MONOLOG

This blog has moved

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:07:00 +0000

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Tokyo here we come!!!

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:01:00 +0000

We recently celebrated our 3 year birthday (THANK YOU!!!), and in the short 3 years that we've been at this the connections to Tokyo have been growing strong. With flagship stores in Japan now carrying MONO gear, and some amazing players in Tokyo popping up on our radar, we figured it was time to head out there and dish out some hi-fives. We'll give you some highlights here over the next few days so stay tuned...

3 albums @ MONO headquarters!

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:46:00 +0000

We are eagerly awaiting a few albums here at headquarters.

1. The Burning Hotels - Novels

Hailing from Texas, things always seem bigger and better out there. Burning Hotels are just that. Good ole' boys making some hella good music. They describe their sound as angular melodies with an underlying of post-punk revival. I can see that. This quartet inspires us.

The Burning Hotels - Austin's Birthday.mp3

2. Minus the Bear - OMNI

We've been waiting for this one for a while. Another one of those bands that makes abstract noise ala Dave Knudson. You need to see this man at work. It's unusual in a good way.

Minus the Bear - My Time.mp3

3. Helmet - Seeing Eye Dog

I can NOT wait for this to come out...MONO was there with cameras rolling while recording was taking place.

Teenage Engineering's OP-1

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:28:00 +0000

So when we're not obsessively making new gear, we are obsessing over someone else's. Today the fixation is on the soon-to-be-released OP-1 by Teenage Engineering

Here's what it looks like:

And here's what it does:

I know a certain band that would really dig this.

the REAL test.

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:44:00 +0000

Ivan Komlinovic a Croatian born DJ just emailed us about a week ago. He wrote an incredibly enthusiastic note to us and we are really pleased to be sharing this with everyone.

Hello guys.

I bought the MONO 365 DJ backpack and must say it is amazing. I have never met such quality product.
Well to make it more popular I will give you some hints. One of most important detail is exact maximum measure of inner compartment.

I ordered Allen and Heath Xone DX 5 months ago. I've had it now for about 3 weeks. 4 months ago friend of mine went to NY, and I ordered 365 DJ bag. I was not 100% sure if the DX would fit inside. It fits like a glove, and I am very happy to have both now. The thing is I was not 100% positive it would be big ebough for this kind of device.

Well, to make things easier for you, I am sending you a few shots, my details which you can use in commercial purposes. Your product really made my travels easier!

Respect

Ivan Komlinovic

SXSW Day 3: Journaling w/Jake Cohen

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:53:00 +0000

Thursday, March 18:

11:00 AM. Gigs everyday from here on out. Headin out for soundcheck at the Lucky Lounge after a proper night of sleep at the Days Inn.

2:30 PM. Just had a hit at Berklee’s unofficial SXSW launch party @ Lucky Lounge. Really chill spot, and an open bar courtesy of Berklee. Roger Brown, President of Berklee came out to the bar and invited Nini & Ben to play his Annual SXSW BBQ on Saturday. Mostly board of trustee members and things like that, should be ill.

5:00 PM. Exploring Austin’s 6th st. People are everywhere, yelling, screaming, all enjoying music. Everywhere you walk there’s a window of a venue with a band, pouring their heart and soul out, hoping to be noticed. The atmosphere is just incredible.

Typical for the streets of SXSW. Crazy band!

Tannone at it Again: Mos Dub

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:29:00 +0000

From the creator of all the Jaydiohead mash-ups. Mos Dub is fresh off the grill. WHITE HOT!

SXSW Day 2: Journaling w/Jake Cohen

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:07:00 +0000

Wednesday, March 17:

10:30 AM. Day 2, no gigs today. Gonna hit up 6th street, see what this place is all about.

2:00 PM. Headin to Tommy’s Drum Shop with Ben, Derek, and Bruno (Drummer for Ann Driscoll). Supposed to be the best in Austin.

4:00 PM. Authentic Texas BBQ at Jordan Tarrants house. I think it’s called “Cajun Boil.” No joke, this is the first time I’ve had crawfish. Honestly, I think it’s too much work for your food! Not my style. Spiciest Corn and Potatoes I’ve ever eaten. Great times with all the artists hangin around, pullin out the djembe and a few guitars.

