Monallo is a coastal folk band that blends heartfelt songwriting, feel-good grooves, and a laid-back beach vibe into an unmistakable sound. Powered by the trio of singer-songwriter and frontman James Drakes (Monallo), drummer/percussionist Alan Jax Bowers, and bassist/guitarist Pete “Pirate Pete” Robertson, the band creates performances that are both uplifting and genuine.

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Drakes has been writing and performing as Monallo since 2018, getting his start in the Pittsburgh, PA music scene. After years of touring the east coast he finally made his way down to Florida and teamed up with Bowers and Robertson in 2024. Bowers brings decades of global touring and recording experience, having performed with members of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Travis Tritt. Robertson, originally from Sydney, Australia, adds over 30 years of session and touring work, including collaborations with artists from AC/DC to Aerosmith. Together, their chemistry provides the backbone for Monallo’s warm melodies and vivid storytelling.

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Monallo released their debut album, By the Sea in 2020. In 2022 Monallo teamed up with acclaimed songwriter, filmmaker and producer Matt Costa to create and release the second EP In the Clouds, recorded at Bluebird Studios in Laguna, CA. In 2024, Monallo released their third EP Songs from the Sand, a coastal-inspired collection that earned them the TRMA Horizon Award for up-and-coming artist of the year. In February 2025, the band expanded its reach with the single Moonlight, a collaboration with Grammy-nominated artist G. Love.​

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From intimate tiki bars to larger festival stages, Monallo continues to grow a dedicated following with their laid-back yet powerful coastal folk sound. With new music, seasoned collaborators, and a clear creative vision, Monallo is carving out their place as one of today’s most exciting rising voices in coastal-inspired music.

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As a former environmental scientist, monallo is passionate about the environment, with an especially soft spot for any body of water. monallo has been recognized as a Global Ambassador for the "Plastic Ocean Project” since 2018. A percentage of proceeds from all shows and album sales are donated to POP. In 2019, monallo was recognized as a BYObottle Artist, joining highly touted artists all working to make the music industry more sustainable.  ​​​​​​​​​​​