The MONOLOG

NAMM 2012

2012-01-16T23:48:00.001-08:00

Dishing up a fresh batch of gear. Really excited for the 2012 Collection. If you haven't already, join our mailing list to get the first public announcements of the new products launching: http://www.monocase.com/join

NAMM approaches. Ready...set...go!

2012-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again. Time to think about the NAMM booth logistics. We've got a sneak peek at our setup...it's really simple actually. Budget the thing, spend as little money on it, but make it look dope! This will be our sixth NAMM...what??? That's right we've been to 5 so far.

I can remember the first one, wide eyed, we were downstairs. The new guys, actually more like unknown, testing the waters to see if we'd last the MI storm. We have proven that through 5 years of dedication that we're not only the scrappy start-up, but now transitioning into something more. Our first official office space! A full line of products that is constantly expanding. World domination. We're set for a big year, 2012 hasn't been written, but it's going to be a ride.

Five Years.

2011-12-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Players,

I started MONO with a vision not only to design exciting and utilitarian products, but to build a diverse community of amazing artists as a source of positive energy and inspiration. With a full sketchbook, the support of my friends and family, and a lot of hard work, this vision has become reality.

Today marks our 5th birthday as a company, and we have reason to celebrate. In five short years, we have amassed enough memories to fill a lifetime. I would like to personally thank you on behalf of the MONO crew for your part in our story.

MONOPLAYERS are a diverse community, yet we share an appreciation for good design, an obsession for our craft, and an irresistible drive to break the mold. We continue to draw inspiration from all of you, and I hope you continue to see that inspiration reflected in our products. You can bet we have some good things in store for 2012. Now go play.

Yours,
Daniel Kushner (Founder / Design Director)

Had to plug this

2011-12-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a very special pair of people, we are unboxing a new espresso machine for the office. I thought I'd have to wait for our 10 year anniversary for this, but apparently 5 years will do.

My favorite part so far is the plug. Nicely proportioned with a molded rubber ring (in just the right texture and durometer) to make unplugging easier. I wish more brands cared enough to design even the unplugging experience of their products.

Now for some coffee.

Com Truise remixes Foster the People!

2011-12-24T09:49:00.000-08:00

Grab this while it's hot. Com Truise makes sounds to die for.

Foster The People - Helena Beat (Com Truise Remix)

Watch :: Battles :: Africastle

2011-12-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

With the City of Music as it's background, Battle's proves it belongs in the spotlight.

Watch it here!

The Black Keys - El Camino

2011-12-21T21:47:00.001-08:00

Perhaps album cover of the year, check their website too. The Black Keys always bring their brand of duo rock old school style. Garage bands FOREVER! These guys have grown up though as was proved with their last effort 'Brothers'. Yup there's still the huge ass fuzzy guitars over those furious drums, but there's something a little more nostalgic about this one. Love the shout to the Clash! This one screams of late 70's punk.

Go Play™ Photo Series

2011-12-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

We love meeting up with our favorite artists. We also love to capture these meetings with moments archived by the camera's lens. You won't see us without a device that is able to document and absorb these gatherings. Here's a quick glimpse of our encounters. #GoPlay

The Roots - Undun

2011-12-14T14:17:00.001-08:00

I'm going to say it. Undun is my favorite Roots album thus far. I am finding new things about this album through each listen, there is so much substance throughout this album. One thing that boggles my mind is how they even had time to do an album. Amazing.

Here's a little snippet from the Roots website about Undun:

"undun is an existential re-telling of the short life of one Redford Stephens (1974-1999). Through the use of emotives and Redford’s internal dialogues the album seeks to illustrate the intersection of free will and prescribed destiny as it plays out ‘on the corner’. Utilizing a reverse narrative arc, the album begins as the listener finds Redford disoriented–postmortem–and attempting to make sense of his former life. As he moves through its pivotal moments he begins to deconstruct all that has led to his (and our own) coming undun"

“At this point in our career we’d like for our work to have a unifying theme, and an experiential quality,” says Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, 40. “We’ve been intentionally making our albums shorter in length so that they can be experienced as a continuous work. The music is band-oriented with an eye on the moody cinematic. As a DJ, I am the King of playlists, but I don’t want our albums to feel like a playlist or a mixtape for that matter. We want to tell stories that work within the album format and we want the stories to be nuanced and useful to people. undun is the story of this kid who becomes criminal, but he wasn’t born criminal. He’s not the nouveau exotic primitive bug-eyed gunrunner like Tupac’s character Bishop in “Juice”… he’s actually thoughtful and is neither victim nor hero. Just some kid who begins to order his world in a way that makes the most sense to him at a given moment… At the end of the day… isn’t that what we all do?”

?uestlove and Black Thought sit down with Power 105.1′s The Breakfast Club morning show here in NYC to break down the concept of undun (out now, purchase on iTunes or with extra goodies at the OKP store. But then Thought says of the idea of having a 78-minute LP with a posse cut and tons of features: “That’s so Blackberry” and ?uesto being who he is, the convo launches into an informative tech discussion in which he declares “No black man should really have an iPhone.” Then DJ Envy tells Thought how he cost him a job at Hot 97 and by then the ice is broken. I am still watching msyelf but it’s safe to say at this point that this is a pretty entertaining interview.

Prand®

2011-12-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

We've dug this brand ever since meeting with them at WMC more than 3 years ago. This French based clothing line has got that look. And come on, who wouldn't enjoy having a Kelly Kapowski tee. Move over Zack, there's a new Slater in town.

Prand®, check them out!

