IN THE SPOTLIGHT: No Mono
Setting forth a dreamy and captivating sound, No Mono is gaining buzz in Australia and beyond. No Mono, formed in 2013 and based in Australia, unites the musical talents of Tom Snowdon and Tom Iansek. The duo released their first single, “Butterflies,” on September 18, 2017 via Pieater, which premiered on triple j (a radio station in Australia). They recently put out a new single and video, “Violence Broken,” on November 27, 2017, also via Pieater. They are planning to release new music in the coming year; however, in the meantime, check out “Violence Broken.” Taking a pause from life and making music, Tom Snowdon kindly shared some time to chat about the beginnings of No Mono, his favorite superhero, and recommended a restaurant to check out in Alice Springs.
What’s the story behind the formation of No Mono?
No Mono is a collaboration between Tom Iansek and myself (Tom Snowdon). We first worked on music together in 2013 on a song for Tom’s other project, #1 Dads. We just kept going after that, and have now started No Mono.
What sparked your interest in music, both creating and listening?
My parents introduced me to music and got me into singing and learning instruments (trumpet and guitar) when I was young. It probably started there, and I’ve just followed it ever since.
Your latest release is “Violence Broken.” What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?
This one was born in a writing session Tom and I had. We were experimenting with different sounds and stumbled across the moody electric piano sound you hear in the track. We then layered some atmospheric synth parts and the beat, and we kind of just jammed over it for a while. It didn’t take too long to shape this one into its full form.
The words also fell into place. The song is about moving away from trauma–breaking away from a violent state of living. I opened my sketchbook one day to find “Violence Broken” written on the page. The story formed around that coincidence (or maybe it was magic).
Who are some of your prominent musical influences?
I’ve always been drawn to darker sounds I think. Acts like Talk Talk, Fever Ray, Björk, and Portishead have deeply inspired me. They are examples of groups who I think use space expertly and build really emotional and powerful atmospheres with their songs. They also use the voice as a moving instrument. I love that.
What are you currently listening to?
Right now, I’m listening to Aldous Harding.
While on the road, what are some your essential tour items?
Headphones. Neck Pillow.
If you weren’t in a band, what would you see yourself doing?
Gardening?
What are some of your favorite restaurants in Alice Springs/Australia you’d recommend?
My sister’s café in Alice Springs is pretty beaut. It’s called The Goods.
Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?
Huge question. Probably Spiderman. I read a lot of Spiderman comics back in the day, and had a bunch of his figurines. I reckon he’s the best because he’s strong, stealthy, and has a wicked costume.
If there were a drink with the name “No Mono,” what would it consist of?
Probably a ginger beer.
A huge thank you to Tom for taking the time and thought to respond to the questions, and to Nick for coordinating!
Stay tuned for updates from the band by following them on Twitter (@yesnomono) and Instagram (@yesnomono), and by liking them on Facebook (/yesnomono)!