Interviews
Buzz Music Magazine
The Sound Of Monday Is “The Keeper Of The Mood”
Dave Jay Gerstein knows how to put on quite the show. You might know him better as The Sound of Monday, who just released another conceptual and captivating new music video for his recent single, "The Keeper of the Mood."
The man, singer-songwriter, and musician behind The Sound of Monday never fails to grab the listener's attention. Gerstein's sound is reminiscent of the Attractions, an '80s David Bowie, and The Beach Boys.
We had the pleasure of experiencing The Sound of Monday's creative and charismatic ways in his recent single and music video, "The Keeper of the Mood." A Derek Taylor inspired the title quoted in The Beatles Anthology, "I think there are still people out there who linger on after the mood's gone: the keepers of the mood."
The Sound of Monday saw himself in that quote as he held on to an unhealthy relationship while remembering what it once was. We are all keepers of the mood and memories from times we wish to relive or forget. The new music video for "The Keeper of the Mood" takes a more spirited and metaphorical approach, directed by Anthony Sabino.
As Gerstein is tied in front of a television and held hostage, the scene switches to his black and white suave performance to fuel viewers that familiar The Sound of Monday energy. It all looks playful, but Gerstein's lyrical meaning runs incredibly deep, backed by many props and effects to emphasize his many metaphors. It's a profoundly conceptual and mesmerizing visual that acts as another stellar addition to The Sound of Monday's catalog of thrilling music videos.
Let's face it, we all wish to forget or relive memories of the past. Catch The Sound of Monday brings this theme to life in his latest single and music video for "The Keeper of the Mood," now available on YouTube.
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Welcome back to BuzzMusic, The Sound of Monday. We love the relatable and reflective concept within your recent single, "The Keeper of the Mood." What inspired you to create this dynamic and conceptual song?
It’s good to be back, thank you. We love what you’ve done with the place! The concept came from my interest in and love for The Beatles. In the mid-90s, The Beatles released "Anthology," in which they (and their closest friends & colleagues) told their entire riveting story. I bought the VHS tapes (later DVDs) and accompanying mammoth coffee table book, full of direct quotes (which later helped fuel my one-person show, "johnpaulgeorgeringo," Winner, Outstanding Solo Show, NY International Fringe Festival). When things were falling apart for them in the late '60s, and Lennon brought in manager Allen Klein (to Paul's dismay), it shook things up. Their Press Officer, Derek Taylor reaction held a sentiment that resonated with me. Moreover, his phraseology struck me as poetic, relatable, and to the point: “Allen changed a lot at Apple. He was a massive presence when he was in town. He had an office right opposite mine, and it shows how cracker I was that I carried on as I was carrying on. I wouldn’t do it now; I’d be far too nervous. But I was fuelled by the certainty that if I was still employed there, then I had this other function: I was still representing, if you like, ‘the old days.” There are still people who linger on after the mood’s gone: the keepers of the mood.”I took his line about being "keepers of the mood" and immediately wrote a song about my flailing up & down passionate relationship at the time (noticing how I generally hold onto the nostalgia of the past), and wrote what would become our latest single, "The Keeper of the Mood."
Could you break down the meaning behind the various scenes in your music video for "The Keeper of the Mood?” What was the significance of the hostage and the mime?
The hostage is a prisoner of the past, and he’s forced to relive prior experiences whether it does him good or not. The mime represents the silent walls that put the hostage’s love in escrow. You didn’t ask about this one, but I’m on a roll… The mad scientist has to do with the mood-altered chemicals that change brains; incidentally, it was a fun character to portray! Well, that’s how I read it. The beauty is that you can interpret it any way you’d like. You might decide that every character in this thing is a “Keeper of the Mood.” I can’t take credit for the rich imagery this video boasts. After reading the script by the vid’s director and cinematographer, Red Lamp Media’s Anthony Sabino, in all honesty, I had to ask him the same thing. He patiently explained that he was interpreting each line of lyric and creating an image conjured by his imagination. Once I’d thought about the words in the song held up to each photo, it began to make complete sense. I love his cinematic interpretive experimentation. The result is a fun video for all to enjoy.
What was your collaboration with director Anthony Sabino when creating the music video for "The Keeper of the Mood?”
Anthony and I worked well together. I gave him the keys to the video kingdom and let him do what he wanted with the production, only informing him that if he saw fit, I am an experienced character actor with a passion for doing it. He came back with kooky mime and a mad scientist, among others. It was a long day’s shoot, but I reveled in that element.