Hometapes - The Never Ending Beginning

2011-12-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

"This year, we asked Hometapes' family and friends to make a song for the holidays -- whatever that meant to them. This is our third year doing this, and, undoubtedly, the most remarkable one yet."

One of our favorites Slaraffenland brings it on track 12 with their rendition of "Feliz Navidad"

This album is free, and we all know free is awesome.

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Introducing the MONO Kontroller bag

2011-12-07T12:39:00.001-08:00

We have just launched the MONO EFX Kontroller bag for the Traktor S4 controller by Native Instruments. This adjustable length messenger style bag fits the controller, up to 17" laptop, headphones, hard drives, cables, documents and more. Limited supply available through DJ Tech Tools.

Adapt Advancers: A closer look

2011-12-07T11:45:00.001-08:00

Adapt Advancers based out of San Francisco CA. Evan Lessler the brainchild behind this brand speaks with us, candidly. I met up with Evan who we've known for a long time now. We've watched both our brands take a similar path, start-ups with product that's scary good. What we love best about Evan is his keen attention to detail. Simplicity at it's best, and he creates iconic streetwear. This area in particular has seen a huge jump on his designs and creativity. He's had the opportunity to pair up with some legends as well, Blackalicious and Hieroglyphics to name a couple.

I asked Evan what's next for the brand, and simply put there is a progression towards a storefront. The space is here, construction is underway, and all will be good come 2012. Obviously an Adapt/MONO collaboration is on the rise as well, that is inevitable.

Stay tuned. Good things to come...

AIAIAI interviews Com Truise

2011-12-05T15:24:00.001-08:00

"Sometimes you forget that great musicians, however talented or famous, are usually unassuming individuals who don’t really go for pretension. For the most part, the gifted artists we’ve come across avoid self-mythologizing and let their music do the talking. On the other hand, popular culture tends to have a different view on this. The myth of the self-important, arrogant creative permeates so much of contemporary, popular discourse that remembering the inescapable fact that artists are just people is easy to forget."

"Maybe that was part of the reason why I couldn’t help preparing myself for interviewing an ego the size of an American football field before I met Com Truise AKA Seth Haley one November evening prior to his show at Dunkel Bar in Copenhagen. His epic, retro-futuristic-yet-modern, melancholy-yet-uplifting synthesizer-funk did also nudge my expectation towards an encounter with a sci-fi fetishist of a megalomaniac persuasion. The reasoning behind the latter, I suppose, was that anyone who makes otherworldly tracks that sound like a stoned Rick Ross leaving Earth to soar through the outer rings of Saturn in a supermodified DeLorean had to be at least a little pompously inclined."

You'll find the rest HERE

Check out some AIAIAI stuffs we like:

TMA-1 Fool's Gold Edition
304.00 USD

Teenage Engineering OP-1
1100.00 USD

The Making of Battle's "My Machines"

2011-11-29T12:35:00.001-08:00

This is awesome!

DJ Magazine Review (UK)

2011-11-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

The UK sends some love with MONO EFX Series landing the Star Product award from DJ Mag!

"Monocase are the makers of cool, practical DJ luggage that are high in the fashion stakes and also smack of pure professionalism."

The Core DJ's

2011-11-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

The largest coalition of DJ's to date, The Core DJ's reach out to the world is something to behold. The brains behind the collection belongs to none other than Tony Neal. The span of DJ's runs deep from east to west coast and beyond. We caught up with the folks over there at their retreat where attendance was through the roof.

More to come with this crew, way more to come...

Dub Trio 11.17.11

2011-11-21T10:16:00.001-08:00

@ Brick and Mortar, San Francisco. Dub Trio on tour with their latest IV, killed it.

Where MONO lives.

2011-11-16T16:16:00.001-08:00

We love our spot. The San Francisco bay is a destination I feel everyone needs to venture off into at some point in their life. We take for granted our way of life out here, we can grab a bike and pretty much get from place to place without worrying too much about the weather. It's November and we're still out here in the mid-60's. I feel guilty sometimes!

This is the first official week of experiencing our new space. Yeah it's not a secret anymore, we're now together. Brett, Daniel, Randy, and I are now working out of an actual space. Randy was telling me how he feels we're finally here. Our new space just feels right. I'll have to get some photos up once the place is all ready to go. At the moment we're still assembling office stuff and figuring out our wiring for the super sound system we're going to install.

On my way to work I've got one of the better views in the world. The Embarcadero awaits my bike, so I stopped to say hello to the bay bridge. This one connects us on the peninsula to the east bay. Oakland, right on the other side. A stroll down the Embarcadero lands me at the Ferry terminal on my way to Larkspur.

Getting to the Ferry building this early in the morning, nothing in there is open. If you've never been, you need to check out some of the shops there. The markets there are great, it really gives you a taste of what SF is about.

The Ferry ride is ultra plush, I sit outside with my Peet's house brew every morning and stare at the magnificent bay. I can see 3 bridges along with 2 islands (Treasure and Angel) and 1 state penitentiary along the 30 minute ride. I guess you could say 3 islands if you count Alcatraz, oh and then I guess 2 state penitentiaries...

As soon as I land in Larkspur, I'm basically right where our office lives. This week has been all about the setup and getting our battle stations ready to conquer the world. We are aided by some office toys as well...

And as soon as I leave the spot, I'm kind of missing it. It's our new home, MONO now has a place to live. Baby steps I know, but we're here. And of course I can leave you without a photo of our office...it's right over there...

Rusic TV episode 63: "Alaska"

2011-11-11T13:09:00.001-08:00

Close encounters with Daru Jones with Talib Kweli and Idle Warship.

