The Monorex Blog

NEW WEBSITE - MONOREX IS BACK!!

2011-08-26T00:36:00.002+01:00

Celebrating the 7th year of Monorex, we decided to drop an intimate party for friends and fam + launch a shiny new website ready to take on the world...

WWW.MONOREX.COM

Over the last couple of years we have matured and evolved into a whole new type of creative beast, those that have followed us for a while will have noted our changes with close interest.

2011/12 is a very very exciting year - Because we are finally entering the U.S and Canadian markets for real and putting feelers out in to Asia and beyond.

We have invested time and money into new fresh and completely separate projects also - with these set to go live early 2012... A few passion projects that had been bubbling have finally become reality and will only add to our armour moving forward.

See you all on the other side!

SECRET WARS at WAY OUT WEST

2011-08-10T09:59:00.005+01:00

Back from New York and it's time to hit another Swedish festival!

Way Out West boasts Prince, Kanye West, Robyn, Pulp and Santigold among others in their impressive line up this year..
..and SECRET WARS of course!!

We got a juicy 2 vs. 2 battle for all the art lovers at the Lagerhuset club stage on friday night!

>> Facebook Event <<

Graffiti maestro turned successful fine artist PIKE teams up with rapper and comic book artist SIMON GÄRDENFORS..
..aaaaaand in the other corner we have the most experienced secret warrior outside of the UK, PISTOLINA together with CAMILLA EKLUND, undefeated for three years and maybe the main reason Team Malmö blazed their group in last year's Euro League.

have a good feelin' bout this one...

Secret Wars hits OSLO this weekend!

2011-06-16T00:53:00.006+01:00

Back in the late 8th century Norwegian Vikings invaded a little green island in the Atlantic ocean..
And then they did it again ..and again ..and again ..and again ..and it wasn't until 300 years later that they stopped being so naughty!?
Well it's been a long time coming but now it's finally PAYBACK TIME!!

The fighting Irish are coming to town looking for revenge..

Old School Secret Wars Rules all the way.
Team Oslo: Sinnsykshit + Mr. Miedo
Team Dublin: Danleo + Mick Minogue
Facebook event here!

A Little Something

2011-06-14T11:34:00.003+01:00

Helloooo I'm here so regular music will be back for you soon. So here is a little something to get you ready. Mr Mayor Hawthorne makes some pretty dope music, it's pretty soulful stuff. He just brought out a free ep which covers some of his favourite tracks as usual I'm gonna keep this short.

Take a listen to it HERE
Download it HERE

bafic

Paint For Japan

2011-06-06T23:41:00.021+01:00

Pete Fowler x Best Ever wall (Village Underground)

Monorex decided months ago to do something creative for the Japanese quake disaster - We had already been involved in a few design poster comps etc but wanted to do an eye catching event curated by ourselves and a few friends..... Along came "Paint for Japan", a creation in collaboration with the famous Matsuri / Holic crew.

The aim was to put on a multi faced interactive event that offered art to buy, food & drink and a host of cool artists and djs... We asked a few of our high profile friends to get involved like Pete Fowler, Reeps One and Eliza Doolittle to come down and perform at the Secret Wars part of the event. VNA magazine and others also set up and sold product on little stalls all in the name of Japan.

All in all it was a very fun night and we went on to raise around 4k for Japan and the rebuild of its wonderful country! Big thanks to everyone involved including Casio, Red Bull & Courvoisier

xxx

Check the tasty cake pops below... Baked by Big Mama's Cake Pops!

Hicks and co in action

Tasty Courvoisier punch drinks

Monorex silent auction - everything sold and we raised around 2k on this alone!

Our cute and talented friend Eliza

Secret Wars battle - Team England (left) vs Team Japan (right)

Starring Pete Fowler, Hicks and more

Reeps One killing it as usual

The Japanese went on to win and the boys were ecstatic...

London HQ studio move... Shoreditch >> Clapton

2011-06-06T01:33:00.003+01:00

Last week was a very busy and strange week all round - Not only did we have the Paint for Japan event to organise, but we also moved studio the day after! Mad planning I know...

It was a long day of mixed emotions, feeling sad we were leaving the very location that has helped shape Monorex and Secret Wars what it is today. But after 5 years in this area, the time felt right to move on and embark on a new adventure... Hello Clapton

As most Shoreditch locals know, the area is becoming less and less cool, with drunk herds, tacky bars and glass giants rapidly moving in... Shoreditch has finally evolved from a once little village into an extension of the West end. For these reasons and also for us to keep up with the young creative circles, moving deeper East into a larger space felt right.

