Monophonics is a six member San Francisco based band, formed back in 2005 and forged under the hot Californian sun, where the soul still continues to thrive. Their music is a merge of funk and soul sounds, known as Psychedelic Soul, or as some prefer to call it “Black Rock”. With its origins going back to the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, War and The Temptations are only just a few of those who led the path to the ones who came next. Isaac Hayes once said: “There’s always hurdles. So I just keep moving, just constantly redefining myself. That’s how you stay in the race.” and Monophonics are the ideal example of that. Having played over 250 shows, performing in major music festivals in eight different countries, sharing the stages with music legends like Al Green, Quincy Jones, Rodriguez, Dennis Coffee, and Crosby Stills & Nash among others, and touring to over 40 States, Monophonics gained reputation and huge appreciation of people from all four corners of the world. With their third and best album In Your Brain released in 2012 by Ubiquity Records, this six-piece unit found the success that they deserved. The cover of Sonny Bono’s “Bang Bang” became a huge hit around the world and the album is considered one of the best soul and funk releases of 2012. Austin Bohlman (Drums), Kelly Finnigan (Vocals & Keyboards), Ian McDonald (Electric Guitar & Electric Sitar, BV’s), Myles O’Mahony (Electric Bass & BV’s) and Ryan Scott (Trumpet and BV’s) are currently touring Europe with French superstar soul singer Ben l’Oncle Soul whilst working on their new record coming sometime within 2015. Until then, we talk with the band while they are in Paris for a show and let’s see what they have to say about their journey so far, their most deep desires, while they also share with us some of their personal secrets… 
Your latest album was released in 2012 with the title In Your Brain. When should we expect a new record from you?
We will most likely put the new record out early next year. Although we do have plans to release some 45’s and singles in the fall and winter.
What will it include? Do you know the title yet?
The new record has that Monophonics sound but with more growth and experience behind it. We are trying new things as well but still keeping an emphasis on songwriting, production, tones and simplicity. We don’t have a title yet.
Why did it take so long?
Well we have been very busy since 2012 touring the US and Europe and collaborating with other artists. We have recently been touring a lot in Europe backing Ben L ‘Oncle Soul to promote his new LP “À Coup De Rêves”, which he recorded with us in Marin County, California. Besides touring we have been collaborating with groups like Blackalicious, Mike James Kirkland, Orgone and AM & Shawn Lee. Plus working closely creatively with Terry Cole of Colemine Records in Ohio takes up time as well, but all these things help spread the Monophonics sound.
Your cover of Sonny Bono’s “Bang Bang” -first sung by Cher, best known by Nancy Sinatra- is thought as one of the best covers of this song, and the success of it gave you international reputation. Was that something you expected?
After we recorded “Bang Bang” we were very satisfied with the way it came out and knew it had a vibe but no, we did not expect it to get the response it has gotten since its release.
Why did you choose to cover this particular song?
It’s a great song in all aspects. The songwriting is very clever and catchy. It tells a good story and people like that. The overall arrangement and formula is all there for a good song.
You are a San Francisco based band, but your music made you popular all over the world, even in countries far away from yours, like Greece. How does this make you feel?
It’s flattering and extremely gratifying to travel with our music. We are very happy to hear that people all over the world are responding to the music and taking an interest in the band.
Do you have any interesting stories to share with us from the road from California up to Motown and then the rest of the world?
One time at a show we met and hung out with one of our favorite actors, John C. Reilly. Another time a crazy fan who was very intoxicated stole our tour van and wedged it into a very small parking garage where it was stuck for several hours till we finally got it out. We have been through sand, snow and thunder storms, tornadoes, and every imaginable kind of weather while traveling through the states.
As you said before, lately you’ve been on tour with the French soul singer Ben l’Oncle Soul. Tell us a few things about this collaboration…
We met Ben after a show we played in Paris. He was a fan of the band and came to the show. We talked for a bit and then stayed in contact. He eventually came out to California and we made a record together. Now we have been touring since the fall of 2013 in Europe promoting the record as his backing band. It’s been a great experience working with him and it’s just the beginning of a great working relationship and friendship.
Who would it be your dream collaboration? With which singer, songwriter, musician is your dream to work with?
David Axelrod, Candi Staton and Syl Johnson.
What would you say were the best moments for Monophonics over the years?
Late night shows in New Orleans, our first tour in Europe, our first tour in Greece, playing in Columbia South America, putting out “In Your Brain”, touring with Orgone, playing in Hawaii, having guest artists like Syl Johnson, Dennis Coffee and Shawn Lee sit in with us, opening for the Daptone Super Soul Revue in a roman amphitheater built in the first century, playing at Stax in Memphis in front of famous Stax musicians, touring and working with Ben L’Oncle Soul, playing Montreux Jazz Fest, playing the Fillmore in San Francisco…
Tell us a few things about each of you that even your loyal fans don’t know…
Austin loves soccer and photography, Ian collects records and analog synthesizers, Myles is an avid and experienced cook, Ryan is an encyclopedia when it comes to movies and television of the 90’s and is obsessed with Mr. Pickles sandwiches, and Kelly collects vintage recording equipment and loves his Mom’s home cooked meals.
How did music come into your life?
All of our parents were very influential. We all grew up surrounded by music and all found a passion in it.
Did you know each other before you formed the band?
We did. We met when combining our high school band The Monophonic Orchestra with our college band and started playing shows together and eventually hit the road.
You formed back in 2005. What has changed within all these years?
We all grew together as musicians and eventually found our sound with the addition of Kelly singing and focused more on songwriting and production.
Your music is characterized by funk and soul sounds. Have you ever thought to experiment with different genres?
Yes, we have been experimenting and very influenced by Psychedelic Rock and cinematic music.
Monophonics – “Like Yesterday” – Soul Funk 45
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Your musical influences are clearly going back to the big musicians of the ‘60s and ‘70s. What do you think of today’s mainstream pop music and would you ever collaborate with musicians like Lady Gaga or Rihanna?
We are always open to new things. Regardless of the genre, good music is good music.
What are your future plans?
We just plan to keep making good music and traveling the world to spread our sound.
Connect With MONOPHONICS:
WEBPAGE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | ITUNES | BANDCAMP
By Demetrios Ioannou, RockRevolt Magazine Journalist