Rat Race is the latest single from the Idle Warship album “Habits of the Heart”. The album will be available 11-1-11.
You can hear Habits of the Heart now on Spotify

Idle Warship - Rat Race by idlewarship

Fixie?

2011-11-10T10:42:00.001-08:00

How many of you commute to work? We live in NorCal, so the commuting is set up for us through nature. I've been looking at some bikes lately and geez, what's up with all the fixed gear bikes??? Hipster colors, single speed, riding backwards? What is going on? Gone are the days of riding uphill pumping your legs at 3200 rpm. It's now about leather seats and retro colors.

Not sure if I'm down with the fixie just yet, I need those extra gears to make it up some hills on my journey. But it would be pretty sweet to ride that thing backwards once in a while.

Minus the Bear @ Slim's

2011-11-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

Highly Refined Pirates came out 10 years ago? That's a decade, so where did that time go? Well there was Menos El Oso, then Planet of Ice, and their newest Omni. I guess 10 years and 3 albums is a pretty good rate of music. Lucky for us they played all of Highly Refined at Slim's. The whole tour is actually dedicated to the 10 year mark of this awesome album.

Erin mentioned that it was fun playing the older stuff. In fact the whole night of hanging out together was reminiscent of the time we all met. Planet of Ice was still yet to be released, Minus the Bear was in town. We sneak our way backstage and show the guys some of the gear. They love it! Then 4 years goes by in a flash. Why did it take this long for a reunion? But the night was placed with so many memories. Even Scottie was there! Head of security who we've seen a dozen times, each time getting the fuzz for a second then high fives.

Bud Light was flowing right about now and the band was in pre concert form. Jose, the head chef at Slim's, dishes out some homemade chips and salsa which are pretty much gone before MTB heads out on stage. Velvet Teen and The Lonely Forest are backstage as well. These guys are opening for MTB as they make their way back up to Seattle for the final leg of this tour. Many of the guys have families to get back to, a different phase of their lives. I often wonder how much this will affect the albums to come. Sentiment can whole heartedly bring out the good in songwriting. Rejection and pain are one thing, but when you have something so tangible like a family, children, something you want to protect so badly, greater emotions start to rule your life. How does that translate into writing music? The question is open ended obviously.

What I do know is that MTB is still a band that has the live aspect of their music intact. They are one of the best live performances on our artist roster. The math rock is still there, and precise as ever. Knudson cashes in on his loops and taps, while Jake's boy next door vocals sit above all the abstract textures of sound. Cory, Alex, and Erin tear into the complex beats with all the subtle changes in tempo. Absinthe comes on and I just about lose it...gosh has it really been 10 years?

Dub Trio, Past, Future...

2011-11-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

The year was 2007, MONO's first full year of existence. We were fresh faced newbies, wide-eyed if you will. Fast forward that to 2011 and looking back, things are good, really good. I'm sure the same parallel can be said for Dub Trio because 2007 was also a year full of surprises. The Oh Seven was when we all met up...

Helmet was in town and we just had a meeting with one of our favorite bands down in LA. Like I said, we were wide-eyed for sure, things were happening fast for us. Helmet took us in and made us family. Page calls us up and tells us he's coming to SF with the band on a mini tour. We take a look at the bill and see an opener, Dub Trio. Never heard of them. Little did we know that we already had with Peeping Tom. I can tell you this, my jaw dropped as soon as I heard that first bit of sonic wonder. Something so heavy but Dub. I looked over at Dan and we both had an epiphany, it seemed like our lives were now complete. There was much to be had at that show, Dub Trio's need to tweak sound on the go and the way they did it left us in amazement. It immediately prompted us to seek them out after the show and get them onboard.

Over the years we've had the opportunity to spend some time with the guys, and as great as they are musicians, they are equally or better people. We love hanging with them.

Joe, the ultimate fist bumper. Loves talking about the finer details of food (pescetarian) and makes short films for fun. He's a recent dad who can't stop talking about his daughter, the unconditional love there is 110%.

DP, the quiet one. Put a guitar in his hands and see how quiet he becomes. Loves howling wolf t-shirts and you'll sometimes here his Canadian roots with an eh?

Stu,the ultimate professional. Always in search for the best iced coffees in town and has a set of eyes that could cut glass. Holds down the low end of the trio so thick you're swimming in it.

Their adventures immediately landed them as backing band for Matisyahu and we were excited for them. They traveled the globe probably multiple times and will continue to do so. We're hoping an album with Matis is in the works. In lieu of sitting around during down time in between Matis touring and their own as a band, the Trio got together and have now placed "IV". Exactly that, their 4th full length album, this one has to be the heaviest of them all. This, like their previous records are spoken without a single lyric for the most part. The band excels at creating the type of texture that are the bases of metal and dub. An unlikely mix of ingredients that leave you with a "wtf" was that? And then you begin to understand what just happened. Your mind was just blown, and things are good, really good.

DJ A-Trak - Mehdi Forever Mix

2011-11-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

As if winning the DMC World DJ Championship wasn't enough, he did it at the age of 15! Phenom is written all over this one. Fast forward 10+ years later and he's already Kanye's official DJ and is considered a DJ pioneer. All before the age of 30 as well. Montreal puts out some talent, real talent.

Make sure to check out this October episode of Fool's Gold Radio. This is his megamix dedicated to Mehdi using only his tracks as well. Full podcast below:

Fool's Gold Radio - October 2011 Mix by A-Trak

Fab.com's Top 100

2011-11-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

We made Fab's top 100 best gifts under $100! Grab that wallet for a friend or yourself!

Which Rocker for Halloween?