What feelings or thoughts do you hope to evoke in listeners with "The Keeper of the Mood?” How do you want this song to make them feel?
The song grooves, thanks to our EP’s producer, Danny Weinkauf (They Might Be Giants), and is about my aforementioned penchant for holding onto the past, good or bad, with an extreme nostalgic bent. I tend to see glory days through rose-colored eyeballs and long for moments that can no longer be, if only for a chance to either relive something special or change course and alter the trajectory—a pipe dream inner pipe bomb. I would be delighted for the song to find like-hearted people who can relate to a desire for the appealing segments of yesteryear, who smirk knowingly, with a skip in our collective step. The most humbling and meaningful compliment would be for those who dig it to relate to this and the rest of our voluminous catalog.
What's next for you?
I’m going to get some sushi. I can’t get anything pertinent done when I’m this hungry.
We’re based in NYC but just returned from LA, where we spent a week with producer Charles Newman at his Cottage Sounds studio. We produced some excellent new recordings, both covers and an original, to follow up the remarkable success we’ve had with our version of “Spiderman Theme” (well over 6 million streams and quickly rising).
We also took meetings with colleagues to explore joining forces on upcoming multimedia projects. We’ve got a bunch of recordings in the can and are planning releases for 2023, as well as a bunch of other cool surprises…For all the thrill your adrenaline can muster, please join our *J’Blammo Pop journey! Thank you.
Music Existence Magazine
Interview: The Sound of Monday
It was 45 years ago when the smart, funny, and talented Dave Jay Gerstein — now making music under the pseudonym The Sound of Monday — wrote his first song. He was always immersed in the performing arts through singing in the school chorus, getting leads in high school plays, and carrying out a career as a comedian before his days as a musical artist. Influenced by the greatness of the early ’70s and late ’80s, his ongoing knack for conjuring words and, eventually, melodies turned into a passion worth pursuing seriously and investing in professionally. He has been passionately chasing after his showbiz dreams since he was seven years old. His previous release for “Hey, Inconsiderate!” was a pop-rock hit long in the works that made quite a few heads turn with its alarming relatability and snappy hook. His newest single, “The Keeper of the Mood,” follows suit with The Sound of Monday’s tongue-in-cheek songwriting and overwhelmingly catchy musicianship in a completely different style.
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For starters, “The Keeper of the Mood” contains extremely poetic, imaginative, and fine-tuned lyrics showcased as soon as the first verse through the final chorus. The toe-tapping, body-swaying, jazz-soul instrumental comprises the groovy bass, hi-hat-driven drumline, and a splendid horn accompaniment. It also lets audiences see and hear a more personal and vulnerable side to The Sound of Monday than shown prior. Dave was holding on to an unhealthy relationship; now that she’s gone, the feelings from their time together remain, for better or worse. The song was initially inspired by a quote from Derek Taylor in The Beatles Anthology: “I was fueled by the certainty that … I had this other function: I was still representing, if you like, ‘the old days’. I think there are still people out there who linger on after the mood’s gone: the keepers of the mood.” That is the essence of the song, as all listeners are keepers of the mood from some unforgettable points in their lives, whether they want them to stick in their hearts and minds or not.
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The visual story is not quite as clear-cut. Rather, Anthony Sabino directed this music video abstractly to artistically characterize “The Keeper of the Mood” and each line of lyrics. He utilizes The Sound of Monday’s character acting to represent how feelings can linger on, holding him and his attention hostage tied up in front of a static TV screen and incorporating specific props, effects, and imagery to epitomize his metaphorical and symbolic words. The black-and-white clips with him performing “The Keeper of the Mood” also fit the vibes and captivate audiences as he sings and dances along to this song and track.
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Follow The Sound of Monday:
http://thesoundofmonday.com
https://www.facebook.com/TheSoundOfMonday/
https://twitter.com/soundofmonday
https://www.instagram.com/thesoundofmonday/
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Who do you consider to be some of your main creative idols, and how have their genres, sounds, and productions influenced your own?
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The Brady Bunch taught me to be very wary of idols, lest one risk life and limb via tarantula-n-surf before returning ‘em to the creepy ancient burial ground.
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Having said that, I’ll have to make an exception, ‘cuz I grew up in the 20th Century, the variety era, which supplied me with a rich pastiche of influences from the comedic to the musical, the whimsical to the edgy, all in a diversity of styles and genres. The great thing about those days is that you’d be exposed to all of ‘em, even those that came before your time. There was a great cultural literacy that everyone shared.