Jimmy Fallon / Roots cameo

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Check out the GS1 Betty strap making a cameo in this impromptu Roots clip filmed on the set of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

[click here for the actual link]

If you're wondering what kind of bass that is hanging on our GS1, it's a custom Callowhill made just for Owen himself.

All hail the greatest band in late night.

SXSW Day 1: Journaling w/Jake Cohen

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:47:00 +0000

We asked our very own Jake Cohen to take us on his journey through Austin while he was in SXSW. The experience we couldn't take in journaled by one of ours.

Tuesday, March 16:

8:30 AM. Waking up in a living room with 16 of your best friends all sleeping next to you in Texas is a trip.

All of us are either in our last semester, or have already graduated Berklee College of Music. For some, it’s a long awaited reunion. Eugene Brown from Tono Records has been so kind to put us all up in his house in Round Rock for SXSW. Nini and Ben are playing at two of his showcases. One tonight at the Flamingo Cantina, and the other Saturday at Waterloo Ice House. Both of these showcases are full of Berklee bands like Merry Go Round, Jordan Tarrant, and Ann Driscoll.

5:00 PM. Just walked into Flamingo Cantina for the first gig. This place is a typical reggae bar. Fish, and flowers all over the walls, pretty ridiculous. I’m just waiting for the margaritas and pina coladas to surface. Gonna be a great night!

11:00 PM. First gig is over. Killin. The band hasn’t rehearsed since last week, but it felt like we’d been playin all day. Kick pedal bailed midway through the first tune (ahh) but the floor tom became my new friend. Kinda interesting/challenging to try emulating a kick with a floor! Luckily we had a RIDICULOUS arsenal of gear so after the first tune we switched out pedals. I just met Kelly Gruber, a former all star/world series winning/gold glove MLB player from the 80’s/90’s. Unbelievable to meet someone who has achieved the ultimate prize in their field. Great beginning to the week!

Jennifer Knapp is back!

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:24:00 +0000

We had the privilege to work and hook up with Jennifer a few weeks ago. We were wondering how long her hiatus was going to be. You can't keep talent like that away from the public too long. This Dove award winning artist is back with plenty of fuel added to her wonderful songwriting skills. "Letting Go" is set to be released sometime in May with much anticipation. Knapp has fans from all over the world begging for her comeback, and I'm not sure I would call it that. It's not like she went anywhere or if she has to work her way back to anything. When you're winning awards and making gold record releases you don't have to answer to nobody.

We're just excited she likes our gear.

www.jenniferknapp.com

Jennifer is currently on tour with Derek Webb. Check out dates HERE.

As Forever Fades

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:27:00 +0000

Jonathan Munnier is now endorsing MONO! We are super excited about adding him onto our gallery.

As Forever Fades was forged in late 2006, enduring several lineup changes as it formed and found its identity. Now, the lineup features founding members Jeremy (vocals) and Seth (guitar), plus Ryan (drums) and Jon.

"We've been truckin' ever since," says Jon. The desire to make good metal music brought us together and with only one member being over 20 years old, we feel like the sky is the limit for us!"

Jon says that the band's drive to succeed is tied to its devotion to quality. The group strives to make each song an evolution from the last, improving and growing with each creative endeavor. Originality is a central concern.

As Forever Fades has played with a number of national acts, including Whitechapel, Through the Eyes of the Dead, Impending Doom, Carnifex, For Today, Arsonists Get All The Girls, Between the Buried and Me, The Acacia Strain and more. The band is entirely a DIY act and records its music at Jon's JYM Studios in Evansville, Indiana. He recorded, mixed and mastered all the tracks. Ryan was the designer of the Words Unclear artwork.
"We're proud to be able to say we can do those things and will continue to do so in the future," asserts Jon.

As Forever Fades is currently working with A&R Select, the premier A&R firm based out of Los Angeles, CA. More information is available by visiting:

www.myspace.com/asforeverfades
www.promofm.com/as_forever_fades
www.purevolume.com/asforeverfades
www.arselect.com

SXSW!