2011-10-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

It's time to get your candy on. Tooth decay and the 31st all across the nation, Halloween could be the single best holiday for any 9 year old. I remember my first Halloween where I was allowed to go out on my own with my friends. We tore the neighborhood up! I had this zombie mask that I got from Kay Bee toys, it smelled like some god awful chemical that was probably toxic at the time. The thing glowed in the dark as well, so I had to leave it by a lamp to charge it up.

Everyone one who goes out on Halloween always remembers the worst treats they managed to collect. There was the old lady that gave out apples around the corner. Then there was the ethnic family who handed out a ziplock full of pennies. Don't forget the dude you know is a dentist because he gives out free floss and toothbrushes. I remember one year I got a rabbits foot on a keychain...mmmmk.But now that we're all grown up and are now able to go out trick or treating once again (kids), you must have a costume. And why not as one of these scary ass rockers:

1. Neil Young - I love the man, but he does look like Igor's older brother.

2. Keith Richards - All time great rhythm guitar player. Songwriting genius. Ghastly pirate face.

3. Ozzy - Doesn't get any scarier than Ozzy, or funnier.

The Tales Behind Phantogram's 'Nightlife' via Spin

2011-10-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Stream Phantogram's latest on Spin.com! This is the EP of the year, just sayin'.

"Next Tuesday, Barsuk will release Phantogram's Nightlife EP, the New York electro duo's brief but bold follow-up to last year's Eyelid Movies. Just before their recent show at the Metro in Chicago, Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel tried remembering how each of these six songs was born. (They mostly succeeded. OutKast came up.) Check out what they had to say while you spin the full EP:"

Read more from Spin HERE!

M83: A Guitar and a Heart

2011-10-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Live from Juan's basement. They cram some lovely sonics into this set.

Katie Herzig - The Waking Sleep

2011-10-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Katie is currently on tour supporting her newest release "The Waking Sleep". She canceled her first week of touring due to her mother's passing. We wish her the best and know she is going to rock this tour with a few friends...including Butterfly Boucher. Make sure to grab her latest HERE!

Laughers of the day...

2011-10-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

We scour youtube endlessly. Sometimes we share these within MONO HQ. Some of these are classics and others are going to be legendary classics. Behold:

Phantogram - Don't Move

2011-10-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ummmmm...this is why we love our friends at Phantogram. They are so keen on ear pleasing beats and melodies. "Don't Move" is a huge nod to their trip hop influence, those beats keep the heads moving. So do yourself a favor and grab the whole EP "Nightlife".

Phantogram - Don't Move

M83.

2011-10-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

New album! Listen to the full album off the Urban Outfitters website.

How To Make It In America

2011-10-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

So we were tipped off by our bud Keithen that a MONO case was spotted on this show called How To Make It In America. I just so happen to be an Xfinity HBO subscribed member and decided to see if I could get a snapshot of the cameo. Luckily it was all within the intro of the episode, so we definitely got a quick snapshot within the first few minutes of viewing. And without further ado...

It's over, we're world wide now....domination! BIG IN JAPAN!!!

Bare Knuckle Pickups

2011-10-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

UK's best pickups, Bare Knuckle??? I haven't tried these yet, but have heard fantastic things about them. Everyone that talks about them gush about the tone of these pickups. Transparent, rich, and clear. Some say they make the best tele pickups ever, that's a strong statement. It's funny, their philosophy isn't too far from our very own.So right now I'm kind of looking for humbuckers to swap out and I'm really looking for something vintage inspired. PAF to be exact, but we all know how much those things run...the vintage ones. But then I took a gander at their Vintage Hot series and really got into having some alnico IV or V pickups instead of the very vintage alnico II. I'm not even going to get into ceramic territory as that's just too much output for me. So I might have to meet in the middle and go with the Riff Raff pickups which are vintage wound with alnico V rods. We've now entered geek mode.

Just check this out...

2011-10-03T15:11:00.001-07:00

We love Com Truise!

Spotify?

2011-09-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

Is not taking over a bit of my iTunes time. I have to admit, it's one of the nice alternatives on my Mac. I dig AudioGalaxy as well because of their ability to house itself in my browser, but I like the Spotify interface. It's neat, although I can't seem to see any of the albums by year...only if I go and edit the song. The jury is still out on this, but I feel that it has potential to take some of iTunes users.

The Young Creator Movement

2011-09-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

Grammy Award Winning producers The Avila Brothers introduce to The Young Creator Movement. A forceful push that's designed to inspire and educate Americas Youth in the Creative Arts. In the area of music, research has shown children loose interest in learning music after the 7th Grade! Research has also show the amount of teens who draw and paint are also on the decline. With the support of companies like Best Buy, Monster Cable, Line 6, MONO Case, Bliss Marketing Group, and Imagine Media Group the movement is spreading. If you would like more information on the organization or how to get involved please log on to www.theyoungcreator.com or www.theavilabrothers.com.

Listening to...

2011-09-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Envy Corps - It Culls You The Radiohead comparisons will pop up immediately. That might be a good thing or a bad thing, really depends on who you are. I'd also compare them a bit to Longpigs, I feel the vocals are on par tonally with Crispin Hunt. Hauntingly familiar.

Matt Maher on tour!

2011-09-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

"The Love in Between" is Matt's sixth studio album released last week on Sept. 20th. He will now embark an extensive tour to support his efforts. Make sure to check dates to find him in your hometown: http://mattmahermusic.com/tour/ Matt's been spreading a positive message for years, we love his inspiration. We wish we could have been a fly on the wall when he was recording this album.

