What is "port of monks"?

"the band you heard of.."

P.o.M (n.) - a band; styles vary but center around punk, rock n roll, and anything that gets the body moving; currently located in Austin, Tx.

"so... how tf did yall become a thing?"

hmmmmm...

Port of Monks (P.o.M.) is a punk-rooted rock band blending elements of punk, psychedelia, and alternative rock into a high-energy sound built to make people move. Formed by bassist Ray Treviño and drummer Chris Nelson, the band was founded on a shared commitment to the DIY spirit and raw energy of punk.

The band’s name is a tribute to Ray’s late cats, Porter and Monkee, whose memory lives on through Port of Monks.

Originally performing as a bass-and-drums duo, P.o.M. found its missing piece when vocalist Yumi Robinson joined after an unforgettable chance encounter at a local Austin show. Her fearless stage presence and creative chemistry with Ray and Chris quickly transformed the band into the powerhouse it is today.

Despite lineup changes and challenges along the way, Port of Monks has remained driven by friendship, trust, and a shared vision. Today, the trio of Yumi Robinson (vocals), Ray Treviño (bass), and Chris Nelson (drums) continues to deliver explosive live performances while searching for a permanent guitarist.

Our philosophy is simple: “If you don’t believe us, catch a live show and see what we’re laying down.”


 

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VOCALIST/FRONTWOMAN

Diondra “Yumi” Robinson aka The Titty Baby, is an East Texas-born artist whose musical journey began long before she ever considered music a career. Raised in a creative environment, she was first introduced to recording through her older sister, Lady Sweet, who built a collective connecting musicians from around the world. At just eight years old, Yumi made her recording debut with a feature on the track “Thugs Prayer.”


Growing up immersed in freestyle sessions, battle rap, and constant musical expression, Yumi viewed music as a passion rather than a profession. At 15, she independently released her two-song EP I Hate Rejection, followed by a string of loose singles that showcased her natural creativity without expectations or industry ambitions.

In 2019, Yumi released three stylistically diverse singles, experimenting with different sounds in search of her artistic identity. That search culminated in 2020 with the release of her debut solo album, Pain & Butterflies, under the name YumiSoCute<3. Blending elements of grunge, punk, alternative rock, and hip-hop, the project established the foundation of the genre-defying sound she continues to develop today.

That same year, Yumi relocated to Los Angeles with hopes of finding a band that matched her vision. Although the right collaborators didn’t materialize immediately, she continued performing and releasing music as a solo artist, steadily building a loyal underground following drawn to her fearless authenticity and emotionally charged performances.

In 2024, Yumi returned to Texas, settling in Austin. A spontaneous visit to one of the city’s legendary tunnel shows led to a chance meeting with Ray and Lucas, with whom she formed the band Titty Baby. While the project showed promise, it ultimately evolved in an unexpected direction. Ray, who also fronted the band Port Of Monks, invited Yumi to become the band’s lead vocalist and official frontwoman. 

Now entering their second year together, Port Of Monks continues to gain momentum with Yumi at the helm. Their explosive live performances and boundary-pushing sound have earned recognition from influential alternative platforms including Punk Black, Afro Goth Fest, Milk, and others.

Whether performing as a solo artist or leading a band, Yumi’s music is rooted in raw emotion, fearless experimentation, and a refusal to be confined by genre. Her journey reflects an artist constantly evolving while staying true to the honesty and intensity that first drew listeners to her music.

THE QUIRK

CHRISTOPHER NELSON

Christopher Nelson was born and raised in Northern California, just outside the East Bay, where his love for rock ‘n’ roll was instilled from an early age by his father. Hearing the opening riff of Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” as a child ignited a passion for music that would shape the course of his life.

Although he initially tried learning guitar, Christopher quickly discovered his true calling behind the drum kit. At 10 years old, his father gifted him his first set of drums for Christmas, and from the moment he sat down to play, the instrument felt completely natural. Drumming became an extension of who he was.