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:57:00 +0000

I am really jealous that we aren't out there. Everytime someone mentions SXSW I get this empty guttish feeling in the pit of my stomach. So many bands to see, but we definitely have our bases covered. Our very own MONOplayer Jake Cohen is going to be giving us a day to day journal into an artists POV at the festival. We are hoping that he comes back with some killer shots and experiences.

Graham Hawthorne = Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:19:00 +0000

Our very own Graham Hawthorne (David Byrne) gracing this week's Entertainment spread in the San Francisco Chronicle (with our very own M80 Cymbal pack). The only thing better than seeing your gear in the newspaper is seeing Graham live. So, if you're in the Bay, grab a Chronicle and catch this fleeting set of shows.

DJ D-Sharp# - "Definition of a Star" Single Release

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:44:00 +0000

DJ D-Sharp has just dropped his very first single, "Definition of a Star". The track is a west-coast-influenced banger which features Bay Area MCs, Kev Choice and Tony Vic.

It was only inevitable for D-Sharp, a long time producer, to put out his own music after producing songs for artists such as Lyrics Born, Lateef the Truthspeaker, Shock G (Digital Underground), The Grouch and Flipsyde.

D-Sharp began his music career at the age of 15, performing at venues all over the Bay Area. He later became the resident DJ at Maritime Hall in San Francisco and then at Justice League, where he opened for acts like Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Living Legends, Blackalicious and Latyrx. His years of hard work paid off when Chief Xcel of Blackalicious recommended him to Quannum Projects MC, Lateef the Truthspeaker (Latyrx, The Mighty Underdogs, Fatboy Slim) who asked him to go on tour. D-Sharp quit his day job and from there, began touring the world with Quannum artists such as Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, Lifesavas, Latyrx, The Gift of Gab; and joined the infamous Quannum World tour DJing alongside DJ Shadow. It wasn't long before his talents caught the ear of other prominent artists including Lauryn Hill, Clyde Carson, Mike Patton (Peeping Tom), Slum Village, Planet Asia and Goapele -- all of whom he has DJ'd for. On tour, he has shared stages with high profile acts such as Jay Z, Kanye West, Outkast, Common, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, The Game, Pharrell and The Wu Tang Clan.

Before venturing out on his own, D-Sharp was the DJ for the Bay Area alternative rock group, Flipsyde (Interscope Records). As a member of Flipsyde, D-Sharp appeared on The Tonite Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Soul Train. The group toured extensively, including runs with the Black Eyed Peas and the Pussycat Dolls. Flipsyde also saw the success of their single, "Someday", reach a monumental high when NBC chose the track as the theme song for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Soon after, D-Sharp broke out on his own and continued to make a name for himself by dominating the Bay Area club scene. He currently holds residencies at major San Francisco night clubs such as Manor West, Vessel and Fluid; and has played prominent clubs such as Ruby Skye and Roe. D-Sharp has also DJ'd in clubs across the United States including Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles.

As a DJ and Producer, D-Sharp has also put together mixtapes for Lateef the Truthspeaker ("Truth Is Love"), Jennifer Johns and Kev Choice ("The Bailout"); and has released his own mixtapes including "Gangster Donuts" (J Dilla & Jay Z) and the Valentine's Day hit, "Love Is Love Is Love". His remixes for artists such as Kanye West, Erk Tha Jerk, Joyo Velarde and Goapele have been praised by other DJs and fans alike.

2009 saw the launch of his official website, TheRealDJDSharp.com as well as his own Podcast Show, "Sharp State of Mind" -- which branched out into a video series in which D-Sharp interviews artists, such as DJ Premier, DJ Shadow, Clyde Carson, Mike Relm, Erk Tha Jerk, to name a few, as part of an online video blog.

With the release of his first single, "Definition of a Star", which he produced, D-Sharp proves himself as a formidable MC as well. Coupled with his current success as a DJ and Producer, 2010 looks to be a very promising year for this multi-faceted artist.

A video for the single is being released on March 23rd with more music planned for the coming months. As he has already proven, DJ D-Sharp is definitely an artist to pay close attention to.