Our new space is an old toy factory and is hidden peacefully near the canal - We have 1500 sqft to play with and space to grow... The team has already tripled in size and the future looks very bright.

2011/2012 will be a very interesting and exciting period for Monorex, as we slowly grow on a global scale.. Watch this space!

StreetFest 2011

2011-06-06T01:18:00.002+01:00

Had fun last week down at StreetFest - Secret Wars featured alongside a wicked line up of artists and musicians.

Streetfest 2011 - 29th May

2011-05-24T13:49:00.001+01:00

Following three successful years, and with a rep to contend with, STREETFEST is back on Sunday 29th May with a one-day urban powered extravaganza!

Purveyors and supporters of urban culture in the UK, Streetfest uniquely combines a kaleidoscope of interactive entertainment through
music, live performance art, film, fashion and sports all under one roof.

This year, Streetfest will be hosting a very special Secret Wars event, pitching Monorex against Bristol's Weapon of Choice in a battle of Wit, Skill and Awesome. We'll be kicking off at around 4pm on the Adidas Stage, so come early and have a look around - as well as Secret Wars, Streetfest will be showcasing live hip-hop dance battles, skating, in-line and BMX competitions, live music and plenty of street art to grab your attention.

Tickets are on sale for £10 - get yours at TicketWeb!

Nando's xPERimental Sketch - This SUNDAY

2011-05-18T13:17:00.005+01:00

Nando's Sketch - 22nd of May 2011
@ OXO Tower, Barge House

We're inviting young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to come and learn 4 skills. This will be a fun-fuelled day of Drawing, Printing, Spray-painting, and Prop Building with some free chicken courtesy of Nando's.

Event breakdown

Please visit for more info and to reserve your place! or turn up on the day from 9.30am to get involved.

T-shirt Printing with Hit + Run
http://www.thehitandrun.com/
This hands on course will teach people the process involved in T-Shirt screen printing.
Every participant will print and keep their own t-shirt

Prop Design with Jiggery Pokery
Each person will be taught the basics in set and prop design from two extremely talented professionals.

Spray painting with Stika and Jamie Brown
These two outstanding Spray-can artists will be teaching their class everything they need to know to create their first piece or character.
Each participant will paint their own word from start to finish on their own personal board.

Pen Drawing with Jimi Crayon and Mr K
Jimi and Mr K are more than handy with a pen. This class does away with paper and gives participants the opportunity to draw on a huge scale with fat paint markers in a black and white team battle. Think 8mile but with drawing

25-HOUR-BOAT-TRIP-SECRET-WARS!

2011-05-14T00:28:00.008+01:00

We Survived!!

The Scandinavian Secret Wars team joined 1800+ party people and 300 DJs, artists, organizers and performers for the 25 HOUR PEOPLE Club Festival.

It was on a boat and it was crazy and yes, we are happy to still be alive..

The Secret Wars battle took place on the way back from Finland…the boat crowd gearing up for a new day with good-morning-beers and some live art!

The guys from the Shitxfaced blog supplied the music and their own rather more explicit pics can be found here..

Thanks to the organizers (Well done!), AOD, Riksteatern, Shitxfaced and everyone who supported and screamed!

(Pics by Patrik Wenner, more can be found here!)

Monorex x Nandos Xperimental Sketch

2011-05-13T21:15:00.005+01:00

Stika recently taught Radio 1 DJ Reggie Yates Spray-Painting in preparation for the Nandos Xperimental Sketch event. Make sure you come down to the Bargehouse on May 22nd. The day will be filled with Pens, Spray-Painting, Sculpture, T-Shirt Printing, and best of all Chicken.

For more Details Visit HERE and HERE

Date: Sunday 22 May 2011
Opening times: 9.30am - 6pm
Admission: FREE
Venue: Bargehouse

New Designers 2011

2011-05-09T23:38:00.008+01:00

We are very happy to announce that Monorex & Secret Wars will be taking part in this years New Designers kicking off June 29th - July 09th @ The Business Design Centre, London. Keep an eye on this space as we will be dropping hints closer to the date about our collaboration.

For those that aren't familiar with New Designers please follow the link and you can sign up for tickets! We highly recommend people checking this out as its a great platform - showcasing the very best in graduate design.