Throughout middle and high school, Christopher played in numerous local bands, developing his musicianship and stage presence while learning the fundamentals of collaboration and performance. While most of those early projects never made it beyond garage rehearsals, they laid the foundation for the musician he would become.

After graduating, Christopher spent several years exploring Northern California’s live music scene, attending countless shows while searching for his own creative direction. As his passion for music continued to grow, he enrolled in college with plans to pursue a career in radio. During that time, he became more involved in the East Bay music community through a music podcast and review show founded by his longtime best friend, further deepening his appreciation for independent artists and the local scene.

By 2019, following the loss of close friends and family members and a period of personal hardship, Christopher found himself at a crossroads. Looking for a fresh start, he relocated to Austin, Texas, determined to build a new life and reconnect with music. Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted the live music scene, he never stopped playing drums or honing his craft.

As Austin’s music community began to recover, Christopher immersed himself in the local scene once again. In 2022, while performing with another band, he met bassist Ray. The two immediately connected through a shared musical vision and creative chemistry, leading them to form Port Of Monks, which officially launched in 2023.

Not long afterward, an unexpected meeting with vocalist Yumi at one of Austin’s legendary underground tunnel shows completed the band’s lineup. With Yumi joining as the frontwoman, Port Of Monks found its identity and momentum. Since then, the band has continued to establish itself as a rising force in Austin’s alternative underground, delivering high-energy performances that blend punk, grunge, hard rock, and alternative influences into a sound that is both raw and unmistakably their own.

 


 

tHE bRAIN

rAY TREVINO

Ray Trevino discovered his true musical calling during his junior year of college after a life-changing family event reshaped his priorities. Following his grandfather’s major stroke, Ray was reminded of how short and precious life can be. Determined to pursue a path that genuinely fulfilled him, he committed himself to becoming a professional musician.

He chose the bass guitar for a practical reason—it allowed him to practice for hours in his dorm room without disturbing anyone. Every weekend, Ray traveled to visit his grandfather during rehabilitation, often sitting by his bedside practicing bass. On the days his grandfather was awake, hearing words of encouragement like, “I like that one, Pops,” became some of Ray’s most cherished memories. While those visits meant sacrificing much of the traditional college experience, they also instilled in him an unwavering work ethic, a disciplined practice routine, and a deep appreciation for the emotional power of music.

Ray’s playing style draws inspiration from legendary bassists including Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, and Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead. Each has left a distinct mark on his approach to the instrument, blending groove, aggression, and musicality into a style that is uniquely his own. Additional influences such as Bootsy Collins, Flea, and Dee Dee Ramone further shaped his dynamic sound.

Ray took his first major leap into the professional music world after relocating to Austin, Texas, where he joined a band with close friends and quickly immersed himself in the city’s vibrant live music scene. Countless bar gigs, marathon four-hour sets, and hands-on experience sharpened both his musicianship and professionalism. Along the way, he studied music theory, developing the ability to improvise and confidently perform on the spot while learning lessons that continue to influence his songwriting and performance today.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the live music industry to a standstill, Ray returned to San Antonio, where he met the woman who would later become his wife. With her unwavering encouragement and support, he made one final move back to Austin to fully pursue his musical ambitions.

After returning to Austin, Ray performed with several local projects before meeting drummer Christopher Nelson. The chemistry between the two was immediate, and they quickly realized they shared the same artistic vision. Together, they formed Port Of Monks in January 2023, performing their debut show just two months later.

As the band continued to develop its identity, a chance meeting with Yumi Robinson at one of Austin’s renowned underground tunnel shows proved to be the missing piece. The connection was instant, and with Yumi joining as the band’s frontwoman, Port Of Monks found its definitive voice.

Today, Ray serves as both bassist and a driving creative force behind Port Of Monks. His journey—marked by perseverance, loss, personal growth, and an unwavering dedication to music—continues to shape the band’s emotionally charged sound. Every performance reflects the collective experiences of its members, creating an authentic connection with audiences built on resilience, passion, and the belief that music has the power to transform hardship into something meaningful.