uncle monkey

'Open Arms' music video is nominated for the peoples 'Coke Choice Award' at JuiceTV's 3rd Annual New Zealand Music Video Awards.

2003 Mon Sep 1st - Auckland - JuiceTV New Zealand Music Video Awards

'From' music video receives 'runner-up' for concept at Radio Active's 'Handle The Jandal' music video competition.

2002 Mon Aug 5th - Wellington - Paramount Theatre

'Another Crush' wins downloadmusic.com.au's 'Unleash your music online' competition.

2000 May 4th - Sydney - Downloadmusic. Looking and sounding quite a bit like the impish monkeys on their official website, the boys of Uncle Monkey put all that creative mischief into their music, and it has paid off nicely. Hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, Uncle Monkey began in 1997 and they actually launched their gigging career by walking around carrying a snare drum, bass and acoustic guitar, and scoring impromptu auditions. A persistent monkey is a successful monkey. Of course, having a bunch of melodic and sweet pop rock songs doesn't hurt either. They entered the Wellington Battle of the Bands competition as a joke and won the final, much to their surprise. Two years later, Uncle Monkey members Carl Webley (vocals, electric/acoustic guitars), Sam Hyde (vocals, bass, keyboards), and Steve Carlin (vocals, drums) have managed their own mini-world tour, receiving excellent response to their quirky lyrics and beautiful tunes. Uncle Monkey has played London (supporting Paul Kelly), Alaska (hey, it worked for that Jewel chick), Hollywood, Australia, and of course, their native New Zealand. Their indie debut album came out in January 1999, entitled Same Planet...Different Orbit. Three of the tracks on their album can be heard on Uncle Monkey's downloadmusic site. We picked up on their talent instantly, highlighting Uncle Monkey as a featured artist just two weeks ago. Uncle Monkey's music is fun, funny, sparse yet full, with lovely vocals and moving lyrics. It's mellow and playful acoustic rock in all it's glory. The winning track for downloadmusic's Unleash Your Music Online Competition is their song "Another Crush," which Uncle Monkey describes as, "...one of those crazy songs about wanting to get down your friend's pants...but not! The acoustic guitar line whimsically takes the listener through the unfolding drama..." This description is quite accurate. The track is a beauty. The acoustic music is wistful and pretty, and the lead vocals remind you a bit of the Gin Blossoms. Uncle Monkey credits The Barenaked Ladies and Crowded House as two of their influences. You can definitely hear both of these great bands shine through in places, but Uncle Monkey knows how to incorporate some BNL (especially on the hilarious "Uncle Monkey' theme song) and Crowded House flavours into their own music and still come out with sonething uniquely their own. Uncle Monkey sounds like they're having fun, and even when they're serious, they know never to take themselves too seriously. Lori Shea - Sydney

'Uncle Monkey' win Wellington Battle Of The Bands.

1997 Dec - Winning the 'best song', best singer, 'most promising act', 'best live act' categories.