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Most had such a profound effect, though some more than others, and all of the stuff I’ve ever been into tends to have a sense of musicality and humor. Even the comedians had great musical flair infused in their work.
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I had a love of comedy very early on, and the likes of Mel brooks, Steve Martin, and Peter Sellers informed my sense of character driven cleverness, shtick and silliness.
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I also had a passion for music from the beginning, and would listen to anything I could get my ears on, from my parents’ record collection, including Broadway cast albums, and a live Trini Lopez record, to Classic Rock radio, ranging from the 1950s through the ’70s. I was a teenager of the ’80s, and gleaned a lot of what came out of that era as well.
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When writing or recording, I’m fusing the fantasies I’d had as a youngster about how Brian Wilson and The Beatles did it, with the reality of the way I want to express myself. I was obsessed with the creativity I’d heard and seen, and compelled to create my own.
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Such influences are the apparitious wind in my sails!
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In what ways does “The Keeper of the Mood” showcase more range and potential for you as an artist when compared to your previous catchy hit, “Hey, Inconsiderate!”? How are the two songs different and alike?
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I’ve always had an attention span that dovetails with an eclectic assortment of sounds and styles.
My friend, and this EP’s producer, Danny Weinkauf (They Might Be Giants), deserves lots of credit when it comes to showcasing said range. When we met through an ad I’d placed in the Village Voice (a hip NYC newspaper musicians used decades ago to seek band mates) in 1996, he’d responded because he was into all of the same musical influences, including The Beatles, XTC, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, and Aimee Mann—artists known for their versatility.
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For each song, I was reacting to a feeling I’d had about something I’d read or experienced, respectively. As a result, each has a different vibe.
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Musically speaking, the main difference is that Keeper grooves and Inconsiderate is straight ahead aggressive. In Dave Jay Speak, I’d say that Keeper is a stone eternally skipping water into the past, and Inconsiderate is a boulder dropped on your toe.
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Talk about your inspiration for “The Keeper of the Mood.” What does it mean to be a “keeper of the mood,” and how does it relate to you?
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In the mid-90s, The Beatles released “Anthology”, in which they (and their closest friends & colleagues) told their entire riveting story.
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I bought the VHS tapes, (later DVDs) and accompanying mammoth coffee table book, full of direct quotes, (which later helped fuel my one man show, “johnpaulgeorgeringo”, Winner, Outstanding Solo Show, NY International Fringe Festival).
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When things were falling apart for them in the late 60’s, and Lennon brought in manager Allen Klein, (to Paul’s dismay), it shook things up. Their Press Officer, Derek Taylor’s reaction held a sentiment that resonated with me. Moreover, his phraseology struck me poetic, relatable and to the point:
​
“Allen changed a lot at Apple. He was a very big presence when he was in town. He had an office right opposite mine, and it shows how crackers I was that I carried on as I was carrying on. I wouldn’t do it now, I’d be far too nervous. But I was fuelled by the certainty that if I was still employed there then I had this other function: I was still representing, if you like, ‘the old days’. I think there are still people out there who linger on after the mood’s gone: the keepers of the mood.”
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I took his line about being “keepers of the mood”, and immediately wrote a song about my flailing up & down passionate relationship at the time, (noticing how I generally hold onto the nostalgia of the past), and wrote what would become our latest single, “The Keeper of the Mood”.
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What is it that you hope listeners take away from your latest release, and what is the ultimate story and message that you want them to connect with once they hear it?
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I’d like people to connect with the idea that we’re all time machines dressed as human beings; our minds can travel into the past, as well as imagine the future.
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I ultimately just want them to enjoy it. Whatever they take away is cool with me, but sure, if they connect with my original meaning, that’s just boffo socko! (…though not necessarily peachy keen).
In all forthrightness, I also hope it intrigues them to trip down the rabbit hole of my diverse and voluminous catalog. That material comprises a rich part of my inner time machine.
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How does the music video visually represent the lyrics in “The Keeper of the Mood”? What was it like filming?
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Anthony Sabino at Red Lamp Media took each line of the song and conceptualized the corresponding visuals in his own creative mind’s eye.
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He knows I’m a character actor and into playing various roles, so he asked me to portray everything from a bad mime to a diabolical scientist in order to bring his awesome vision for the song to life. It’s always a kick to collaborate with creatives who have the imagination and skill to create something new you couldn’t have done so well on your own.