Ovall - Heart Fever

2011-09-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

After a long awaited 18 months, Ovall has released the "Heart Fever" EP. The trio finds itself flying super high especially with track 'Feverish Imagination', the Dilla inspired beat gets things moving over Shingo Suzuki's sparse bass notes. A mixture of guitar lead tones overlapping funky wah lines adorn the album. I think most will be happy to know that they blow this one out of the park, again. Ovall is in deep with the Tokyo hip hop crowd, there is some goooooood stuff here.

Dub Trio IV

2011-09-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

October 25th, man that's way to far away. I can't wait much longer, I've been jonesin' for this album to release. The boys have been mighty busy with their backup to Matisyahu, so I can understand the being busy part. This one might be the best DT album yet so I hear.

Currently playing...

2011-09-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

At MONO headquarters...1. The Hundred Days - HeartsZadlo made me listen to this. If you didn't know Brett is on staff here at MONO and also plays bass for this band. I'm not doing this for a plug, this is legit. Great music!

2. Foster the People - TorchesMan this stuff is infectious. FTP has a grasp on what it is to make music that people remember and jingle to. You ask any hipster out there and they'll tell you "Pumped up Kicks" is on their summer playlist.

3. Neon Indian - Era ExtrañaThis one just released a week ago. Good lord. Lordy lordy lordy. 8-bit chiptune goodness all up in here. It reeeeks of 80's new wave synth and then some. So gooooooood!

Neon Indian – Era Extraña [Album]

This amazing chillwave/lo-fi/electronic/psychadelic work of art is courtesy of Neon Indian (a mexican-born Texan who recorded this in Finland).

The sophomore album Era Extraña was released on September 13, 2011.

Broken Social Scene on hiatus

2011-09-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

ARGHHHH....what's going on? I hope they come back soon.

"Canadian art-rock collective Broken Social Scene is coming to the Bay Area at the beginning of next month for two shows on Oct 1: One at the free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, and one at the not-free Fillmore.But while we've grown used to seeing this band tour with reasonable regularity -- BSS played the Fillmore once in spring 2010 and played again at the Treasure Island Music Festival -- these upcoming shows might be fans' last chance to see it live for a very long while.According to an interview that band member Kevin Drew gave to Pitchfork, Broken Social Scene is planning on taking an indefinite hiatus after the upcoming shows.This is understandable, if a little sad. Still, the Fillmore show sounds pretty cool: The band is planning both a "mellow session" and a "loud session," and while megastar Feist and the Metric crew won't be in attendance, Amy Millan and Evan Cranley of Stars will. Also playing with Broken Social Scene at the Fillmore will be Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock. So even this is the last time we see the BSS crew together for a while, it looks like they're going to go out with a bang."

Hip Hop Grandma, You Don't Stop!

2011-09-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

This really takes the cake. The whole enchilada. Insane!

Relm, Bangerz, Jabbawockeez, Winning

2011-09-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

My Machines.

2011-09-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for this video. BTTLS? Music video? Yes! Just let it be known, I will never go to the mall and look at an escalator the same ever again.

?uestlove: 15 Years

2011-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

Exclusive interview with Pitchfork. Our very own Quest answers ?uestions about the last 15 years of music on his side. Check it out HERE

Make sure to Follow him on Twitter!

MISA Kitara

2011-09-02T13:11:00.001-07:00

OH WHAT??? Yes, it's coming soon, to a studio near you.

Adam Blackstone Repping!

2011-09-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Our boy Adam Blackstone with Eminem right about to hit the stage for Lollapalooza 2011. Shout it out! The set was killin'! Chants of Slim Shady coursed through the air, the lights dimmed. The band took the stage, and out came, Eminem.

Photo of the day

2011-08-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

This one brought to you by Triple Aught Design.
We've been meaning to connect with this SF-based outfit.
I love this shot.

Zaza - Sacred Geometry

2011-08-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

FINALLY. I was super into 'Cameo' which came out a while ago, and it was only an EP. Zaza finally has come out with an LP. It's freaking great. I love the industrial qualities of this album, a bit different than the tracks on 'Cameo'. There's a bit more space here on Sacred Geometry, I liken it to how Depeche Mode approached 'Exciter'. Bigger sounds, less clout, more space. It's bitchin'.

Sacred Geometry by zaza

Broke*

2011-08-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

A film about music. Broke*.

Broke* // Official Trailer from Mindfree Entertainment on Vimeo.

photo by todd james

Following on-the-verge artist Will Gray through the recording of his debut album (featuring production by Grammy Award-winning producer, T Bone Burnett), Broke* chronicles the stories of artists and executives searching for ways to thrive in the face of today’s music industry challenges.

Featuring candid interviews with industry insiders and intimate profiles of some of the brightest emerging musical talent in the country, the film digs beneath the clichés and standard storylines to reveal an industry struggling to find a new identity and an artist who’s simply trying to establish one.

Can a new act be “broken”?

EPIC!

2011-08-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

The last night of Lollapalooza was crazy...Foo Fighters brought the house down, Mother Nature brought the rain.

M-Tone Guitars

2011-08-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

M-tone guitars are now shipping with MONO!

Matt Proctor, luthier based out of Portland OR, hand builds every one of his M-Tone guitars. There's nothing quite traditional about the look of these axes, accept for maybe the blistering tones that you might feel are traditionally awesome. Matt would probably attribute that to the quality of the tonewoods and materials that goes into each one. Or maybe it's the "everything built from hand" approach. Whatever it is, it works.

I like how Matt mixes and matches his pickups, so you know customizing and variable combinations are going to be had. That middle position with the TV Jones Supertron and Lollar Special T is pretty special. It's got that nice hollowness to it that I always love in a 2 pickup configuration. Pickup selection either way brings you to spank town or full bore humbucking punch.

