Major & The Monbacks

Major and the Monbacks have revived the party infused energy of southern soul, blending this old school style with danceable pop melodies and ska and soul horn riffs, stirring dreamlike visions of Otis Redding and Chuck Berry playing a beer soaked fraternity party. With 4 vocalists, a hypeman, and a lively horn section, the Monbacks are redefining the “Norfolk Sound”, adding soaring vocal harmonies and southern twang to the homegrown R&B of Gary U.S. Bonds that made a name for the city of Norfolk in the 1950’s.

The Monbacks are fresh out of college, exploding into the East Coast music scene with two solid years of touring in their back pocket, wielding an original blend of retro R&B, 60’s twang, and new school garage-pop jams. The Monbacks have reached “monback mania” status in their hometown of Norfolk, VA, self releasing a 5 song EP and 2 singles while playing shows, festivals, and colleges across the Mid-Atlantic and packing out every major venue within their hometown of Norfolk, including 3 headline shows at the 1500 capacity the NorVA, ranked Rolling Stone’s number one venue in the country.

Since early 2008, The Monbacks have steadily been strengthening their lineup to now include 9 members, including the self proclaimed “Eastern Seaboard’s Horniest Horn Section.” Fueled by the latest addition of Harry Schloeder on guitar and vocals as well as lead singer Neal Friedman’s vintage Fender Rhodes electric piano, the Monbacks now boast three strong songwriters and a full 9-piece ensemble that continues to grow its sound and fan base.

The Monbacks have been nominated 2 years straight as the best indie-pop band in Hampton Roads by VEER Magazine, collecting 2 additional nominations in 2014 for Song of the Year and Best Live performer. The Monbacks’ songs have played on radio stations across the state of Virginia, including WROX 96X and WHRO 89.5's award winning NPR show "Out of the Box" with Paul Shugrue in Norfolk, VA, WCWM 90.9 FM in Williamsburg, VA, WXJM 88.7 Harrisonburg, VA, WGMU Fairfax, VA, WNRN, WTJU, and WTJX in Charlottesville, VA.