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The shoot took place one long day in and outdoors of their music studio, a school called The Rock Underground, out on Long Island. It was exhilarating and exhausting, in and out of costumes and personas, though it’s a lot of fun to play make-believe. We had a lot of laughs. Then, I think they did some special effect pickup shots as well when I wasn’t around to fill in some of the video’s cutaways.
As part of your band new EP, Quick Ear Warmer, how does “The Keeper of the Mood” fit in the overarching theme? What is next in line for The Sound of Monday fans to expect next?
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These tunes were written off the cuff to quickly warm your ears with their J’Blammo Pop (our own genre!) vibes!
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The themes have to do with what I was writing, thinking and feeling at the time–uncertain, angry, wistful, effervescent, verbose, and happy-go-lucky with a whimsical filter, (no surprise that my birth chart depicts a Scorpio sun, Aries moon and Gemini rising).
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I’m currently in LA (that’s Los Angeles, not Louisiana), recording an EP of covers to support the amazing success we’ve had with “Spiderman Theme” (over 6 million streams and counting!), producing more originals with Danny Weinkauf, as well as with my pal, Brandon Wilde (This Way, Black Bunny), who I also collaborated with on our Christmas single, Mistletoe.
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Fans can always expect a copious serving of fun and surprises with a deeper more serious core–kind of like an Everlasting Gobstopper!
Michael Stover
Essentially Pop Magazine
Come Monday: We Speak With The Sound Of Monday’s
Dave Jay Gerstein And Ask Him Who He Considers To Be Inconsiderate, His Music, And New Single, ‘Hey, Inconsiderate!’
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by Lisa Hafey
The world feels like it’s going to hell in a hand basket, and people are caught up in their own worlds, with little consideration for others. The Sound Of Monday’s new single, ‘Hey, Inconsiderate!’ therefore really spoke to us, so we asked Dave Jay Gerstein, the man behind the song, a few questions about his own feelings on the matter.
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Hi Dave! Thanks for speaking to us today!
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My pleasure. Thanks for validating my parking!
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What does Monday sound like to you?
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Monday sounds like a cacophonous symphony of melodic malady, harmonic hysterics, linguistic misdemeanors, and wondrous Wonka-isms, only back to front, inside out, upside down, and in Technicolor!
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I’m just listening to your song, ‘Hey Inconsiderate!’ – was there any specific person that inspired the song, or is it directed to inconsiderate people as a group?
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While it is directed at all “inconsiderates” at large, the idea for the song came about while riding on a busy NYC subway. The car was packed, but I’d managed to get a seat, only for some NY Times reader looming above, newsrag spread eagle, jailing me in his paper and ink cell. My brain was screaming, “Hey, ‘Inconsiderate’! Get off’a me!”, but he blithely ignored the telepathy.
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Afterward, amused at having thought of him as an “inconsiderate”, I’d picked up my acrimoniously fueled pen and emotively charged guitar, and voila—a self revelatory rage on those rude-n-reviled.
For whatever reason – perhaps social media – people seem to care less beyond their own bubble than they used to. Why do you think people are inconsiderate?
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I concur with this sad observation, although it is possible humanity has always been this way. Perhaps the difference now is that there’s less spirituality and personal responsibility in the world, or that’s how it feels sometimes.
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These days, some people seem to only care about the bubbles of others for the purpose of lancing ‘em.
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We’ve become self-seeking missiles, impending explosions, if not properly disarmed in time.
I think people generally tend to be self interested, (and I’m no exception), so the perspective that one’s behavior is inconsiderate may just be clearer to the end receiver. The perpetrator is just going about their business, unless otherwise self aware, and/or, an anxious over-thinker, as in my case. *Mugs an imagined TV camera and winks*
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What’s the worst example of someone having been inconsiderate to you (no names needed)!
Whoa, boy…lemme consult the archives.
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I have this brain laden Library of Incidents haphazardly filed by Dewey Decimal System, and its tragic memories replay their horror shows over and over in my frontal lobe screening room—don’t worry, I’m seeking help.
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I can think of examples that were heinous or cruel, but those cross the line past inconsideration, right??
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So, here’s one filed under “group inconsideration”, ‘cuz company loves misery:
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I remember playing a solo/acoustic gig where the club had two large screen TVs on either side of the stage. A college football game was on, and the folks in the audience were rooting—but not for me.
