Monkeysoop is a musical group of ‘experimetal’ pioneers, mixing up styles, time signatures, and extraordinary guitar melodies to put you on an auditory and emotional roller coaster that is the band’s ‘experimetal’ music. "Experimetal Mock-Rockers," Monkeysoop . . . balances earnestness, speed and all-out technical ability with playfulness and soaring imagination,” says Jim Beal, Jr., from the San Antonio Express News. Mixed with a playful array of comedic vocally-charged punk-rock madness, Monkeysoop's musical blend keeps audiences energized and wanting to hear more. Monkeysoop has been going strong with recording and live performances since 2003. Monkeysoop has toured the continental United States and Canada and performed seven dates in Europe in the spring of 2016. Monkeysoop has had the honor of guest appearances by drummer extraordinaire Terry Bozzio and guitar slinger Michael Angelo Batio on their 2012 release, EXPERIMETAL II. Impaler vocalist Bill Lindsey and drummer Snowy Shaw (formerly of King Diamond and Merciful Fate) have been guest musicians on Monkeysoop recordings. Monkeysoop received Grammy consideration in 2005 for "Best Rock Performance.” The band was honored as the "BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL BAND" for the "MYSPACE HALL OF FAME”, Class of 2010. Monkeysoop’s music is featured in the television series "The Drive TV". The band released its ninth CD, YEAR OF THE MONKEY, on June 15, 2016, and embarked on a 13-date US/Canada tour on June 16th. Monkeysoop released its eighth CD, ZOMBIE MOSH, in June, 2015, through Burning V Records. Monkeysoop released its seventh CD, DARNITALL, in November, 2014. The band signed in 2012 with Tate Music Group and released its sixth CD, GRAY MATTER, in October, 2013. Previously, Monkeysoop was signed with Sonic Wave International, Inc., through which they have released five CDs since 2004; EXPERIMETAL II, EXPERIMETAL, NUNS' NIGHT OUT, COUNTERCLOCKWISE, and MONKEYSOOP. All of Monkeysoop's music is available on major internet retailers. The funds earned from Monkeysoop’s song “Kendall” go to aid the American Heart Association. Monkeysoop is honored to have played several shows with GREEN JELLY, LILLIAN AXE, THE RADIOACTIVE CHICKEN HEADS, ROSEMARY'S BILLYGOAT, THE BULLET BOYS, BANG TANGO, and PHANTOM X. Monkeysoop has also opened for acts like LIZZY BORDEN, LA GUNS, LOUDNESS, MICHAEL SCHENKER, DICK DALE, SABATON, KEEL, FOGHAT, LORDI, FEAR, D.I., TOTAL CHAOS, AGENT ORANGE, JOEY BELLADONNA, MOLLY HATCHET, GRAND FUNK RALIROAD, JOHNNY WINTER, THREE DOG NIGHT, THE GUESS WHO, THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND, and BIG BROTHER HOLDING COMPANY. Band founder and guitarist Jerry Connor began his obsession with guitar on South Padre Island, Texas, where he grew up strumming along with rock guitarists on the radio. After years playing in various local bands, his world turned upside down when a fateful accident nearly cost him left hand and his life. Following two major surgeries, many doctors told him he would never play guitar again. Undeterred, Jerry studied music theory and composition at the University of Texas Pan American in hopes of becoming a composer. Determined to follow his dream of being a noted guitarist, Jerry rehabilitated his hand through years of tedious practice and was able to once again rock the crowd slinging six strings. After playing and recording across the country with many groups, he settled in San Antonio and began writing the music that would become signature Monkeysoop. When he’s not slinging strings for ‘Soop, Jerry also shreds guitar part-time in the notorious puppet/comedy band Green Jelly. Erica Missey – drums/vocals -- Erica was lured into the world of music by her grandfather and uncle, who played guitar in many different bands throughout her childhood. She started her own music education on french horn and trumpet when she was 11. Erica continued to play trumpet throughout high school and college, then threw herself into her life-long love of drawing with careers in film animation, illustration, and caricature. Over the next several years, the urge to play live music became irresistible. She finally purchased a bass guitar and began teaching herself to play. In 2002, she met Jerry Connor and joined with him to form Monkeysoop. After years of playing bass for the band, in 2010, Erica shifted her focus to become Monkeysoop's drummer.