BIOGRAPHY
mono_sono aka Jarred Parenzee is a producer originally from Cape Town, South Africa, now residing in Pretoria.
He was introduced to electronic music in 2001 via the sounds of Wagon Christ & Aphex Twin on a community radio show. He gradually got into production through his love for hip-hop
The hip hop connection was always going to lead to a sample based approach to production, though the inclusion of synths was soon to be more than that. Having released an EP in the UK as well as forming part of Ghostsnare, Ravingfox approached this young man to be part of our Africa’s Bass Breakthroughs not just because of his talent but his passion for music as well.
Links:
Follow mono_sono on SoundCloud
INTERVIEW
Mono_sono is quite well known in the Johannesburg and Pretoria bass scene but you grew up with the Cape Town massive. Tell us about where mono_sono comes from and what led you towards mixing and producing music?
Ever since I’ve consciously listened to music, I’ve always read the liner notes of albums to find out whom or what created a certain sound. Ever since then I’ve endeavored to recreate those sounds. As for mixing, I’ve always made mix tapes (I’m talking cassette tapes), so being able to create a continuous mix of my favorite tracks just made sense to me.
The name? Well, that comes from an obsession with kwaito and Jomo Sono.
When it comes to music we all have a beautiful story that we can connect to every moment and every song. What does music mean to you and what constantly drives you to keep on pushing forward to achieve that ultimate dream?
Music is a means for me to express my personality in ways I can’t verbalize. It has helped me to connect with the kindred and to get out of the bedroom more often. With my music and dj sets I always strive to improve on any previous efforts, while at the same time I try to allow for the music to flow naturally.
You are actively involved with various local drum and bass brands such as Tomorrow Never Happened, Addictshun and Drum & Bass South Africa. What is so unique about the South African electro scene and why is it necessary for artists and brands to support each other in a growing industry?
I don’t know about it being that unique and I say that because I don’t think we’ve fully realised our cultural diversity in electronic music as yet. However, I have to mention John Wizards here; they’re a duo from Cape Town who have fused African & “world” music with all forms of the electronica continuum in a way that sounds totally coherent. They have recently released on the legendary Planet Mu records. This can only be good for the scene at large.
In terms of industry growth, we all want our music to be appreciated by wider audiences so I think it’s essential for us to share resources. We have so few venues willing to support our music that any disunity will only prove their point. We need to stop trying to hold on to the scene as if it belongs to an individual, that can only stunt its growth.
We have a lot of talented producers rising up from the masses and making their mark and mono_sono is one such producer. Which of your productions are you incredibly proud of and what was the concept behind each track?
The track “This Music”, the title track of my EP that came out on Omni music UK last year, is definitely one of my proudest moments. It started off as an experiment; I wanted to create a drum kit where timbres were morphing constantly and that became the basis for the track. Also, in terms of structure, it doesn’t have a breakdown; it just keeps building all the way to the end. I also tried to build a bit of a narrative using the vocal samples.
You have provided RAVINGFOX with a mix showcasing the best of your skills as an artist. Why did you decide on that particular track selection?
In addition to my own material, I’ve featured artists and labels I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with, either in person or online. I’ve also included some of my favorite producers and tracks that have and continue to inspire me.
In South Africa we have experienced merely a taste of the international electro scene. Are there certain countries or events you aspire to perform at and why?
It would probably be Star Warz in Belgium or Ichi One in The Netherlands as they represent the music I like and an almost holistic approach to throwing parties. And if dBridge were to throw a house party, I’d love to play there 🙂
You still have plenty of work to put in to reach the pinnacle of your career. What is your strategy for the next few years and what will mono_sono be presenting us with in the near future?
Well, I’d really just like to finish and put out quality music; definitely release an album. I also want to start my own label at some point. I also run a bi-monthly show using the mixlr online streaming service, featuring a broad spectrum of electronic music and I’m hoping to build my listenership as well as that of the music I love. As for performances, I just wanna get better at djing and maybe dancing to my sets a bit more J ,then playing bigger & different parties around the country and of course more festivals.
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RavingFox
mono_sono RavingFox Mix July 2013
Track list
Eschaton – Lunar (Parallel remix)
Blocks & Escher – Sagan
Adam Elemental – Poly6
Wraetlic – Better the devil (dBridge Advocate remix)
Om Unit – Slowfast
ENA – Wave pattern
Fearful – Nostromo
Fre4knc – Marching cube
Indidjinous – Skulk
Data – The Sprawl (Linden & Blocks remix)
Indigo – The Root
Stray & Halogenix – Poison
Mindmapper – Orbital Orchestra (ASC remix)
mono_sono – This Music
RavingFox 