Having aticipated a woeful evening at the sight of the setup, I’d asked the bartender and club manager to turn off the TVs before I was to take the stage, but they’d refused. Out of poor judgement, thirst for a modicum of challenge, lack of self esteem, or all three, I went on, (to be fair, there was a fourth reason—I’d always believed in that showbiz credo, “the show must go on!”). Thus, the show went on to the disinterest and annoyance of the patrons.
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After a while, and grasping at straws, my causticly shticky comedic defense mechanism kicked in, and I turned to dedicate my next song to the ref on screen, who I’d announced was an old family friend, and helped me get my big break performing at sports bars. Predictably, it didn’t go over very well.
To make matters worse, their favorite team was losing, and they routinely booed. May as well have been for me. The final score escapes my memory, but my show was definitely shut out by a humiliating margin.
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I love the music video, with you as the main character abused by inconsiderate people all day – and then realising that coming home late means you’re also inconsiderate. It’s a great message about being concerned with the well-being of others. But I have one question about it – why are you in a padded cell at times?
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Thanks!
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I really appreciate your observation. My attitude is, it’s easy to point the finger, but more often worthwhile to point the thumb.
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I’m also a character actor and storyteller, and enjoyed participating in the vid.
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Funny, we shot the padded cell stuff with a green screen, meaning, there were only lights and a green background when we shot it, ‘cuz the technology allows you to insert a digital background later on in the editing process. We weren’t sure what background we were going to use at the time, but my friend and colleague, Evan Seplow from theimagefactory, with whom I collaborated on the video, came up with that padded cell image, and I immediately liked it—‘cuz rude behavior drives me nuts, even certifiably, given the chance!
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Who came up with the concept for the video?
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I just mentioned Evan, who is the production’s ingenious co-writer, casting agent, director, videographer, and editor. We sat down and riffed ideas about different examples of people acting out inconsiderately around our fair city. I was sure to include the real life aforementioned subway incident that kicked off the whole idea, but it was Ev who came up with the clever topper at the end.
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What’s next for The Sound Of Monday? What can fans expect?
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Fans can always expect a genuine mix of clever wordplay, a sometimes silly sense of fun, not to mention complex depthity (I like making up words), and periodically dark underbelly.
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More specifically, “Hey, Inconsiderate!” is the first single from our forthcoming EP, Quick Ear Warmer, which drops (but doesn’t break—we had it Humpty Dumpty-proofed), on Tuesday, October 11th. On that very date, The Sound of Monday will be hosting a release party gig live at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1 in NYC at 7PM sharp. Please be sure to come by and say “Greetings, Earthling!”, so I can prove to my bandmates that we have otherworldly support.
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We have another single coming out on October 4th, called “The Keeper of the Mood”–please look out for that awesome video as well. You’re really gonna dig it.
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At the end of October, I’ll be in LA to record some cool songs with Charles Newman at Mother West to follow up the success of our cover of the “Spiderman Theme”, (which has over 5 million streams and counting!).
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Plus, we have more releases planned in 2023.
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And, lastly, we’ll be continuing along our J’Blammo Pop Music, (come up with your own word, you’ve got your own genre), journey from here to Yes-ville, so please join us, won’t you??
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Finally, what question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, but nobody ever does?
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Nobody’s ever asked me about what inspired me to write my first song, and I possess a nostalgic fondness for the backstory. So, here’s what happened…
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I’d started watching TV reruns of The Monkees as a seven year old in the mid-70’s, and was immediately struck by their humor, catchy music, and the fact that the girls chased them everywhere. I immediately thought, “That’s the job for me!!”.
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When I was about eight, I’d had my first crush–a girl in my class named Jen. The unrequited puppy love lasted for years, and became a running gag between us. None of this lessened the lengths I’d go to impress her.
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One of those inspirations came as a result of already desiring to be “the 5th Monkee”, so when I was nine, I made up a melody, and wrote the words to my first song, called ‘Cause Girl I Love You. That summer of 1978, I went to my third year of summer camp, and was fortunate to have a counselor named Marshall Zucker, who was a jazz musician. I’d asked him if we could sit down at the piano, and I sang him the song, would he help me find the right chords? We did just that, and to this day, I can still play the ditty, (I was thirteen when I’d started guitar lessons). This led to wanting to write more and more songs! It’s a form ripe for my attention span.
Vents Magazine
INTERVIEW | Dave Jay of The Sound Of Monday
discusses “Hey, Inconsiderate!” music video
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Earlier this summer, New York power-pop group The Sound Of Monday released their music video for “Hey, Inconsiderate!”. VENTS Magazine recently interviewed frontman Dave Jay, and you can read that below.
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Can you elaborate on your group name, ‘The Sound of Monday’? How did you decide it was the right name to represent your music?
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In ’96, I’d committed to starting my own band, and needed a name.
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I was (and still am) a huge fan of the Squeeze album, “Play”—on it there’s a song called “Sunday Street”. In the lyrics, the protagonist describes his week, day by day arriving at Sunday night, closing his book and turning off the light, he wakes to the sound of Monday outside at the climax of the verse.
The phraseology and idea of a day having a sound assigned to it immediately appealed to me.
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I also have a mind for wordplay, and probably subconsciously associated the wordage with The Sound of Music, in which I ‘d had a supporting role in my high school’s theatrical production.
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Furthermore, I’m an iconoclast. There’s something about the notion of a day that’s considered to be a low note on the weekly scale that just sticks in my craw—(biologically speaking, I don’t know where the craw is physically located, but I’m pretty sure “the wrong pipe” leads there).
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Perhaps I can relate to Monday being kicked around and mistreated, like it’s somehow the day’s fault people hate their jobs. Personally, I believe outlook shapes all, and I’m immune to Mondays in that respect.
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Ultimately, The Sound of Monday is on a mission to change people’s perceptions of Monday to something fun-n-upbeat!
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Lastly, here’s some validation:
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In the late 90’s, upon meeting Squeeze lead singer/guitarist Glenn Tilbrook after a sound check at his solo/acoustic Mercury Lounge show in NYC–the great thing about living in NYC is you think, “Hey, I’ll just pop down to the club early and see if I can say hello”. It worked). Upon sharing the origin of our band name, he laughed, shook my hand, and quipped, “Excellent name!”.
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Please walk us through the video production process. How did the ideas for the different scenes of “Hey, Inconsiderate” come to fruition?
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Evan Seplow, the vid’s brilliant director, editor and videopgrapher, and I sat down with pads and pens, and riffed whatever scenarios of inconsideration we could think of, starting with the actual inspiration for the song, (read on for the full backstory, faithful reader!).
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Evan helped pull together many of the logistics, cast and crew. We tended to select actors from other projects we’d worked on before, who could all improvise and create a variety of great takes, but also cast some new folks who were awesome too!
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Many can relate to the sentiment behind “Hey, Inconsiderate!”. What inspired the song’s lyrics? Was there a specific moment or conversation that ignited the concept? How do you believe a piece such as this one will impact listeners?
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I wrote this song in the late 90s, after riding the NYC subway in rush hour traffic.
Fortunate to get a seat, I found myself canopied by a straphanger’s NY Times directly atop my head.
As I sat there in that “tight tent” just barely grazing my scalp, I screamed to him in my head, “Hey, Inconsiderate! Move your #$%@-in’ newspaper!”, feeble as I was at the time, anemicly unable to stand up for myself. Instead, I wrote this song.
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How this may impact listeners is as much a mystery to me as the human condition itself.
I’d like to think it will psyche ‘em up to take on the world of inconsiderates out there—but, please use good judgement; some of them are crazy! On two separate occasions I’ve politely asked folks in NYC to turn down their blaring music, and both times received death threats.
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Oh well, if nothing else, it can pump ‘em up to go to the gym!
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What was it like working with Director Evan Seplow for the “Hey, Inconsiderate!” music video?
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Evan and I know each other well, ‘cuz we go way back to the early/mid-90’s, and have worked on many projects together—notably, just prior to this video, his indie feature film, a zombie buddy comedy called, Trumpacolypse, which is still in production, in which I played a lead role he wrote exclusively for me.
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He was reassuring, having made many music videos over the years, that there is a certain freedom of unreality in the music video world, and while that liberty made it easier in a sense, it all just came together so neatly, including Evan’s topper of, (Spoiler Alert!), my character turning out to be the inconsiderate one in the end.
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What was the most enjoyable or challenging part of creating this song and visual, and why?
Initially, it felt healthy to just get these bad vibes off my chest.
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Innocuous as that newspaper on the subway incident seems on the surface, it touched a nerve in me that set off longstanding issues of inner rage and a lack of self-worth. Getting over and channeling my own bad feelings about myself was the most challenging part.