You have your selection of 3 models:

The Stackpole: Longer top horn, with pickguard mounted holes.
The Dynamo: Slicked out with rear mounted controls.
The Flatiron: Semi-hollow chambered body with a steel top in either Stackpole or Dynamo shape.

W3 with Phil Simmonds

2011-08-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Phil is the bassist for Jessie J. He has a new group called W3. You need to check this out.

Game & Watch

2011-08-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

The only thing better than music of the 80's, were the video games. Hands down, the era where Nintendo really launched itself into the front of the pack. Neo-Geo, Sega, NEC...they were all big players in the console realm. But as a kid it was all about the handheld games. Your mom drags you to the mall and your stuck at Dress Barn...what do you do? Bust out some Donkey Kong Game & Watch!

Yes that's right, you've got it portable now. There were tons of games to choose from as well, it's only downfall was you only got 1 game. What was the solution? The Gameboy. A system that copied it's older sibling console that used cartridges to swap out games. From there we all know the story, these days handhelds are now available in 3D and all that jazz.

To Board, Check, or Gate?

2011-08-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

This debate has gone on forever. Which is the best way to fly? I guess that's not the question you should be asking. But more like...will the airline afford me the opportunity to board with my instrument? If not, there are alternatives. We went ahead and ran a tweet about how many of you fly with your case. Here are the responses:

will_mccranie Will McCranie

@monocase never had a problem gate checking or taking my M80 onboard on a flight.

22 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

timlefebvre tim lefebvre

@michaelfeinberg I have been traveling the big trips with the @monocase bass bag. Sturdy as hell. Looks cool. Checkable if necessary.

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

jaymelewis Jayme Lewis

@monocase usually have to gatecheck my basses if theres no room in the overhead. Never had any problems.

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

GabrielMusica Gabriel Figueira

@monocase Me! just good experiences

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

arrogantbass Chris Griffiths

@monocase my experiences have been great so far no broken zippers, and I use one side of my double bag for clothes

14 Aug

nickwills Nick Wills

@monocase normal business dude / infrequent musician. Logged 60k airmiles in my flyby since Feb. Sucker is a workhorse!

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

therobMORGAN Rob Morgan

@monocase Every Week! It's great but carrying a bass on is always a pain. Just started using SKB's bass shell. MONO fits right in. #snug

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

davidtraver david traver

@monocase I've flown all over the country with my mono guitar case, both in and (gulp) under the plane. Guitar always arrived safely!

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

robbylattimore Robby Lattimore

@monocase I just picked up a dual bass bag to fly with. I'm worried about the size being an issue in getting it on board. What do you think?

14 Aug

jamesisthunder James Johnston

@monocase flight attendants beg me to carry my basses on the plane instead of gate checking them...

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

robbylattimore Robby Lattimore

@monocase I fly with your single bass case often. The only time I ever have trouble getting the bass on board is when I fly internationally.

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

douglasodell Doug Odel

@monocase I gate checked my most precious Spector bass inside @monocase for Empire Rock Fest in SD recently -- unscatched!!!! I

14 Aug Favorite Reply

DWeeZee Derek Wells

@monocase I fly with my hollowbody gig bag a lot. Always carry it on.. Haven't seen an overhead bin yet that it doesn't fit in.

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

mweger Michelle Weger

@monocase I wouldn't travel without mono.

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

bass_stallings Michael Stallings

@monocase love the case to death, but not gonna lie, I'm afraid to check it. I fly with my Georgia case co. flight case. :(

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

ryansaranich RyanSaranich

@monocase I had an easy time flying with the case. Especially if there is a closet!

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

azsamad Az Samad

@monocase i have flown twice back and forth from SF to Malaysia. I packed the M80 acoustic case with clothes for extra padding!

14 Aug

djtrayze trayze

@monocase I've had my 360 for like 2 years now. It's been all around the world: planes, busses, cars- even cruise ships. Best DJ bag ever!

14 Aug Favorite Retweet Reply

Mike Scott, on the go!

2011-08-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Born and raised in Washington D.C, Mike Scott started playing guitar in local clubs by the tender age of 13. After graduating from the famed Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts, he immediately began a fruitful career on tours with artists such as Juicy and Peaches & Herb. Mike emerged as an internationally renowned player and has been a session guitarist for Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis as well as Timbaland, where he cosigned on albums from Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Mary J Blige, Lionel Richie, Kerie Hilson and countless others. Mike Scott became the guitarist for Minneapolis music legend Prince and worked alongside him for 9 years. He’s also toured on Justin Timberlake’s Future Sex Love Sounds and Timbaland’s Shock Value II. He’s performed shows with Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Maroon 5, Jermaine Jackson and Alicia Keys just to name a few, and has had numerous appearances on the small screen like in the Diddy /MTV/Mark Burnett Production, Starmaker.

Mike is also a MONO player.

photo courtesy of Rachel Walters

Battles Live @ Festival ME.002 - Cabaret Sauvage, Paris

2011-08-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Grand Crew busting out some interview action. Battles talk about everything from how they approached Gloss Drop after the loss of Tyondai to what the future brings for the trio. A great 16+ minute interview with great live coverage in the background.

Melting Circuits since 85'

2011-08-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

So true. Com Truise, where have you been? Seth Haley has synth-wave down to a 'T'. Computers are our friends. And our friends are down with the 80's.

Fairlight, 3 song EP, available here.

Galactic Melt, LP, available here.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://comtruise.bandcamp.com/album/galactic-melt"&amp;gt;Galactic Melt by Com Truise&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Ghostly Cast by ghostly

MONO > iPhone > Lollapalooza

2011-08-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Lookbook of happenings in Chicago.