Fresh Stika "Don't Hate On Kate" prints - Limited set of 20

2011-05-09T10:09:00.004+01:00

Limited run of 20 Stika "Don't Hate On Kate" prints! Hand signed by the artist and 10 have already sold...

£60 (inc postage)

Email - LondonHQ@monorex.com to purchase.

Who wants one?

Interlude

2011-05-06T11:58:00.002+01:00

Do what pleases you in life. Enjoy

bafic

Remember this? Classic Nigo interview

2011-05-05T23:20:00.004+01:00

Classic interview with the Japanese legend NIGO, the mastermind behind A Bathing Ape.

Love the weird translator and the awkward chemistry between Nigo and Jonathan Ross.... Makes me laugh every time :)

Pimpin house but not sure if he is as rich now though (since the recent collapse of BAPE)?!

Monorex x Nando's xPERimental Sketch

2011-05-04T22:43:00.003+01:00

Below is a little project we are currently curating with Jimi Crayon and Nando's..

Come check out the main event at the Oxo tower on the 22nd May - http://bit.ly/dXZ6tP

FREE PERI PERI CHICKEN FOR ALL INVOLVED!!!

Example being taught a few tricks by the illustration master Jimi Crayon

Nando's also have the largest collection of South African artwork in the UK and will be inviting a couple of the main artists over for the event... Check them out below!

Rasty Knayles

Kudzi Chiruai

Classic Twinings infusion ad - Waterfalls

2011-05-03T19:50:00.002+01:00

Featuring our old friend Tom

Monorex Music Tuesday

2011-05-03T08:35:00.005+01:00

In early 2009 I heard this song for the first time, I totally forgot about it and have been playing if for a few weeks now. Animal Collectives 'My Girls' is a epic song. Weird sounds, weird visuals. It's all very left of center. If you haven't heard this song take a listen. Oh and as for the video DAAAMMM its Dope. press play and kick back

bafic

We're On A Boat!

2011-04-28T21:12:00.003+01:00

First ever SECRET WARS on water!

Tomorrow absolutely everybody and everyone worth partying with in Sweden will board the M/S Galaxy for 25 hours of mayhem. 1700 tickets sold and more DJ's, artists, bands and beers than you can count packed in.. Let's go!

Tickets might still be available.. Check out 25 HOUR PEOPLE's website and pray!

We depart Stockholm tomorrow (29th) at 1800 hours.

Monorex Music Thursday ('cause music Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday had the day off)

2011-04-28T13:01:00.010+01:00

We are late this week so "stop your bloodclot crying" as we have two tracks today. The first is by City & Colours, who performed at Royal Albert Hall and everyone keeps telling me it was emotional - people crying, etc. Andy claims "he kept the emotion inside", but I don't believe him - I think he was first to draw for the Kleenex quick time!
Second we have James Vincent McMorrow, who supported City & Colours at the emotional gig at Royal Albert Hall.

Both on this Record Label: Dinealone Records

P.S. Those indies are churning out great music could the industry be changing maybe? Nope, indies have always been putting out great music....Even though there is no such thing as 'great music' just opinion really....okay I'm blabbering.

bafic

A Collection To Cry For

2011-04-28T12:10:00.003+01:00

Some guy called Ralph Lifshitz born and raised in the Bronx, sold some ties here and there to some people he knew. Then changed his last name to Lauren created a clothing line which was pretty much more than a clothing label it was a Lifestyle. That word gets used too much but in this case it's correct. From the family that owned the country club to the guy selling crack so he could look dope wearing Ralph Lauren head to toe. It was always more than your average clothing label with all that history put aside Mr Lauren has managed to put together one of the best Car collections i have ever seen in my life money well spent on the cars and the presentation.

WATCH HERE

Dont Hate On Kate

2011-04-20T17:31:00.003+01:00

A fresh wall went up overnight - created by our top man Stika as a reaction to all the negative / positive press surrounding the upcoming Royal wedding and the future Queen of England.

Ad of the day!

2011-04-20T01:35:00.000+01:00

Don't hate on Kate!

2011-04-19T17:30:00.007+01:00

A fresh wall went up overnight - created by our top man Stika as a reaction to all the negative / positive press surrounding the upcoming Royal wedding and the future Queen of England.

