Happy Monday! It is a very special day in Monk world as we are thrilled to announce our limited edition 7″ red vinyl and release show. Included on the album are two brand new songs recorded by Narwhal Audio for your listening pleasure.  The “Hiding Places” album comes with an exclusive 7 scene photo series entitled “Domestica Monk” brought to you by IshootRockstars and features a day in the life of The Loneliest Monk set in the 1950′s.  Think Rosie the Riveter, pink houses, gummi bears, and domesticated style! You have never seen us like this before.

You can pre-order the album starting today which will also include a ticket to our release party.  While you wait for the physical copy you will receive a digital download of the two tracks.

Please join us in the celebration and official release party at Reggie’s Rock Club on July 8, 2011 with special guests Stephen Paul Smoker and Flying Cars (Brooklyn, NY).  All advanced ticket purchases include the 7″ Vinyl plus a bonus photo booklet that will be available to pick up at the party.

Vinyl Preorder & Ticket Purchase Link

REGGIES ROCK CLUB | JUL 8TH
The Loneliest Monk
Stephen Paul Smoker
Flying Cars
8pm | 18+ | $10 adv / $12 day of
Facebook

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

This past Winter we headed out to the land of Daytrotter.  For those not familiar with it, Daytrotter hosts about 7-14 bands per week and releases four to five songs per day from each band.  The band will record their songs live in about one to two takes, and each band gets a character drawing of themselves upon their released session.  As an added bonus, listeners and fans can download the music for free!

We had an amazing time at our session.  During the drive from Chicago to Rock Island, we spent the time listening to other band’s sessions to get inspired and we wrote the rest of our lyrics to the new songs we were debuting at the recording session that day.  Mike Gentry, the engineer, was patient, cool, and a super nice guy.  Once we entered the room we couldn’t help but feel the energy of all the music that had been recorded in the same room through the years. Yes, we were geeking out a bit   Some of our favorite Daytrotter sessions even take precedence over the artist’s albums themselves; its raw, unique, organic, and the beauty is in the little mistakes and raw delivery.  Ohh, and everything is recorded to analog tape (so if you mess up, you feel a little bad for wasting the tape).

We are Daytrotter'd!

Listen to our session! It includes 2 new unreleased songs: We Remember When & Hiding Places

We came away from our session that day feeling accomplished, thankful, and overwhelmed with joy that we were able to experience Daytrotter like so many of our favorite bands.  To celebrate, we had a yummy pizza.

Angelo's Pizza

Daytrotter is a true gem.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

Three weeks of touring and memories galore.  We totaled over 6,120 miles during this span, and were able to expose our music to all sorts of new and beautiful people.  It’s pretty amazing to experience the music, locals, and incredible food in every city.  It was encouraging to observe music communities throughout the Midwest, West and Southwest.  Artists are thriving and thankfully listeners are craving unique sounds! We went into this tour with a notion of what it would be like and came out of it with so much more.  From the small coffee shop/gallery in Oakland to the incredible SXSW stage in Austin, we gave our all to every ear that would listen.  With Mighty Mitchell by our side, it is safe to say that we set out on a journey and fulfilled it ten times over.

Lady Cello @ Chrononaut Club, San Diego

Be sure to check out Narwhal Audio for an insightful blog of photos and an introspective look into our road travels by Mitchell Cepaitis. The blog will be updated in the next couple of weeks.  Also, check out our Facebook page, we’ll have some tour photos up soon that will make you smile.

Road Warrior Mitchell

Mitchell, you ARE the best friend that anybody could have, Team Monk sure does love you.

Miles in Ralph's Warehouse, Denver

Thanks to our hometown Chicago crew for the encouragement.  Muchas gracias to Brian & Kato, Ralph Brown, Elizabeth & Sean Meltzer, Ingred Chamberlin & Eric, Frank & Lucy Morales, and Jessica & Elijah Deleskey for the hospitality and offering a roof over our heads while on the road.

San Francisco Boats

Here’s lookin’ at you Record Bar, Meadowlark, The Modbo, Aubergine After Dark, Mama Buzz, Chrononaut Club, Ruby Room, Bootleg Theater, Rogue Bar, and Midcoast Takeover. Much love to the bands we were able to connect with.

La Jolla

Super thanks to our friends and family that we were able to hang with on tour and cheers to the awesome new aquintances and lovely fans.

Chicago, we’ll see you at our homecoming show as we celebrate our friends, Scattered Trees’ album release @ Schubas w/ Chaperone.

4.30.11 @ Schubas 10PM 18+

Meadowlark by Glenn Ross

So Much Love!

The Loneliest Monk

We are so very thrilled about how our tour has taken off in the last 4 days.  In a short time we have clocked in over 1800 miles and counting.  Kansas City, Denver, and Colorado Springs were all solid hits for us and the people were so welcoming.

