ATQPOD037 || Monolith (Live)
Updated: Nov 3, 2021
It's time for the 37th Arteq podcast, oh how time flies. It's been a wonderful journey so far, highlighting some of Australia's best talents, and a few abroad artists to spice things up. We hope you have enjoyed the series so far.
Though it doesn't stop here, quite frankly, we are only just warming up. And we are so, so, so, so, SOOO pumped, to release the next podcast courtesy of Melbourne techno legend Monolith.. live.
Monolith lays down 62 minutes of techno, techno, techno. We'll say it again. Techno. Live, f*^king techno. Expect sexy acid, sharp percussion, heavy-hitting kickdrums, beautifully crafted modular, and much, much more.
So strap in. This set is unfairly banging. Monolith, thank you. We look forward to hosting you at an Arteq event soon.
CLICK to open mix in SoundCloud.
More from Arteq and Monolith below.
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What direction did you take on the podcast?
I'm inspired by classic sci-fi movies and their sounds tracks. The flow of harmony and complex tonality in these movies exemplifies the futuristic direction of sound. You experience these complexities within the modern age of music. When you watch people like Jeff Mills and Speedy J play live they develop their sound over time like an epic futuristic sequence.
The approach to this live performance was to stretch and evolve a story. I have all these tools that I want to explore and discover how to evolve a scenario.
Why did you decide to go this way?
This is the quintessential path Monolith takes. My performance is to tell a story and the story is written as it’s performed. I improvise and it’s a essential part for me as performer. Initially there is a blueprint, however the journey of being in the moment is what dictates how the story is told.
What did you use to record this mix?
Moog Mother 32
Moog DFAM
Moog Subharmonicon
Roland TB-03
Roland TR-8
Elektron RTYM (MK1)
Korg ARP Odyssey
Novation SL49 MK3 MIDI Keyboard
Strymon BlueSky Reverb pedal
Korg Kaoss Pad (MK1)
What drives you to create and perform?
Again it’s about the narrative of the performance. When I watch a movie like 2001: A Space Odyssey the music keeps building throughout is chronology, it ebb and flows throughout the film. The narrative can be eventualise from anything; a conversation between friends or a painting. The follow up album I’m working on is based on a painting and from there it will start to progress.
My performances are improvised and it’s the improvisation is what drives the narrative.
You’ve released a recent album on Awesome Soundwave. Can you share your thoughts on this?
The album is called Ambiguous and it’s a concept album. The anatomy of what an individual sees and hears could lead to the ambiguous nature of our reality. Is a tree still a tree without its leaves or a bookshelf without books still considered a bookshelf? Although we consider aspects of our
surroundings to be definitive, ambiguity would still play a role in what we perceive.
Ambiguous explores this aspect by blurring the lines of its compositional construct.
It was written in the formulaic stylings of techno and ambient, the album obscures the
categorisation of its musical approach. The objective is left to the listener to
determine as the clarification is perceived by the individual and not by the definition.
Where did Monolith come from?
It developed from a wide range of influences. From classic sci-fi movies, classical music, post modern music and the concept of futurism. The notion of minimalism and electronics it what drives the growth of Monolith. Techno and Ambient is a heavy influence, however the interpretation of these genres ties into the outline of the conceptual art of Monolith. Like how old sci-fi movies influences todays world.
What are you most looking forward to moving on from this moment?
The ability to share my art with a wider audience. It’s be a been a turbulent two years, however, there is always a light at the end of a tunnel.
There’s 10 minutes left before the world self destructs, what song do you put on?
Jeff Mills - Lost Transmission
Is there anything on your mind that you would like to say?
My debut album Ambiguous is out now on Awesome Soundwave (@awesomesoundwave). It’s available on all streaming platforms and also make sure you check out their back catalogue. Amazing releases by some inspiring artists. If you would like to see what I’ve got coming up you can follow me Instagram (@monolithmusicaus), Facebook (@monolithAUS) and twitter (@monolithaus).
Listen to 'Ambiguous' by Monolith here.
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