1 x artist

1 x scissor lift

1 x bag of paint

1 x day

See here for many Kate haters - Link

Watch this space

2011-04-18T17:01:00.002+01:00

Preparation has begun.....keep an eye out

Monorex Music Monday

2011-04-18T10:29:00.004+01:00

What can I say really - been a fan for a while and got a chance to catch one of their live sets. Hands down just a really tight band. Now, with the launch of their new album; Manchester Orchestra's new video is sick. Shout out to every music director who has made something so dope it makes me want keep pressing play on Youtube. The track today is called simple math from Manchester Orchestra's new album of the same name. The video is epic, story telling and music done at its best, for more from the band click HERE and if you want to more from the director duo who created this epic visual click HERE

In fact catch their promo video for simple math as well - equally amazing. Listen to the lyrics as they tie in nicely with the visuals.

bafic

Andy

Bee for Battens

2011-04-17T22:03:00.006+01:00

Our good friend Mick Minogue joined forces with Al Hooi to deliver this sweet little ad for Bee for Battens. For those that aren't aware - Bee for Battens is an Irish based charity creating awareness and support for those affected by Battens Disease. If you have a minute please visit the site here.

Nice work lads!

Classic toy ads from our childhood days...

2011-04-17T17:40:00.004+01:00

A few memories from our childhood past (well for me anyway) - I am getting old but still feel the 80's were the best time for ads and music!

Hahaha you can tell we are 90% male in this studio from the above selection!

Jimi's setting an Example

2011-04-15T18:00:00.008+01:00

Look it's Jimi and Andy and Example and Nandos, what more could you ask for. We're currently prepping for a project with Nandos involving Arty stuff, Chicken stuff, and kids, no we're not painting chicken and no we're not painting kids. Just wait till the time comes and we will tell you all about it over a sugar filled fizzy drink and some Peri-Peri chicken.

bafic

WOODKID - IRON

2011-04-15T17:58:00.006+01:00

An Owl, Agness Deyn, a horse, and its all shot in beautiful slow motion. This video redefines the word of Epic.

bafic

Ad of the day!

2011-04-14T16:44:00.003+01:00

Tropicana: Energie Naturelle

A wall of zinc and copper spikes with over 2500 oranges (all dutifully recycled), some plexiglass and led based lighting, and a sunny day....

Agency: DDB Paris Brand: Tropicana Director: Johnny Hardstaff Interactive Producer: Michelle Craig Production Design: Alex Marden Production Company: unit9

http://www.unit9.com/archives/tropicana_oranges/

Jamie Woon

2011-04-14T13:18:00.002+01:00

Channel 4 just aired an 11 minute documentary about Jamie Woon's new album 'Mirrorwriting' which was created by Monorex family Stitchthat, and it's pretty dope, as usual from Stitchthat.

bafic

Ad of the day!

2011-04-13T01:11:00.004+01:00

Keko moku

2011-04-11T19:23:00.003+01:00

Take a look at this, a job that was done for the Keko Moku bar in Manchester great work DABL visit them HERE

Monorex Music Monday

2011-04-11T18:22:00.004+01:00

Hello young world. It's Monday it's sunny, oh wait no it's raining. I have a few track for you this week because i feel like it.

The Weeknd - What You Need Chopped And Screwed By Mike G

Last year DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mick Boogie released this summertime mixtape which is pretty dope. The weather is starting to brighten up a bit. The tape includes some rap classics that are sick for summer. The other day i looked like an idiot walking down the street rapping to Dr Dre . Also on the tape is the sample for the song Isley Brothers - Footsteps In The Dark. When mother nature decides to clean up it's act and get sunny again kick back, wear a straw hat, drink supermalt and listen to this.
Download Here

Monorex USA adventure...

2011-04-11T00:20:00.007+01:00

Just got back from an epic 3 month reccie mission in the USA...

Below are a few random memories from the trip!

Enjoy

Love the Times Sq lights! Hate the crowds of people...

NYC Redbull soccer team

Madness in Detroit

Clever rework of the NYC subway map

Love this place

Charlie was obviously big news out there

Some hottie I met in the casino ;)

Wburg bridge

Old Vegas strip

Coming to the UK soon

Neon fence

Swoons house in the big D

No comment

My main man CHARLIE from Brooklyn

Stickers went up everywhere

HUGE Pockys

Roa in Brooklyn

And Butt Paste....