Hi Kansas

In Kansas we performed at RecordBar with Latenight Callers.  The lead singer sang through a megaphone which gave a unique and cool effect to their dancing, bossa nova vibe.  We were completely spoiled by the phenomenal sound guy.  The cello seemed to explode on stage and our vocals went on for miles.  Musicians, you must play at RecordBar!

Lost In Review‘s came out to the show and said:

“[The Loneliest Monk] not only tell a fairy tale story with their songs, their stage set up is made for a feast of the eyes. They paint a beautiful picture with their instruments and words mixed with an allure of mystery and sexual appeal on stage.” Check out the full review here!

Miles at Ralph's Warehouse in Denver

Smooth Denver

The next stop was Denver.  Oh how I love thee.  The Meadowlark’s entrance takes you down to a catacomb of sorts.  It’s intimate vibe helped us feel cozy on a cold Friday night.  Our highlight of the evening was connecting again with Glenn Ross, an Illinois native and super talented photographer in Denver who took photos of us on our last visit.  He brought out his old polaroid camera and snapped shots of us in the exterior of The Meadowlark.  I can’t wait to see how they turn out!

Heart of Gold Colorado Springs

Who would have guessed that the best hummus is located in Colorado Springs? We took in schwarma and falafel before our our evening at Modbo Gallery.  The Gallery is actually two brick buildings and you enter through an alley.  The small buildings are situated next to each other and it was like trying to figure out which child you like better.  Both buildings are filled with fantastic paintings.  They have an amazing community at Modbo.  The room was packed and Constellations of Cars opened the night. A wonderful evening indeed!

We have met and reconnected with some amazing people so far.  Much love and thanks to everyone! Catch up with us and Mitchell via Twitter and postings on Narwhal’s website.

So now Round two begins with 5 shows approaching.  This includes performances in Sebastopol, Oakland, San Diego, and Los Angeles.  Round two also starts our celebration of Mitch’s Birthday week!  Look out California!

3.8.11
Aubergine After Dark
Sebastopol, CA
8pm

3.9.11
Mama Buzz
Oakland, CA
7pm

3.10.11
Chrononaut Club’s Steampunk Party!
San Diego, CA
8pm

3.11.11
Ruby Room
San Diego, CA
8:30pm

3.12.11
Bootleg Theater
Los Angeles, CA
9pm

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

The day has finally arrived! We are going to miss you Chicago.  We are also ready to visit the sun and warmth out West so don’t worry, you will be in our thoughts.  Tonight we hit up Kansas City at RecordBar with Late Night Callers.  Friday will take us to Denver as we return to our favorite Rocky Mountain bar, The Meadowlark.  On Saturday we venture to a lovely gallery space in Colorado Springs, The Modbo and add some TLM compositions to their evening:

3.3.11
RecordBar
w/ Late Night Callers
10pm

3.4.11
Meadowlark Bar
w/ Science Partner, Harpoontang
9pm

3.5.11
The Modbo Gallery
w/ Constellations of Cars
8:30pm

Here we go.

Wish us luck!

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

Viva La Cello!

Is it really almost time? Round two of our West Tour begins on March 3, 2011.  We are looking toward the Rocky Mountains, Pacific Ocean and the Southwest desert for our musical route.  We are hitting up new cities as well as returning to our favorites.  Candy, masks, cookies, cello, drums, piano, whiskey tolerance, & Mitchell Cepaitis? Check!  The 6000 miles of driving will bring inspiration for new ideas.

Stay tuned for a special announcement regarding our next release coming out this Summer from Kilo Records…

Be sure to keep track of us in your hearts and on Facebook & Twitter for our rants and raves while on the road.

3.3 Kansas City, MO – Record Bar
3.4 Denver, CO – Meadowlark Bar
3.5 Colorado Springs, CO – The Modbo
3.8 Sebastopol, CA – Aubergine After Dark
3.9 Oakland, CA – Mama Buzz
3.10 San Diego, CA – Chrononaut Club Steampunk Party
3.11 San Diego, CA – Ruby Room
3.12 Los Angeles, CA – Bootleg Theater
3.14 Scottsdale, CA – Rogue Bar
3.16-3.18 Austin, TX – sxsw tba

The road that lies ahead.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

I love the 14th day of February.  The cynics will say its just an opportunity for Hallmark and chocolate stores to make bank, or why do we need a day to recognize the ones we love?

Picking out Valentines to give to my class in school was such a big deal for me.  The teacher would have everyone make a mailbox out of a brown lunch bag and red, pink, and white  construction paper.  I felt extremely awkward and shy about giving boys the mushy cards so often I either opted out or just gave them sweet tarts.

