INTERVIEW MONSTRES: SORRY MONKS: "The Beatles are like a religion to me"

The Sorry Monks (Ollie Flanagan) , chantres d'une jangle pop lumineuse, ont attiré notre attention avec son délicieux album 'Fiona & Flora' paru sur le label Subjangle. Les mélodies étincelantes et les arrangements subtils sont mis au service de chansons ciselées.

Sollicité à l'issue de son classement dans le Top Monstres du 15 février 2026, Ollie a accepté de répondre à nos questions pour notre plus grand plaisir.


Taste question: Which artists have influenced you the most, and can you tell us examples about this influence? Who is the artist you dislike and why will he/she never influence you? 

The Beatles are like a religion to me. I read my first Beatles biography when I was a teenager (The Love You Make by Peter Brown) and the story has become as important to me as the Bible stories are to Christians. Paul Westerberg has made some great lo-fi records in his basement with less than perfect drum sounds and mistakes left in, which continue to make me feel better about my own home-recording journey. Dislike: Phil Collins. 

Intellectual question: Which non-musical artist (filmmaker, writer, painter...) played an important role in the way the band evolved... 

Wes Anderson.

Champollion question: What is the meaning of the band's name?

It comes from something John Lennon said in 1966 when asked about the Vietnam War. Here’s the quote: 
“You can’t just keep quiet about anything that’s going on in the world, unless you’re a monk. Sorry, monks!” 
I removed the comma. 

Buddy question: Who has helped you most in your band's adventure and without whom you wouldn't have had the same evolution?

My wife Pippa helped me the most by letting me build a recording studio in her house and not minding too much when I play loud drums.

Spinal Tap question: What's the most stupid thing that's ever happened to you? 

Spontaneous combustion at a blues/jazz festival on the Isle of Lucy.

 Art question: What book, film, record and current band do you really like? 

Book: Bad Vibes by Luke Haines
Film: Aftersun
Current band: Remember Sports

Camembert question: What's France to you, apart from the land of wine and cheese? (you're allowed to Google it, the theme is rock and underground culture)

Sid Vicious wandering the streets of Paris in 1978, as seen in The Great Rock N Roll Swindle. Jim Morrison in the bath.

Patriotic question: Make the list (between 5 & 10) of the top records made by artists of your country.
 

1. Paris 1919 - John Cale
2. Move - The Move
3. Parachute - The Pretty Things 
4. S.F.Sorrow - The Pretty Things
5. The La’s - The La’s
6. The White Album - The Beatles 
7. Goodbye Jumbo - World Party
8. Wish You Were Here - Badfinger
9. McCartney - McCartney
10. Tower Block In A Jam Jar - Mozart Estate

 Thanks Ollie ! 

Le nouvel album de Sorry Monks est prévu le 1er avril sur Subjangle.