Mouths Wide Open

2011-04-07T01:25:00.006+01:00

Images to humor you while we work.

all images taken by Jay.

bafic
p.s
Andy is always pulling those odd faces.

Monorex Music Monday

2011-04-04T18:00:00.008+01:00

Howdy Folks (do people in real life say that or is it only the movies) The last time i listened to this guy above he had just released his debut 'Jam' which was then followed up with 'This Charming Man' both were great projects, but then i sort of lost track of him dunno why cos his new work is great. Andy has been playing his 'Lovers Holiday' ep for some time and its really really really dope, but andy just showed me his new single called 'We Even Try' with some women called 'Sara Quin' who is apparently a big deal. I did say Andy in this post too much i need to stop that.

Bafic

John Michael Biscuit x Lafayette

2011-03-29T16:39:00.011+01:00

Some of the team have just got back from Dublin, Ireland after painting a new cafe/bar called Lafayette in the city center. Not your typical brief - artists Jimi Crayon and Stika were asked to produce Jean Micheal Basquit inspired art throughout the venue. To be given the freedom to paint excessivly infusing both Basquits work and the artists original style was a rare opportunity indeed - But a job well met. A few days later, walls, canvases and toilets all done!

Club opens tomorrow, but in the meantime here are some production photos. If your around Dublin go check it out..

Monorex Music Monday

2011-03-29T08:08:00.000+01:00

It's 1970 and Curtis Mayfield takes time away from his group (the impressions) to record his debut solo project 'curtis'. This album is great each track delivers a story, backed by drums and trumpets. Curtis Mayfield sings in a falsetto that later became the basis of numerous Hip-Hop tracks in the future. From the 17 tracks on this album 7 of them have been sampled, from Kanye West to N.W.A, from N.W.A to E.P.M.D, from E.P.M.D to Lil Wayne, from Lil Wayne to Redman. by now you must get my point. This album is important, his voice is important, across his whole career his voice was sampled 153 times....just amazing.
Curtis Mayfield – Curtis!(spotify)
Curtis Mayfield - The Makings of You

bafic

5 Pointz in Danger!

2011-03-26T21:39:00.011Z

Back in 2009 when Secret Wars was hitting New York properly for the first time some of the boys took a day off and went to paint at the legendary 5 Pointz in Queens. Amazing place!

Unfortunately some redevelopment tycoon now wants to turn the entire area into a shopping centre!?
A good time to make a stand. Please go HERE and sign the petition!

Some mobile phone pixkz..

Good times! Let's help MeresOne & Co.

Monorex Music Monday

2011-03-21T21:11:00.002Z

Gonna keep it short today, if you like what you heard last week click the image above and download 'The Weeknd' mixtape if not move along nothing to see here.

bafic

You know you're a designer when...

2011-03-18T14:17:00.004Z

So I just found this website called 'you know you're a designer when' and the above three images pretty much some up my life. The funniest thing online tells you how it is.
Visit: http://youreadesignerwhen.tumblr.com/

bafic
p.s I need to go and re-think my life

Finally

2011-03-15T18:23:00.003Z

The new buzzer is here finally, and we have new neighbours RJDJ they make really dope apps check em out.

bafic

Converse Visuals

2011-03-15T11:54:00.005Z

As you may or may not know we recently did a big campaign with Converse that spanned across the whole country. Here are some new videos showcasing the process that went into just some of the walls. Props to 'La Furnte' on the video and shout out to Big Balls (the production company)

bafic

Monorex Music Tuesday

2011-03-14T20:21:00.010Z

I know nothing…..about this group that is. I clicked a couple random links and i have come across this. A song called Wicked Games by a group called The Weeknd. It's weird, it's distorted, its just sick. This could be the birth of a new era R'nB, a new genre, a new sound. It's like a mix between some early 2000's R'nB and some old portishead. Play this along with some Jame Blake, a bit of The xx, and some Toro Y Moi and you have a genre of music which has no name but an eclectic variety in sound.

Listen: The Weeknd - Wicked Games

bafic

Monorex Music Monday

2011-03-07T11:10:00.005Z

It's Monday and I'm here bearing 'Treats'. Treats is the new album by American duo Sleigh Bells and it's pretty epic to say the least. Andy has been playing this in the studio and it's great. The electric guitar, the drums, the way the vocals crash in on the track is a recipe for disaster but they somehow pulled it off. click the link and have a listen
Sleigh Bells – Treats

bafic

Detroit adventures...