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When the opportunity arose to work with a real pro to record it, (my friend, Danny Weinkauf, bass player with They Might Be Giants), I was excited to take part in what he described to me as a “real world experience”, in that he was offering to produce my songs the way it’s done in the biz, to paraphrase.
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I was keen, and as such, he changed the arrangement from my somewhat bluesy take, to a bold, anthemic, indie pop/rock vibe, the result of which was undeniably exciting!
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As for the video, though the process was tedious at times, due to budgetary and scheduling constraints, as well as bitterly freezing winter weather, creating the visuals was otherwise equally enjoyable, from riffing concepts to working with lively, talented musicians and actors.
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Working with pros is always a pleasure, ‘cuz you can have fun, but when it comes to nailing the task at hand, we all get down to it and give our best.
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What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your musical journey?
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Wow, the journey’s been long and winding, and it’s a running list. Ready for my revelational opus??
Strike that—nobody has time for a tome!
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In brief, here are some lessons learned: the importance of networking and fostering good relationships, as well as self-awareness and self-reflection, acceptance of myself and others, listening carefully, asking questions, polite persistence, open-mindedness, a LOT of patience, following my instincts, knowing when to speak your mind (respectfully, even artfully) and conversely when not to say anything.
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After we finish this interview, I’ll probably think of ten more!
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Cliché though the aforementioned and following may be, I believe that one’s career (and life) is a journey frought with ups and downs, and there is wisdom in not settling on one moment as too important, (sometimes easier said than done for an obsessive mind like mine).
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My Dad offered me sage advice long ago, and I often think of it: he’d remind me again and again after a win or disappointment, “Peaks and valleys, Dave, peaks and valleys.”.
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The idea was there were going to be stretches of valley in between the peaks, and to prepare yourself for them in order to ride them out. This steady thinking has served me well over the longterm, getting me through some rough times.
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What do you see for the future of The Sound of Monday? What are your hopes for the group’s following projects and endeavors?
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Fortunate to have grown up in the 20th Century, I was embued with a longing for “showbiz ambitions come true”, a savory, indelible stardust which refuses to abandon my psyche. I simply cannot quit its pursuit, and this purpose, along with a constant driving need to creatively invent something from nothing, continually propels me.
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As a result, I have perpetual big dreams, or you might even say, delusions of grandeur, about looming success.
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However, in practical terms, we aim to continue growing our fan base, both on the socials and in person.
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In the long-term, I have a ton of new music in the works, literally releases for years to come, should we be so fortunate.
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In the more immediate future, we have a second video single coming out this autumn, called “The Keeper of The Mood”, which is also featured on our forthcoming EP, Quick Ear Warmer.
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To kick it all off, we’re playing our EP release party on Tuesday, October 11th at 7PM sharp at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1, in New York City. Hope to see you there!
Buzz Music Magazine
The Sound Of Monday Calls Us Out In "Hey, Inconsiderate!"
Neighbors got you down? Power pop group The Sound Of Monday strikes back at the space stealers, movie talkers, and egotistical interrupters with their latest single and music video, "Hey, Inconsiderate!"
Frontman and vocalist Dave Jay Gerstein of the New York-based group leads a sound that blends the likes of the Attractions, an '80s David Bowie, and The Beach Boys. Known for using command over catchiness, The Sound Of Monday grabs your attention with memorable hooks, lyrics, and performances that stand the test of time.
Recently releasing their latest single, "Hey, Inconsiderate!," Gerstein hits the listeners with all-too-relatable lyrics that discuss the arrogant, selfish, and inconsiderate public. From blocking the stairwell to closing the elevator doors, The Sound Of Monday tracks those moments with hilarious visuals in the "Hey, Inconsiderate!" music video.
Evan Seplow's cheeky visual for the "Hey, Inconsiderate!" music video kicks off with heavy pop-punk guitar riffs and shots of children running wild, loud talkers in movie theaters, and busy subway riders. Transitioning in between scenes is Dave Jay Gerstein and The Sound Of Monday, giving it their all with a stellar live performance of their attention-commanding track that sits with you like an earworm.
Gerstein's lead role in the video sees him in the midst of all the chaos, even getting on the wrong side of a small dog. As the video continues with Gerstein trying to make his way back home regardless of the list of inconveniences, he stumbles into the door only to realize that the day isn't over yet.
When you're in need of something relatable with a little tongue-in-cheek humor, check out The Sound Of Monday's new music video for their single, "Hey, Inconsiderate!," now available on YouTube.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, The Sound Of Monday. We love the hilarious and highly relatable single and music video for "Hey, Inconsiderate!" What inspired you to create this bluntly honest song?
