Absolutely no one: ...

Me: How about a track-by-track breakdown of MonoNeon’s new album QUILTED STEREO?

Who now?

MonoNeon is your favorite bassist’s favorite bassist. His look is unforgettable, from his crocheted balaclava to his high tops blaring MONO NEON for all the world to see. Follow him for the videos where he takes a viral audio clip and puts his own music behind it. Stay for the prodigious psychedelic funk and microtonal glissandos.

And he just released an album. It’s the most soul-affirming thing you’ll get in a less-than-thirty-minute package. If you’re a collector, you can buy it on vinyl. ​

Notabene: If you’d rather not hear salty language, skip this artist.

Quilted Stereo by MonoNeon

• Intro: Y’all. George Clinton introduces this album. Yes THE George “Dr. Funkenstein” Clinton.​
• Quilted: The Who I Am anthem. Yeah that quilt fits you like a glove, buddy.
• Jelly Roll: Does he even know that jelly roll is also a quilting term?? I don’t know and I don’t care because I’m too busy groovin’. We don’t need permission.
• Full Circle: Do good, get good. It’s a cheat code for life. The funkiest version of the Golden Rule I’ve ever heard. Guest vocals by soul legend Mavis Staples!
• Stereo: A sensitive soul searches for peace and meaning in a cynical world. Shades of Marvin Gaye.
• Segreghetto: A thoughtful turn into politically aware disco-infused hip-hop.
• Crown & Coke: And we’re back on the dance floor. Claim your joy wherever you find it.
• Church of Your Heart: All you need is within you. It’s a magic mix of joy and longing.
• Another Man’s Treasure: A sweet synthpop ballad about falling for your friend’s ex-girlfriend. The lyrics are almost innocent but the bass has other ideas.

​MonoNeon’s website

​MonoNeon on Spotify​

​MonoNeon on Instagram ​

​Buy Quilted Stereo on vinyl

Remembering Carole Lyles Shaw and Sarah Bond

The quilting world has endured the loss of several great artists in recent weeks. Carole Lyles Shaw and Sarah Bond are two that I followed. I’ll include their web links so you can go explore their work on your own:

​Carole Lyles Shaw’s website​

​Sarah Bond’s Instagram page​

I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing either of these artists personally. It’s a shame I’ll never get to. But here’s the point I want to make:

Quilting history is happening right now.

It’s not frozen in the past. We are constantly shaping and becoming history. All over the world there are makers embracing AND rejecting tradition to push our media forward. Get to know the quilters, crafters, knitters, beaders, painters, whatever-ers who are around you. (Hint: we are everywhere.)

Next time you hear someone say “[insert medium] is a lost/dying/dead art” you’ll be able to correct them. Loudly. Preferably in front of someone they’re trying to impress.

A Video For Those Who Read This Far

My favorite videos from MonoNeon are the ones where he jams with Grandma. “I drink my beer and talk to God.”

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Go forth and be yourself.

xoxo Sarah

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