2011-03-05T19:59:00.007Z

Thought I would update you on my USA travels as I have lots of stories to tell - but one of the more important ones is Detroit!

I flew over here from NYC for a short weekend and have met some great creative people, who have been the most wonderful hosts and drove me to all the hots spots within the city + taken me out to some of the coolest local hangouts....

DON'T read and believe all the "bad" "dangerous" stories you see in the news! As this city is on the up and is such an exciting blank canvas for any young or old entrepreneur / creative looking to realise their dreams...

Check this documentary out by Johnny Knoxville "Detroit Lives" - give you some good insight on the history and future plans.

Blue Thousand and One

2011-03-03T13:49:00.002Z

This is great watch this in Fullscreen in HD

bafic

Beer and Design

2011-03-03T12:46:00.006Z

When you talk about packaging design, beer isn't first thing you think of. The book called Beer shows a collection of amazing beer cans from around the world all collected by John Russo's, the collection was found hidden in his basement by his step son Dan Becker and his friend Lance Wilsonand the pair photographed over all 2000 cans of Beer that dates back to 1975 All of them show what some may call a better period in Design when Illustrator and InDesign definitely weren't around. The colours, the logos, the illustrations the names all very nostalgic. Here are some of my favorites from the book. Which you can purchase Here and take a look at 163 images from the book Here. just amazing.

bafic

- London HQ -

2011-02-23T18:57:00.022Z

For those of you wondering if Monorex has moved to NYC you were wrong...well I suppose & right (we're in both!). Not all of us have packed up and moved to the big apple, to learn the art of apple juice squeezing. Our London HQ is very much alive & working very hard! Still situated bang in Shoreditch at the original "The Mission" building, all we have done is moved into a spanking new floor where we run our UK/IRE operations.

For any inquiries contact - andrew@monorex.com

The non - productive area (you get sent there if your bad or can't do the chicken dance)

Monorex Music Monday

2011-02-21T12:25:00.004Z

So it's Monday and you have work that needs to be done because you put it off on the weekend. You start illustrator and open Spotify bewildered by the amount of songs . Here is what you should play.

The Tron Legacy Soundtrack is EPIC Daft Punk did a sick job. I didn't think I would ever hear them working with a full orchestra. Violins, Cello's and more instruments which I cant pronounce. Thanks to Stika this has been on repeat in the studio

Spotify Link: Daft Punk – TRON: Legacy
If you liked this you should check out the Inception Soundrack by Hanz Zimmer

Bafic

The "Influencers" Doc...

2011-02-13T18:36:00.005Z

A must watch! Very inspiring stuff and a great advert for NYC..

Produced by R+I Creative
http://www.ri-creative.com/

Introducing Bafic....

2011-02-04T22:16:00.026Z

Hello to the world of the World Wide Web I'm Bafic. The intern at Monorex after a debate with the boss he decided that I should write a post on things i'm looking forward to so here it goes.Bape
Its seems nobody likes Bape anymore. Ignore the fact that every rapper and his weed carrier was wearing it. Ignore the fact 'it sold, ignore the fact that Nigo apparently sold a controlling share amount (its funnny cos i started writing this on 25th january). Ignore it all and just take a look at the clothes their making. Great materials, great designs. Bape are putting their take on classic pieces like the Trench Coat, the Ma-1 jacket, M-65 Jacket, Leather Motorcycle Jackets. Its some pretty dope stuff.
Update: So they sold the 90% of the company shares for just over $2million which is pretty much a bargain. That whole situation is a bit odd. Considering last year they made $60 million Sad times but it will be interesting to see whats going to happen to Mr Bathing Ape, BBC/ICE CREAM, Bape Cafe, and all the other random Bape associated things nigo opened.

Madbury Club

I don't really want to call it an online magazine because a lot of the 'online magazines' currently around are just blogs and I don't want you to have preconception on this epic site so I will just call it something extraordinary delivering great articles and interviews on a wide range on things Clothes, Music, Film, Cars, Food there is even an article on the SNES. Great images,Great Words, Great Editorial Design .

