When James Drakes started performing under the name Monallo in Pittsburgh's music scene back in 2018, he probably didn’t envision collaborating with Grammy-nominated artists or climbing Southwest Florida radio charts. But after years touring the east coast and relocating to Florida in 2024, that’s exactly where the coastal folk project has landed.
Monallo—now a full trio featuring Drakes alongside drummer Alan Jax Bowers and bassist Pete "Pirate Pete" Robertson—releases their new album "Moon and Machine" today, April 9, 2026. The record marks the first full project with this core lineup and features collaborations with Grammy-nominated artist G. Love, as well as John Ginty, Dave Signs, and Greg Mihaly.
From Solo Project to Seasoned Trio
The transformation from singer-songwriter to full band sound represents a significant evolution for Monallo. 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.
Their chemistry shows up in the numbers. The band's coastal folk music earned airplay on over 90 FM stations across the country in 2025. Their single "Moonlight"—the G. Love collaboration released in February 2025—was the #4 most requested song in 2025 on Southwest Florida Radio, while "Wherever I Am" and "Lover's Key" both hit #1 on Radio SPF's monthly charts.
Building Momentum
The band's 2024 EP "Songs from the Sand" earned them the TRMA Horizon Award for up-and-coming artist of the year from the Trop-Rock Music Association. It is the latest in a catalog that includes their 2020 debut album "By the Sea" and 2022's "In the Clouds," recorded with acclaimed songwriter, filmmaker, and producer Matt Costa at Bluebird Studios in Laguna, California.
Monallo's sound blends laid-back folk, upbeat reggae rock, and smooth soft rock melodies—drawing comparisons to Jack Johnson, G. Love, Sublime, and Donavon Frankenreiter. Paired with Drakes's distinctive vocals, the feel-good tunes appeal to audiences who gravitate toward relaxed, coastal vibes.
From intimate tiki bars to larger festival stages, the band has built a dedicated following that extends beyond regional boundaries. Their 2026 tour includes dates from coast to coast, reflecting their ambition to expand from a regional act into a national presence in coastal-inspired music.
April 2026 Tour Schedule
Thursday, April 9 – MOON//MACHINE Album Release
Friday, April 10 – Woman’s Club, Punta Gorda, FL (Low ticket warning)
Saturday, April 11 – 3 Keys, Bradenton, FL (Ticket required)
Sunday, April 12 – Margaritaville, Hollywood, FL
Friday, April 24 – Galveston PHC, Galveston, TX
Saturday, April 25 – Captain Doobies, LaBelle, TX
Sunday, April 26 – Gray’s Rum Bar, Pensacola, FL
May 2026 Tour Schedule
Friday, May 1 – Cedar Key Tiki Fest, Cedar Key, FL
Saturday, May 2 – Cedar Key Tiki Fest, Cedar Key, FL
With seasoned collaborators, radio traction, and industry recognition already in place, Monallo's new album represents more than just new music—it’s a statement of arrival for a project that has spent years refining its sound and building its team.