Phantogram drew aces through their entire set. Drawing the crowd of new and young followers. This band is headed to stardom.

Next up, Deftones. Epic and heavy and so on point. The crowd was into it.

Eminem headlined the night and brought Lolla to roar. Chants of Shady filled Grant Park as everyone left with ears ringing.

Totimoshi: Avenger Digipack CD Pre-Order

2011-08-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Totimoshi: Avenger Digipack CD Pre-Order

You need to get this now!!! Pre-orders available from Totimoshi. Devastating trio combining stoner rock with the heavy. \m/

Catching up with...

2011-08-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's always great hanging with Dub Trio. There's never a dull moment with the boys. I got a chance to catch up with them, and it's been quite a journey so far for them. We met all the way back in 2007 when they were opening for Helmet. I'd like to say "told ya so" but yeah, Dub Trio and Matisyahu are like ketchup and fries. You can not deny the behemoth that they have become. They should change their name to Dub Voltron.

Hearing them at soundcheck is pretty much an ear orgasm, after a few minor tweaks they run through their set and it's lights out. Greatness fills the venue automatically.

Matisyahu w/Dub Trio Tonight!

2011-08-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

We always love hanging with the Dub Trio boys. They will be filling the San Francisco air with blissful music alongside Matisyahu. Does it get better than this? Hard to beat, that's for sure. The last time we met up with them the situation was all to similar. Same venue (Regency), and probably the same outcome. An amazing night. Can't wait.

Lollapalooza 2011

2011-07-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

Is drawing quite near. This will be the first time MONO will be there, and we are dang excited. The great city of Chicago awaits us, deep dish pizza, serious blues, the Cubs and Bears. Oh yeah, and the FOO FIGHTERS!

Mastodon - Black Tongue

2011-07-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Black Tongue beyond Thunderdome. New album 'The Hunter' is going to be killer, and it releases on Sept. 27th.

Accidental Chinese Hipsters

2011-07-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have no words to describe this website. Why? Because it is too awesome to express in dialogue, but I'll try. MONO is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We see this all the time, but to have a Tumblr page dedicated to this? Genius.

For example:

Sleeveless jean jacket, with the hat, hamburglar T, black leggings....and the Crocs...oh my.

No words to describe this one. Just so much...hip.

How do you even begin to describe 2 flavors of leopard pattern? Oh wait 3 including the kid.

UK Respects the Ukulele!

2011-07-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here's what Mi-Pro, the leading industry mag in the UK, has to say about our new M80 Ukulele case. You can read the actual release here.

Mono has ukes in the bag

Ukulele’s rise and rise earns specialised 'pro' cases

As highlighted in MI Pro's recent headline-grabbbing story, the Ukulele's inexorable rise continues. Now, Mono hybrid cases from the USA, best known for pro-class instrument bags, has announced that its range has been joined by the M80 Ukulele hybrid case, designed to accommodate Concert and Soprano size ukuleles (and with a Tenor size coming soon).

The new case is a downsized version of Mono’s designs for acoustic, bass and electric guitars. It features tough ABS panels with rugged, water proof, “shark skin” material offering extreme resistance to scuffs, abrasions and the elements whilst remaining compact and light weight at just 48oz/1400gm, says UK distributor Madison & Fifth.
 The case is equipped with an adjustable, padded shoulder strap featuring a D-Flex clip for easy left to right shoulder configuration which can also be worn across the body or carried suit case style via the steel riveted, reinforced handle. And if that’s not tough enough, the piping and rubber end-soles are made from the same material as used on US Navy Seal rafts!

UK players, hit up our official distributor, Madison & Fifth, for MONO gear near you.

Black Milk & Jack White

2011-07-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Like butter and toast. Salt and Pepper. Bert and Ernie...maybe not so much like that, but this collaboration needs to become a full length album. Our boy Daru is on drums bringing the funk as well! Listen to it here!

MONO on Fab.com

2011-07-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

Our favorite new design store is featuring MONO today. We're honored. Make sure to sign up and and grab your discounted MONO gear before it's all... gone.

MONO, a nexus of music and design, carries streamline instrument cases inspired by contemporary music. Launching in 2006, founder Daniel Kushner harmonizes self-taught drum beats with industrial design to offer you environment-friendly products protecting your guitar from broken strings and future bands from smog.

"Deejaying, whether purely digital or with time-code vinyl, requires bringing a fair amount of equipment along that can be easily lost. Extra cables, flashlights, hardrive backups, and whatever else won't go missing in these padded multi-pocketed bags."
– Chad Phillips, Director of Product Acquisition at Fab.com

'Lookin' For Me'

2011-07-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ski Beatz talks about Stat Quo and GLC in the studio at the Dojo. This needs to happen more often, daily if possible.

Second part of this video has Ski featuring Lep and the lovely Miss Terri Walker. Good stuff.

Joe Pug - Nation of Heat EP

2011-07-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Download this for free. Joe Pug has got one of the most unique voices in the world today, listen and find out more at NoiseTrade.

Ghostfunk Killin'

2011-07-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Tannone does it again. Let's hope Ghostface likes this and doesn't demand blood, but how could he? This ish is soooooo ILLLLLLLLLL.