Dels

Dels is a musician. He raps on beats that sound as if they were only available in dreams. I first came across him back in 07/08 when he released a track called 'Line after Line' the beat, the lyrics, the music video it was all very left of centre. This year he is releasing his Debut album Trumpalump, which features production from the likes of Kwes, Sampha, and Joe Goddard so you know he is in good hands. He's got a successful career ahead of him trust me. Oh and no post production went into that video. Things to check: Violina, Shapeshift rmx, and Shapeshift video Ghostpoet

Ghostpoet is another artist who is slightly left of centre, whether you call him a Rapper or a Poet he is a force to be reckoned with. I came across this guy on a blog which was written by Dels, i download his ep 'The Sound Of Stranger' and haven't looked back since. His lyrics are visuals on there own and tell great stories. His take on Tribes classic Electric Relaxation is dope. Things to check: Gone, Love Confusion, actually just download the ep 'The Sound of Strangers'

Reeps One

Extended Monorex family is dope not just for the fact that he can beatbox ‘no diggity ‘ without breaking a sweat but because he’s breaking boundaries on what we consider to be a vocal artform. To take an art that is so vocally based and to try make it visually impacting can be tough but when done correctly can produce something epic. Expect to see some great visuals dropping from him this year. Meanwhile i'll leave you with this video Reeps put up Youtube, dope if you ask me.

Watch The Throne

If all goes well we will be talking about this album in years to come. Jay-z and Kanye West. The Shot-caller who we thought was dead and gone (not literally) but returned with his 14th number 1 album and the dick/genius (as Andy put it) who just released his EPIC fifth album. I thought H.A.M was mediocre . The Baroque sounding samples were dope Lex Lugar did good on that beat, but Jay and Ye sounded Lazy straight up lazy, anyway Thats My B*tch was great, Elly Jackson on the vocals = Dope, Jay-z actually had a line about a art dealer you probably never heard of, it was dope, rappers talking about Art is a funny thing i dunno why......anyway where was i oh yeah this album will be dope. Hopefully if not Ye’s got another album coming out which probably be out late August early september. Things to Check out : Power (remix), That’s my bitch, Diamonds from Sierra Leon (remix)

Peace
Bafic

NYC studio live / work set up

2011-02-03T21:45:00.012Z

Been in USA for a couple of weeks and now that I am settled in Brooklyn (Greenpoint / Bedford) - I thought I should be polite and show you around my new live / work studio...

I am in a good location, next to all the cool bars and restaurants + round the corner is Mishka, Futura HQ, Kaws and more... Nice to have neighbors like that around!

I will be hopping around the USA a little over the next few months - reaching out to LA, Boston and Detroit, so I will keep you posted on my exciting adventures as they unfold.

Your not cool if you ain't got graff outside your front door.. ;)

You gotta love my simple set-up!

Look to the right of this picture and notice my funny but cool "walk thru" shower to get to the toilet

I need my Twinings tea!

Views from the room - Just see Williamsburg bridge creeping in the background.

Monorex is now in NYC!

2011-02-03T21:32:00.004Z

Mr T has left London HQ to travel across the pond and set up on a temporary basis in NYC!

Watch this space for updates on his adventures over in the Big Apple..

Monorex studio "The New Danger" - 07/08

2011-01-15T01:31:00.006Z

I loved this Monorex studio we had back in 07/08 - it was the perfect space and we had a lot of fun in such a short time, filling it up with luxury and quirky items (treadmill, bikes etc).

Because it was soooo open, it naturally set a very relaxed & creative environment - also with all the wall space available, the Monorex boys went to town with fun hand painted ideas at any given chance!

Everytime I look at these photos - it inspires me to get another space like this, and I think 2011/12 could be the time to make another power move like this one...

Photos by Nick Rochowski

www.rochowski.net

www.krop.com/rochowski

The final Monorex house party @ The Mission HQ

2011-01-12T00:23:00.005Z

We dropped a little, eh I mean BIG (70+ people) at London HQ - to celebrate the two years of happy memories here in Shoreditch... "The Mission" has been a huge and important chapter for Monorex growing into the global size it is now.... Long may this continue and I am already excited to see what our next studio will have in store for us!

An old classic Secret Wars battle... Enjoy!

2010-12-15T16:31:00.002Z

New video from an old classic qualifier game a couple of months back...

Secret Wars 2010 SID LEE COLLECIVE Amst./south hamp from Stephan Bontje on Vimeo.

Courtesy of Sid Lee

Monorex x Converse

2010-12-01T05:10:00.001Z

Come Meet Rex travels South

2010-11-29T15:57:00.002Z

Come meeRex travels to the home of Secret wars Q-finalists Southampton as we try and cheer them up after their defeat to Amsterdam. It'll be tough, but we've got the talents of Klose One who's set will be recorded live and packaged up with a feshly designed album cover, which will be designed live on the night and projected onto the wall!!