Jonathan Kingham - Smooth Out the Lines

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:51:00 +0000

<a href="http://jonathankingham.bandcamp.com/album/smooth-out-the-lines">She's so California by Jonathan Kingham</a>

We first met Jonathan Kingham at a Glen Phillips show where he was backing up the ex-Toad frontman. Glen was just getting over a tragic accident to his hand that left some nerve damage, playing the guitar was as he described it "relearning the thing". So Jonathan was called in to back up guitar duties and lend some backing vox as well. I was immediately impressed with Jonathan and when he contacted us with word that he was putting out another solo album, well we were super excited.

"Smooth Out the Lines" gets really intimate from the start of the album. 'Grace' the second song on the track really hits home with a song about personal reflection of shortcomings but leaving with an abundance of Agape. Towards the middle of the album we find a more soulful tune with "We're All Just Trying to Get By". One of my favorite tunes is "September Skies". If you would like to pre-order the album please visit www.jonathankingham.com

Coachella is in...43 days!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:43:00 +0000

Coachella - Indio CA in the desert. 3 days of music. Every year there seems to be an epic amount of bands that make their way out there. One thing you will need is hydration, I hear it can get quite hot out there.

Expect to see loads of this...

And this years lineup is scary good:

View it HERE!!!

UK Producer Bag review!

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:50:00 +0000

Another great review from one of the leading gear reviewers in the UK! FutureMusic Magazine got their hands on the Producer Bag and here's what they have to say:

"...this bag has happily taken me all over the world and protected my laptop and gadgets in a variety of weather situations. Definitely one of the best messenger bags I've ever had the pleasure of jetting with."

UK players, hit up Madison & Fifth here to get yours!

Andrew Belle @ The Utah

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:09:00 +0000

What's great about The Hotel Utah Saloon is the same attribute that makes it suck - the size. The tiny stage seems to be blocked from any angle, whether you're on the floor or upstairs. But, there is something sort of magical about seeing such great artists at point blank range, in a tiny, intimate space. Last time we were there it was David Mead gracing the stage, singing solo and playing a mix of guitars and mandolin. He also jumped on the piano in the corner to play Human Nature - it was unplanned and awesome.

This time it was Andrew Belle on stage, playing songs from his getting-super-popular album The Ladder (as well as some material from his previous album All Those Pretty Lights). If you don't know Belle's music, he's a Chicago-now-Nashville singer/songwriter who recently joined the ranks of the 10 Out Of Tenn tour. The Ladder is his first full length album, although you'll probably recognize his music from that show you're addicted to (his songs are being picked up by many a prime-time drama). Sadly, Katie Herzig did NOT make a cameo to sing Static Waves (on which she is featured on the album), but a great performance nonetheless. I highly recommend catching Andrew now, while he's still approachable and able to hang after the show and sell you a CD in person. Soon he will have the management buffer of an Andrew Bird and you'll be hard pressed to shake his hand.

Shoutout to the other super talented artists there as well: Allen Stone bucked all stereotypes by busting out his soul break-up tunes like Quit Callin, Matthew Ryan and Kasey Anderson traded tracks from each others albums, and while he wasn't on the roster this time, San Francisco native songwriter David Greco was spotted in the building.

[Andrew Belle]

[Allen Stone]

[Matthew Ryan]

[Kasey Anderson]

Monday Meshuggah

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:46:00 +0000

Let's start the week off with some inspiration from Sweden, shall we?
Fredrik Thordendal on guitar. Morgan Ågren on drums. Happy Monday.

Bajah + Dye Eye Crew: Once upon a time in Oakland

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:17:00 +0000

The band: Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew
The venue: The New Parish in Oakland

Once in a while a good show turns out to be more than that. We were excited enough to hear that Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew were hitting Oakland. (This is a band we've been hearing about more and more.) But to have a some of our favorite MONOplayers from NYC backing them was something truly special.

With a proprietary blend of hip hop/funk/dancehall/reggae, The Dry Eye Crew are bringing some much needed sounds to the scene. Add in the real life storytelling of their Sierre Leone upbringing and the music becomes a powerful medium for the messages.

