By Lawrence Krayn

Newark is a city of diverse artistry and ubiquitous creativity. While we consistently feature written poetry, photography, and visual art, our city is also an audiological wonderland. From the iconic jazz venues and pioneers that we’ve profiled, to hip hop, to Newark’s legendary house scene, there is sound in every neighborhood, and in existence through all the chapters of our history. To that end, I recently had the opportunity to interview David Coombs of the Ironbound-based band Leopard Monks, founders of The Ironbound Rock Festival, set to take place on July 12.

When was the band formed? Who are the members and what do they play? What gave you the idea for the name Leopard Monks?

Dave: Leopard Monks was formed in 2020. The members are James Tank on vocals, Dave Coombs on guitar and backing vocals, Renato Martins on guitar and backing vocals, Paulo Carmo on drums, and Zach Salant on bass. The band was trying to come up with a band name and each time they thought of a name they googled it to find it was already taken. Renato had purchased a backpack with leopard print on it, and the name Leopard Monks popped in his head. It was a totally original and unique name which stuck and the rest is history.

Are you all from Newark originally? What part of the city are you from and currently live in?  What made you decide to domicile the band in Newark and stay here?

Dave: None of the members are originally from Newark. However, Paulo and Renato currently live in the Ironbound section of Newark. The rest of us are in the North Jersey area. Leopard Monks as a band is based in Newark. Our home base is in the Ironbound section. This is where the magic happens where we write, rehearse, and occasionally play gigs. Being part of the Ironbound community and specifically the Sport Benifica club is the reason the band is based out of Newark.

How would you describe or classify your sound and your performance and recording styles?

Dave: I would describe Leopard Monks’ sound as alternative hard rock music. We’re influenced by tons of different genres and styles of music. You will hear influences from grunge bands like Alice In Chains, classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin, emo punk bands like My Chemical Romance and too many others to name. We love all types of music, and it’s hard to pinpoint our sound because of this. We take pride in recording original songs that are all unique in their own way. When you come to a Leopard Monks show you’re in for trip because each song has its own style and sound. We bring a high energy show to the stage.

What is the Music scene like in Newark, including but not limited to the Rock scene? Have there been chances to collaborate across genre and neighborhood? Is the Newark scene more subsumed into North Jersey in general? or NYC/Brooklyn? 

Dave: The Newark [rock] scene is just okay right now. QXT’s is one of the few places that has independent rock bands come perform. We enjoy playing at QXTs and appreciate the opportunities they give to newer, local artists. . . . It would be great to have more places to play for upcoming bands in the city.

Speaking of involvement with the local scene, tell us about the Ironbound Rock Festival? When did it start? What does it entail? How has it grown? What was/is your vision for it?

Dave: We started Ironbound Rock Festival in 2022 with the purpose to give local originals bands a stage to come showcase their talent. It seems like lots of bars only want people who play covers, and we wanted to give an opportunity to musicians [who] write original songs. In addition, we wanted to help the community. Our first year, we raised $1,000 to help the east ward community center. The festival is a one day event in the Ironbound section of Newark. It entails a full day and night of original bands. Usually about 8 bands will perform throughout the day. There are local art vendors as well as food and drinks. It’s an awesome day of art and entertainment. Over the years, it has grown. We’ve added more music and given opportunities to upcoming bands to perform. Our vision is for it to keep growing and become a large summer festival.

Is the festival mostly of local acts, or are people from around the metro area/state/country involved too?

Dave: It’s been mostly upcoming bands from around New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

How do you see Newark as a hub for creative people and projects like your band and the festival? Is it a good place to be? A not so good place to be? what works well in Newark for these things and what could be better?

Dave: Honestly I think Newark is a difficult place to be a [band]. There just aren’t enough places around the city giving opportunities to local [bands] to perform or showcase their talent. I think there is certainly potential for Newark to become a hub for artists. That is why we started the festival to give [bands] a platform. Just getting the word out and having places to perform would be great because there are Definitely a lot of talented artists in the city. Besides QXT’s I’m not aware of other venues for local bands in the city.

The Ironbound Rock Festival will take place on July 12, 2025. Check the festival’s Instagram for more info and to keep up to date: https://www.instagram.com/ironbound_rockfestival/

Find out more about Leopard Monks on their Instagram: Here

Listen to them on Spotify: Here