Poptart Monkeys

How ’bout them Poptart Monkeys

by Lisa Hummel

Together for just two years, the Poptart Monkeys are fresh on the heels of the release of their debut CD, Dancing With My Lunatic. Its single “Dancefloor Collision” is gaining regional airplay and their moniker as one of the area’s hottest party bands is well-deserved, with the band packing in the crowds at bars throughout the region. Next month, the five members — guitarist Bill Talanca, bassist James Balogach, drummer Rob Hampton, singer Paul Reddon, and guitarist Chris Kurtz — will be heading to Florida for Spring Break, the band’s third trip to the Sunshine state this year. And, throw in a little unresolved Kellogg’s controversy — the breakfast enterprise took issue with the group’s use of the word ‘poptart’ — and it’s clear that the Poptart Monkeys have been busy these last 24 months.

“It’s been exciting, we’ve gone farther than we thought we could’ve in a two year span,” noted vocalist Reddon. Friends for years before they joined forces, the band has slowly but surely branching away from their home in the Northeastern part of the state, playing more shows in the Allentown area and reaching into Central Pennsylvania, playing local Harrisburg clubs.

Known for their intense stage shows and high-energy antics, the band prides themselves on being more than just musicians. “Bands are a dime a dozen, you can go out and see any band who will play your favorite song,” said guitarist Talanca. “We’re trying to be entertainers.” In keeping with that spirit, the band guarantees to never play the same show twice, varying their set lists and relishing in the surprise element that comes along with their “party band” title. On stage, the Poptart Monkeys have smashed guitars, set drums on fire, and barraged the audience with silly string, all in an effort to get the crowd moving. “There’s a lot of energy, there is not one guy who stands still from the time we start until the time we’re done,” said Reddon of his bandmates. “It’s a lot of fun.”

With the release of Dancing With My Lunatic, the Poptart Monkeys have officially entered into uncharted waters, slowly stepping away from the cover songs that have been their foundation, and focusing more on original works; Dancing With My Lunatic boasts two covers and 10 originals. And while there are still some who haven’t been all that excited about the move, by and large the fans are ready to listen and learn the new material. “I’m sure there are some people who hate it,” said bassist Balogach. “But somebody’s listening, somebody’s enjoying it. I’ve had people tell me they’ve sung our songs at karaoke night. It’s amazing.”

Talanca concurs, adding that the band’s live shows have become a fine mix of cover songs and original works. “We get them in a good mood, in good spirits, and then we just throw one in,” he admits, laughing. “And so far they’ve been receptive, we’ve gotten a lot of requests.”

And while the band is currently in the process of gathering material for a second album, they are more than happy where they are right now, calling this point in their career a satisfying one. “We believe we’ve found more of our niche, we’re really tightening things up and we’re enjoying it,” said Talanca. “We’re starting to find a style now.”

And by all indications, that’s definitely a good thing. Shortly after the band takes the stage as a participant in this year’s Millenium Music Conference, they will be packing their bags and heading to Club La Vela in Panama City, Florida, opening for national recording artists Union Underground. And then they will return to the area, continuing to play upwards of 15 shows a month.

“If somebody would have told me two years ago, ‘you’ll be quitting your job and living off the band.’ I would’ve told them they were crazy,” said Talanca. “But that’s exactly what we’re doing, we just play our music and survive.”

And if Reddon has anything to say about it, that is how it will remain. “Right now, we’re just thankful that we have the crowd that we have and that we’re playing four or five nights a week,” he said. “We’re taking it one day at a time, but our ultimate goal is to get our CDs out to the labels and see what happens.”

With the CD already being distributed by Big Daddy Music Distribution and Transworld Distribution, the second largest distribution company in the nation, the future looks good for the Poptart Monkeys as word of their music spreads. But, for now, the band continues to be thrilled every time they take the stage and hope the fans continue to turn out for their “party band” show. “I know five dollars isn’t a lot of money,” said Reddon, “but we try to really make the crowd have a great time for that five dollars and leave with a smile on their face.”

Part of the Millenium Music Conference, The Poptart Monkeys will be playing at Gullifty’s in Camp Hill on February 17 at 7:30 p.m. Their debut CD, Dancing With My Lunatic, can be purchased at local music stores (The Wall, Camelot, etc.) or on the band’s website, poptartmonkeys.com.