Thanks for having us. We really appreciate that and couldn’t have done it without the amazing collaborative talents and dedication of our Team at Mother West, TheImageFactory, Danny Weinkauf, and others. I wrote this song in the late 90s after riding the NYC subway in rush hour traffic. Fortunate to get a seat, I found myself canopied by a straphanger's NY Times directly atop my head. As I sat there in that "tight tent" just barely grazing my scalp, I screamed to him in my head, "Hey, Inconsiderate! Move your #$%@-in' newspaper!" feeble as I was at the time, anemically unable to stand up for myself. Instead, I wrote this song. Somewhat forgotten about amongst a flurry of many other songs written during this period, I pulled it out in 2003 when I'd had the opportunity to record an EP for Mother West, to be produced by Danny Weinkauf, a friend and bass player with They Might Be Giants. The tune had been written somewhat bluesy, but DW's fresh take was to make it more along the lines of an indie pop/rock anthem, and he was spot on! Now, years later, we are delighted to pull this track from the Vault and present it to you as our new single.
What was it like writing such a fun yet serious song?
The initial response was serious in intent (I was viscerally angry, annoyed, and wanted revenge), but humor has always been a defense and close ally. So, the Lennon influence kicked in, and my pen simply went to play on the page in acidic ink. I must confide that I don’t really like speaking that way publicly—poor form, but as is often the case (for better or worse), I couldn’t hold my figurative tongue.
What was your songwriting process like for "Hey, Inconsiderate!?”
Once a phrase, concept, or idea sticks in my brain, it just obsessively plays over and over, back & forth, like a brilliant, mesmerizing Chinese Ping Pong Tourney, until I was finally just enthused about picking up my guitar, pen, pad, or any scraps of paper nearby, in a flurry of inspiration, to find a musical home for it. As Mr. Burns from The Simpsons has said (paraphrasing), I needed to get it off my chest and onto the chest of my inferiors.
What was it like working with Director Evan Seplow for the "Hey, Inconsiderate!" music video?
Evan’s brilliant. We go way back to the early/mid-90s. We have worked on many projects together—notably, just prior to this video, his indie feature film, a zombie buddy comedy called, Trumpacolypse, which is still in production, in which I played a lead role he wrote exclusively for me. Evan & I know what each other can do, so it’s pretty comfortable in that respect, but conversely, we can push each other to make it something more, hopefully. We sat down with pads and pens and riffed on whatever scenarios of inconsideration we could think of, starting with the actual inspiration for the song (the aforementioned newspaper on the subway), which I was glad we included. He was reassuring, having made many music videos over the years, that there is a certain freedom of unreality in the music video world. While that liberty made it easier in a manner of speaking, it all just came together so neatly, including Evan’s topper of (Spoiler Alert!), my character turning out to be the inconsiderate one in the end.
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What was your experience shooting it?
Evan helped pull together many of the logistics, cast, and crew. In many cases, we worked with actors I and/or Evan knew, including an appearance by my wife (who is not an actor but did great!) and cast members from Trumpacolypse. It was shot in February/March, so it was pretty freezing out, which only highlighted our resolve. Like any such work, it could vary between tedious and fun. Still, it was ultimately a real kick—especially working with such talented character actors and musicians—that was perhaps the most fun part for me!
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Do you hope that maybe some "inconsiderate" listeners might learn something and take away from "Hey, Inconsiderate!?”
I love to imagine so, but realistically, I know one has to be self-aware or be willing to be. My first wish would be for people to just have fun at the expense of the inconsiderateness out there (which, sadly, I myself can be guilty of). So, laughing at ourselves too—us silly humans, and not take ourselves so seriously all the time.
What was your goal with this song?
My goal, subconsciously at least, is always to write something great—catchy and clever, with all the musical shapes and lyrical expressions falling neatly into place. That’s the fantasy. On a more base level, I just needed to get these feelings out, and I find pop/rock song parameters have generally been a right-sized fit for my attention span and skillset.
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What's next for you?
I need to use the restroom—may I please be excused? Sorry…Beyond that?? We aim to continue growing our fan base, both on social and in person. We have a second video single coming out this autumn, called “The Keeper of The Mood”, which is also featured on our forthcoming EP, Quick Ear Warmer. To kick it all off, we’re playing our EP release party on Tuesday, October 11th at 7 PM sharp at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1, in New York City. Hope to see you there!