Singer-songwriter and electronic music producer… To many that might sound like two very different aspects of modern sound culture – which in turn makes Monolink a fascinating character, because he’s both rolled into one. His style seamlessly connects the narrative structure of a song with the compelling forward thrust of electronic rhythms. Guitar chords merge into synthetic pad sounds, hypnotic bass vibrations meet emotional vocal parts, passionate physicality meets sublime stimulation for the mind.
Monolink has just shared with us his top 10 standout tracks from his Burning Man experience (now added to our Sound of Burning Man playlist). The German producer also provided us with a memorable story about his time in the playa.
“My favorite Burning Man experience was probably playing the Mayan Warrior art car. I had been nervous all week about that show and it was hard for me to really enjoy the burn while still knowing I would need to perform and be filmed for that. The funny part about it was that I didn’t actually know where I’d have to go that Wednesday, I was just supposed to find the Mayan Warrior somewhere on the playa. If you’ve been there you know that that can be quite the challenge because that space is massive.
When the evening came my manager and I took off on our bikes, my gear loaded up a handcart attached to it, and of course the Mayan Warrior was nowhere to be found. We cycled across the whole playa and deep playa and – nothing. I got really nervous and also exhausted from all the cycling.
Until eventually we tried the Mayan Warrior camp and saw the majestic art car driving towards us. They had been having some delays and hadn’t started yet to my relief. We got on, set everything up, and as the sun was setting I had one of the most beautiful shows of my life.”
– Monolink
Listen here:
Monolink’s Track Selections:
Gidge – The Cascades
Monolink, Acid Pauli – The End
DAVI – Two Suns in the Sky (Original Mix)
Jacob Groening – Leslie
O/Y – The Wind
Bicep, Four Tet – Opal (Four Tet Remix)
The Micronaut – Modulation Transfer Function (Be Svendsen & Monolink Remix)
DARKSIDE – Gone Too Soon
WhoMadeWho, Adana Twins – The Aftermath
Monolink – Burning Sun
Monolink’s new single ‘The Prey’ is out now on Ultra Records. Listen here.