Columbus Covers Columbus ’19: To Kill A Monster

When talking about Columbus and its music scene we all have bands that stick out to us. Bands that have a special place in our hearts. Bands that we love. For me one of those bands is To Kill a Monster. As one that isn’t from here, TKAM is a band that stood out to me and me feel at home every time I saw them. I have so many memories of this band, both happy and sad. Be it them announcing that they were playing Warped a few summers ago to them taking a break to them playing the first show I ever booked, This is a band that deserves the world and so much more, and I’m so glad that they are part of this great festival. Trust me, you are going to want to catch their headlining set on Saturday.

TUNED UP: Can you please introduce yourself?

To Kill A Monster: We are a punk/rock/alt band from Columbus and Marysville Ohio called To Kill a Monster! Joey Lawson on vocals, Tyler Dewalt on guitar, and brand new members, longtime friends, Josh Spence on bass, and Scott Baker from Psuedo/Sentai on guitar. We are drummerless for the time being, but our good friend Corey Melton will be filling in on drums for this event, and we can’t thank him enough for all the work he’s been putting in!

What made you and your band want to participate in this festival?

We’re always down for anything that brings light to the local scene. We’ve been at this awhile now and are very familiar with Tony and Zoo Trippin’, so any excuse to play with them is always welcomed. That and finally playing shows again is a much welcomed thing. This will be our 4th Columbus show with the new lineup and can’t wait for what this year brings.

What is next for you and your band?

Thanks to the addition of our new members, we’re more excited than ever to be back and playing again. We’re working to find the perfect fit for drums and are planning ways to play shows for the New Year, but we’re beyond excited to say new music is coming. Our first single will release very soon and we’re in the studio working on our new EP/album. We’ve been working on it for a while now, and although we don’t have release dates yet, this is what we hope is some of the best music we’ve ever written.

What is your favorite venue to play in Columbus? Hidden Gem?

To Kill A Monster: Man… A lot of our favorite venues have unfortunately disappeared. Scarlet and Grey, Bernies, O’sheckys. At least Sam Levy has Muddy Creek Saloon now, but we haven’t had the pleasure of playing there yet. Of course The Basement and Newport will always be on our list of some amazing nights we’ve shared, though.

If there were a Columbus Music Hall of Fame, what three acts would you induct?

Phantods, Karate Coyote, Adrenaline Kid, and Ranger Danger because we can’t pick three. There are a ton of other Columbus greats that we wish were still out and playing who we’ve met over the years that could be on that, though. Would love to see an actual Hall of Fame for the insane amount of talent that has been rocking through the years.

Who are some local acts our readers should be listening to?

All of them! Again, Columbus has so many amazing bands still out there killing it. We highly recommend just about everyone playing this weekend, some of who we haven’t even met yet. But just to name a few and without going overboard, The Scratches, We Are The Movies, Harmless Habit, The Castros, Paper Lung, The Turbos, Brave The Sea, Zoo Trippin’, Make Them Believe, Damn the Witch Siren, Dread Engine, The Admiralty, Mojoflo, Embers of Arson, Heroes Like Villains, Black Coffee, and—not Columbus locals but always giving out love for our brothers and sister from our second home Indiana local—The Day After and Native World. Countless others too. Please check out any local band that’s pouring their hearts out for this scene.

What is your favorite winter activity?

For just about all of us, concerts of course. Keeps you out of the cold, and you get to watch amazing live bands, and we’d all have to say video games. What better way to pretend it’s not a frozen cold wasteland of a nightmare outside than to cozy up in the warmth of a blanket cocoon and forget that it’s winter. Or maybe go to Florida? Winter sucks.

What is your favorite winter drink?

Monster energy drink, year round… no puns intended there, lol. Whiskey? That’s a winter drink right? Hot toddy ftw.

I am a huge fan of covers; what is your all-time favorite cover?

Joey – Me First and the Gimme Gimmes cover of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

Tyler – Number 12 Looks like You – “My Sharona” by The Knack, and Ben Folds – “Bitches Ain’t Shit” by Dr. Dre

Scott – Either System of a Down’s cover of “Snowblind” by Black Sabbath or A Perfect Circle’s cover of “The Fiddle and the Drum” by Joni Mitchell

Josh – Say Anything – “I Got Your Money” by Ol Dirty Bastard

I also have a few songs that I feel should never be covered; do you have any songs that you feel should not, and if so what are they?

To Kill A Monster: Scott – I don’t think any song should never be covered, but there are many that should only be re-imagined. If you aren’t bringing something new to certain songs, there’s no point in making a carbon copy. 

Joey – I don’t know, but I’d be alright with 5FDP going back in time and not covering “Gone Away” by The Offspring.

If you had to eat one sandwich for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tyler – Philly Cheese Steak.

Josh – Grilled cheese sandwich. So many ways to make one, and it’s a classic!

Scott – The Fat Bitch from PJ’s.

Joey – A lasagna sandwich.

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