The cynics really do bring up good points. For me, its much more than that.  Its the feeling of honoring the people in your life that you would do anything for. As Lennon says, “All you need is love.” Besides, walking through the drug store Valentine aisle makes me so happy.

Love makes us giddy, emotional, angry, sappy, cuddly, anxious, insightful, betrayed; the list goes on and on. Musicians need this. Think of all the songs that are driven by love.

So, even if you don’t believe in the hype I know you are at least thinking of one person today.  Walk in the candy aisle and buy yourself a chocolate heart.

Humphrey Bogart Knows What’s Up

The Breakfast Club Thinks Your Heart Will Die

Chuck Bass & Blair Waldorf Love You Too

Because Audrey Hepburn Will Make You Melt

You are loved by The Loneliest Monk.

Love. Valentine’s. Hugs.

Michelle & Miles

Chicago, you deserve an evening to let loose.  Let’s forget about the negative digit weather, mounds of snow, and join us this Friday where it is literally going to be hot.

We were invited by our lovely friends, Ornery Little Darlings, to co-exist  with them for a wild night dedicated to Lumpen Magazine’s ’95 Sex Issue.

It’s all going down in Bridgeport at Co-Prosperity Sphere; a 5,000 sq. foot space that will inhabit intricate staging, exotic art, installations, luscious chocolate made by Chocolatier Jared Brown, and heart pumping music by yours truly as well as:

HotChaCha (Cleveland)
Ornery Little Darlings
Grace Kulp

Co-Prosperity Sphere
8pm Doors 21+
9pm – 12am Performances
$5 Entry
$1 Old Style Tall Boys all Night
After-Party @ Maria’s
Facebook Invite

All in all, its your last chance to catch our performance before we hit the road in March for our tour.  We take the stage second!

Please be our Valentine.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

Let’s face it.  We all needed a snow day or two.  The Chicago blizzard of 2011 forced us to stay inside, take a step back and let Mother Nature take it’s course. While the lightning and hot and trendy Thundersnow took in effect, Miles and I were jamming out to our favorite tunes of the moment.  Rubbish Is Gold’s response to the snow was perfect as they braved #SNOMG, the term used to describe the blizzard.  All in all, the blizzard, the pizzas and our favorite songs will go down in our memories as a super fun time.

David Bazan - Curse Your Branches
Live performance via KEXP. In a blizzard you have a lot of time to interpret Bazan’s lyrics. Hoping to see him perform in Chicago for his Living Room Concert series.

Curse Your Branches

Hollywood Holt - Brains!!!
Whoa. His tracks were featured on a Gossip Girl episode. Awesome? Yes. 

Brains !!

In Tall Buildings – The Way To a Monster’s Lair
We performed with them a while back and their music flows in a meaningful way. Giant System captures this song so effectively.

The Way To a Monster\’s Lair

Netherfriends – Lead You Through The Misty Fog of Milwaukee Ave
Loving the title and the song. If I was walking on Milwaukee Ave through fog I know this is what it would sound like (video plays a sneak peak of the song).

Lead You Through The Misty Fog of Milwaukee Ave

James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream
Randomly heard this track while visiting my Parents in AZ. I was driving to the mall (yay) and heard this track on XM radio. Not until the blizzard last week, I was able to be re-aquainted  with it. Add some minimalism, a touch of Bon Iver quality, and a drop of soul; a winner in my eyes.

The Wilhem Scream

Rubbish Is Gold – SNOW-SHREDA-MAGEDDON
This video gives me smiles from ear to ear. For Miles, it just makes him want to snowboard that much more.

SNOW-SHREDA-MAGEDDON

Snow doesn't get Jack down.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

The Loneliest Monk is hitting the road again!  Our musical trip will span 6000 miles as we cross the Country to the Mighty West & Southwest.

We are proud to announce The Loneliest Monk Viva La Cello 2011 Spring Tour:

3.3.11 – Kansas City, MO –  The Record Bar
3.4.11 – Denver, CO - Meadowlark
3.5.11 – Colorado Springs, CO - Modbo Gallery
3.8.11 – Sebastopol, CA - Aubergine After Dark
3.9.11 – San Francisco, CA – tba
3.10.11 – San Diego, CA - Chrononaut Club (all ages)
3.11.11 – San Diego, CA - Ruby Room
3.12.11 – Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Theater
3.14.11 – Scottsdale, AZ - Rogue Bar
3.16-19.11 – Austin, TX – SXSW

Want to see us before we leave Chicago? Catch us at Lumpen Magazine’s Hot Party in Bridgeport w/ Ornery Little Darlings, HotChaCha (Cleveland) & Grace Kulp:

2.11.11
Co-Prosperity Sphere
Details here
8pm Doors
9pm – 12am Performances
$5 Entry

You can be there right with us on Tour in spirit, via Twitter.
Please spread the word of our tour to your West friends!

See you Soon.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk