The Ex-Monkeys are a Raleigh, NC based duo mixing up electronic, hip-hop, experimental, and punk rock influences. Members Ian and Ed joined forces in the mid 90s to provide sample material for a mutual friend (richm of Glycerin). This work led to the formation of the group Friend Side Monkey which provided live electronica for the Triangle area of North Carolina.

Originally, Ian was a member of the Wifflefist media collective, helping organize multimedia performances and playing in the bands The Beatless, Polycarp and Repetophile. Ed could be found hanging out and making sounds on Friday nights at WXDU with DJ Samps, 9th Wonder and Big Dho.