Monophona are a Luxembourg trio born from a one time request to “borrow some vocals”. The story goes as such – Chook, a reputable DJ and drum & bass producer, borrows some vocals from a reputable folk artist and musician known as Claudine, (that is Claudine Muno of Claudine Muno and the Luna boots (previously interviewed here)). The result of this is a great track which spurs the duo into believing they should create an entire album. Album wrapped up and taking to the stage they decide to complete their line up with drummer Jorsch. Et voila – Monophona!

Since their first gig back in summer 2011 they’ve established themselves firmly in the local scene and have gone on to support acts such as Fink, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Elektro Guzzi and Nostalgia77. Chook tells us more by way of the important 10 need to knows…

1. How did you get started?
I asked Claudine (Muno of Claudine and the Luna Boots) to use some vocals she had recorded some time ago and never really used. I made a DnB track with them, that went quite well. So we decided to work on more tunes together. After the second track we thought it might be worth trying to do an album which we did.

2. What ingredients do you need to mix together to produce the recipe of your sound?
A good dose of vocals
3 spoons of guitar
10 kgs of bass
and some rolling beats

3. Did your first gig make you hungry for more?
We were really nervous before our first gig. I personally hadn’t felt that anxiety in over ten years and I guess I missed it. I really enjoy performing with other musicians. Also it’s great not to be alone when you’re on tour. Originally coming from the dj field I always had to travel on my own which can be quite boring.

4. What’s the biggest ‘cock up’ to date?
I guess that must have been at our first concert. After we played our first song, we had no sound on stage for 40 minutes. So we had to send the people back out and call them back in once the problem was solved. They were very tolerant though.

5. What is it that inspires you to make your music/sound?
I don’t know, all I know is that I can’t live without making music. I just feel very unproductive if i’m not in the studio.

6. What would be the icing on the cake?
I guess just playing great concerts and seeing people enjoy our music.

7. How will you be remembered? (what will make you vintage?)
Hmmm my grey hair is going to make me look vintage 😉

8. Describe your music as if it were a fine wine WHISKEY.
An intriguing bouquet offering comfortable scents of candle wax, a sophisticated smokey mid palate followed by a rife oak aftertaste

9. Digestive! If you weren’t doing what you are doing now, what would make you happy?
Mountain biking and playing chess

10. AfterMint! Does your musical style influence your underwear?
Not really.

—
More info www.monophona.com | www.facebook.com/monophona | www.soundcloud.com/monophona
—
Photos: Joël Nepper