Monk (experimental music band)

Monk was an experimental music band formed in Toronto, Canada, in the late 1970s. The band was known for its eclectic and unconventional approach to music, incorporating elements of post-punk, art rock, noise rock, and improvisation. They were active primarily in the vibrant Toronto music scene of the early to mid-1980s, often performing in unconventional venues and art galleries.

The band's lineup shifted over time, but core members included musicians with backgrounds in visual arts and theatre, contributing to their performance art-influenced shows. Their music was characterized by its angular rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and use of unconventional instrumentation. Monk often employed prepared instruments, found sounds, and tape manipulation techniques to create a unique and unsettling sonic landscape.

While Monk did not achieve mainstream commercial success, they were influential within the Canadian experimental music scene. They are remembered for their challenging and innovative approach to music making and their contribution to the alternative cultural landscape of Toronto in the 1980s. The band released a limited number of recordings, primarily on cassette tapes and small independent labels, which are now considered rare and sought after by collectors of experimental music. Further information about Monk is primarily found in independent music publications and archives documenting the Toronto music scene of the period.