3 DAFT MONKEYS

Formed in 2000 by Tim Ashton (vocals, guitar, percussion, whistle), Athene Roberts (fiddle, vocals), and Rich Mulryne (drums, percussion), 3 Daft Monkeys are ultimately regarded as a folk trio, yet their astonishingly diverse range of influences render genre pigeonholing almost impossible. Their main inspiration musically appears to be the Cornish and Celtic folk music traditions of their adopted home county Cornwall, in the south-west of England. They combine this with other world folk styles, such as Balkan and Gypsy, together with dance and reggae rhythms. Since they formed in 2000 the band has produced a series of EPs and live albums on its 3DM record label, with Jamie Waters (bass) replacing Mulryne from the debut Brouhaha onwards. In December 2004 the trio released their "proper" debut album Hubbadillia, also on their own label. Without any financial backing, they have relied purely on word of mouth to publicize their recordings, as well as a virtually non-stop worldwide touring schedule. Their electrifying, high-octane live shows, either at a major festival or in a tiny local pub, are something they take great pride in, and they invariably have the entire crowd, big or small, dancing to them. The album, which has sold steadily, has been highly acclaimed by folk music critics, and has received airplay on BBC Radio 2.
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