional in that band. It also helped that my bass teacher was in the band so I was pretty much getting to pick his brain anytime we had practice or a show.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portofmonks
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7b6DM0zTCDJmBrwMG7ntIh