Backing the Crew on this tour is musical director B. Satz on bass (Jay-Z, Big Luther, etc), Daivd Bailis on guitar (Talib Kweli, Elizabeth, etc), Wynne Bennett on keys (Philip Glass, Little Brother, etc) and the mighty Swiss Chris on drums (Kanye, John Legend, etc).

[B. Satz]

[David Bailis]

[Pupa Bajah, A-Klazz, Dovy Dovy]

[Me and Swiss]

UK says "yes"

noreply@blogger.com (kush) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:06:00 +0000

UK's Guitar & Bass Magazine just printed a great review of the M80 single and dual cases. We got a 94% out of 100. Ok, we'll take that. Among our favorite excerpts:

"The really impressive thing is the ratio of protection to weight."

"Excellent protection in a light, super-durable package."

"Highly recommended."

UK players, hit up Madison & Fifth to gear up! Drummers, you can hit up The Music Shipping Co.
Cheers.

Die Antwoord, Taking Over the Interwebs.

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:15:00 +0000

This group is fascinating. I don't know whether to be scared or laugh, or be both. What intrigues me most about this band is their thick South African accent. I couldn't make it out at first thinking to myself...sounds like they are from New Zealand or something. But it wasn't quite like that. I soon realized that "The Answer" hailed from the southern part of Africa and is now soon to be exploding onto American soil. I am also enamored by their hair stylings, a cross between trailer and heavy 80's Euro. I'm sure Vanilla Ice is somewhere dusting off his Puma's ready for a return. Don't even go there, they are definitely taking over the Interwebs with rap/rave next level gangsta $h!t.

P.S. I've got new respect for Pink Floyd now.

Ovall - Don't Care Who Knows That

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Ovall's 'Don't Care Who Knows That' is about to be released on March 10th with Origami Productions. MONO got an exclusive preview for this, their firstalbum. The spiritual hip hop journey Ovall takes you on is nothing but bliss. Collaborations from all over the world play an important part to keeping things very fresh. Ovall backs up some really great vocals especially heard on 'I Need Your Music' featuring Hanah. The very next track on the album, 'Supalover, features 20syl spilling some rhymes while David Le Deunff of Hocus Pocus lends his vocal skills.

The album only gets tighter as collaborations with Jo'Leon Davenue, Wayna, Kenn Starr, and Ol'K provide a great balance. 'The Skin I'm In' lands in the middle of the record and really stands out. This is Ovall at their best.

Ovall shall be known. Band consists of members:

Shingo Suzuki (Bass/Keyboards)
Shingo Sekiguchi (Guitar)
mabanua (Drums)

MetroSonics - Focused Fire Pt. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Pat) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:06:00 +0000

You find yourself in Brooklyn on Friday night. Head down to Little Field, get yourself a drink, and enjoy some sounds you might ever experience again. Metrosonics headlines the night. Now throw in fashion giveaways, door prizes, a raffle for the chance to be out fitted by rising star designer-martial artist-native new yorker Angela Gao who will be in attendance with models, breakdancing, martial arts demonstrations by Tai-Chi master C.K. Chu, and YOU, it's adding up to some serious FUN. Each ticket purchased in advance or at the door comes with a copy of the MetroSonics debut album: Focused Fire. The link for purchasing tickets is below. Don't miss this one, bring ALL your friends and come enjoy an amazing night. If you know you're going to be there, buy tickets in advance. It's going to be a full house.

Tickets On Sale HERE!

INFO: $12 Advance, $15 At The Door. Chase is the title sponsor for Sounds Like Brooklyn Music Festival.
21 and Over
$12 ADVANCE, $15 AT THE DOOR. CHASE IS THE TITLE SPONSOR FOR SOUNDS LIKE BROOKLYN MUSIC FESTIVAL.

WHEN: February 5th, Friday, Doors 9:00pm

WHERE:
Little Field
622 Degraw Street
Between, 3rd and 4th
Park Slope, Brooklyn

Mapped.

Here's a little preview of what you might hear:

Media Mistakes by MetroSonics

Focused Fire by MetroSonics

Shirts Off by MetroSonics