Ghostfunk by Max Tannone

Lollapalooza 2011

2011-07-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Watch out Chicago, here we come. I remember Lollapalooza in it's vintage California based years. This was the cat's meow of festivals back in the day. I remember hearing about the lineups and now that I think about it, geez...those were splendid years of artistry. 1991 had a blistering lineup:

Main Stage: Jane's Addiction, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nine Inch Nails, Living Colour, Ice-T & Body Count, Butthole Surfers, Rollins Band, Violent Femmes, Fishbone, Emergency Broadcast Network

Since it's relocation in 2005 to Grant Park in Chicago, Palooza has taken on some awesome acts. 130 plus bands per year and still going strong...we'll be going out this year. Watch out Chi-Town!

Greatest 80's sitcom, Twitter Edition!

2011-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

This topic was epic. So many great shows that aired during the 80's. I think there was a sitcom for every type of humor you can imagine. Thanks for chiming in folk, here are your answers.

joshbubniak Josh Bubniak

@monocase The Cosby Show!

23 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

rttalberto Roberto Talberto

@monocase Harry and the Hendersons ranks up there also. I would like to add the Cosby Show as well.

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

zannedailey zanne dailey

@monocase family ties. just couldn't get enough of MJF...

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

orangestreetska orange street

@monocase Terry and June!!

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

brookswood Brooks Wood

@monocase anything and everything a 7-year old needs to know can be learned by watching "The Wonder Years." #Best80sSitcom

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

kidmerkury A.J. Sealy

@monocase probably cosby

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

lexsadler lexsadler
PERFECT STRANGERS ... hahah RT @monocase: Favorite 80's sitcom? We're going to blog the results!

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

chuckazooloo Chuck Harris

@monocase Night Court followed closely by Cheers.

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

rttalberto Roberto Talberto
RT @monocase: Favorite 80's sitcom? We're going to blog the results! // Alf.. Who doesn't love Mr. Shumway??!

5 Jul Favorite Retweet Reply

Pains!

2011-07-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Love this band! One of our favorites.

Big Debate Brewing...

2011-07-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

This one's tough, we might see some fists come out.

Transformers? Or GI Joe? Which one's your fav?

Let me break down some of the pros and cons of each:

1. Transformers

No one can question the outright awesomeness and concept of Transformers. Robots in disguise. Robots from another planet take on shape and forms of earthly machines making them humanoid. Both sides of good and bad make earth their nesting ground by accident as their home planet of Cybertron was decimated from energy source and travels to find more results in landing them on our planet.

Pros: Super cool toys, memorable characters, cult following.
Cons: New series of movies are horrible. Don't get me started.

2. GI Joe

The GI Joe toy was originally created by Hasbro as a marketing strategy to get dolls into the hands of boys. Everyone knows boys don't play with dolls, but give the doll a gun and army fatigues and you have a GI Joe figure. The originals were in fact large, like a Barbie doll. The switch to the 3.5" figure was made after the popularity grew with it's 80's cartoon series. Good and evil are represented well.

Pros: Rich history (back to the 60's), great toys, awesome characters.
Cons: New series of movies hella suck.

Mykita for Japan

2011-07-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

I've always loved this Berlin-based company. Their designs make me wish I wore glasses. I don't own a pair of their shades, but my birthday is coming up (hint hint). These new limited edition shades (as in, only 100pcs made) will benefit relief efforts in Japan. All the more reason to score some.

Mykita, if you're listening, I think you should do a line of watches.
www.mykita.com

The MONOLOG

NAMM 2012

NAMM approaches. Ready...set...go!

Five Years.

Had to plug this

Com Truise remixes Foster the People!

Watch :: Battles :: Africastle

The Black Keys - El Camino

Go Play™ Photo Series

The Roots - Undun

Prand®

Hometapes - The Never Ending Beginning

Introducing the MONO Kontroller bag

Adapt Advancers: A closer look

AIAIAI interviews Com Truise

The Making of Battle's "My Machines"

DJ Magazine Review (UK)

The Core DJ's

Dub Trio 11.17.11

Where MONO lives.

Rusic TV episode 63: "Alaska"

Fixie?

Minus the Bear @ Slim's

Dub Trio, Past, Future...

DJ A-Trak - Mehdi Forever Mix

Fab.com's Top 100

Which Rocker for Halloween?

The Tales Behind Phantogram's 'Nightlife' via Spin

M83: A Guitar and a Heart

Katie Herzig - The Waking Sleep

Laughers of the day...

Phantogram - Don't Move

M83.

How To Make It In America

Bare Knuckle Pickups

Just check this out...

Spotify?

The Young Creator Movement

Listening to...

Matt Maher on tour!

Ovall - Heart Fever

Dub Trio IV

Currently playing...

Neon Indian – Era Extraña [Album]

Like this:

Broken Social Scene on hiatus

Hip Hop Grandma, You Don't Stop!

Relm, Bangerz, Jabbawockeez, Winning

My Machines.

?uestlove: 15 Years

MISA Kitara

Adam Blackstone Repping!

Photo of the day

Zaza - Sacred Geometry

Broke*

EPIC!

M-Tone Guitars

W3 with Phil Simmonds

Game & Watch

To Board, Check, or Gate?

Mike Scott, on the go!

Battles Live @ Festival ME.002 - Cabaret Sauvage, Paris

Melting Circuits since 85'

MONO > iPhone > Lollapalooza

Totimoshi: Avenger Digipack CD Pre-Order

Catching up with...

Matisyahu w/Dub Trio Tonight!

Lollapalooza 2011

Mastodon - Black Tongue

Accidental Chinese Hipsters

UK Respects the Ukulele!

Black Milk & Jack White

MONO on Fab.com

'Lookin' For Me'

Joe Pug - Nation of Heat EP

Ghostfunk Killin'

Lollapalooza 2011

Greatest 80's sitcom, Twitter Edition!

Pains!

Big Debate Brewing...