Exciting stuff I think you'll all agree

All you have to do is remember the following details

Venue - POP BAR, Vernon Walk (Next door to Orange Rooms)
Opening times - 8pm - 2am
Entry - Free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm, £4 after

and last but not least if you're an artist, designer, photographer or an all round talent, then bring your CV along with you on a CD or USB for us to hold on to!

Cut and Paste

2010-11-25T10:50:00.004Z

Here are the pics from the recent Cut and Paste heat in London

Enjoy

Glasgow Road Trip

2010-11-19T02:42:00.010Z

We spent the last few days in Glasgow and got up to all sorts.....

Thought we'd drop yet another little peek at our Converse Project

If anyone is familiar with the local Council in Glasgow - then you'd know about the "Cancelled" logos they stick over every paste up and gig poster around the city.

Thought we'd do them a favour ------> "Councilled"

Another nice little piece done..

Converse x Monorex x Dazed

2010-11-19T02:01:00.002Z

A little taster of what is going on at the moment...

Behind the scenes - Bulmers Berry "An Undergrowth Movement"

2010-11-16T01:29:00.002Z

One of our favourite projects in 2010....

Secret Wars EUROLEAGUE Semi Final 2010 @ Village Underground

2010-11-10T23:46:00.006Z

Sponsored by Casio G-Shock, Edding, Flip Video and Reebok

www.secretwarseuroleague.com

Cut&Paste London

2010-11-05T15:24:00.003Z

Our good friends Cut&Paste are coming to London next week..

Cut&Paste London: November 11^th, 2010

Cut&Paste returns to London for the 2010 tour on November 11^th at the Village Underground (villageunderground.co.uk). The evenings event will begin with live Show&Tell presentations from Cut&Paste partners and follow with the main event. 16 designers will take part in competitions of 2D, 3D and motion design. Winners from each category will win trips to New York in February to take on the world at Global Champs. Local partners for the London show include Develop3D, and Monorex.

Doors open at 19:00; Show starts at 20:00

Village Underground

54 Holywell Lane

Shoreditch, London

Tickets available in advance and with group rate specials at eventbrite.com (http://cutandpastelon2010.eventbrite.com/)

Converse x Monorex

2010-10-20T00:14:00.002+01:00

Collaborating with Converse at the moment on a super HUGE UK campaign, Monorex are hand painting 10+ large 50ft walls and pasting many more over the next few weeks...

Here is a taster below... More to follow!

New paintings up in the yard...

2010-09-28T00:42:00.003+01:00

Over the road from HQ we have slowly adopted a few large but neglected walls - They needed a little love, but after a tickle with a paint brush and a splash of colour - They are good to go!

Introducing Reeps One - For those peeps that somehow don't know?!?

2010-09-28T00:36:00.001+01:00

Umbro x Monorex - The new fabric of England

2010-09-21T12:25:00.012+01:00

Umbro recently challenged Monorex, and asked if we could paint the new pattern on large sides of buildings... But the cool part to the project was that these were not any old buildings, these were actually 4 historic youth football clubs that had produced past and present England players.

Each selected club was also given a generous donation by Umbro for getting involved and they received a huge boost in press and publicity from naturally being attached to the international kit launch.

Whiston FC (Former club of Steven Gerrard)

Wallsend Boys Club (Former club of Alan Shearer, Micheal Carrick, Peter Beardsley, Alan Thompson)

Senrab FC (Former club to John Terry, Ray Wilkins, Sol Campbell)

Clifton FC (Former club of Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant)

Whiston FC

Pattern designed by Peter Saville

Addicts latest Guest Artist range

2010-09-20T17:08:00.004+01:00

When they're not travelling the world painting murals the size of Beyonce's backside, Monorex favourites Disco Teck, Alfa and Jimi Crayon are at home designing fresh looking tees for the general public to buy and wear and look good and feel better about them selves, which is kind of making the world a slightly better place.

The latest Addict Guest Artist range sees a 2nd collaboration with Disco Teck and Jimi Crayon. This is Alfa's first season and already they're proving very popular.

These limited run of tees are set to sell out, so swing by your local Addict stockist or even better click on this link to buy direct Addict

Alfa

Disco Teck

Jimi Crayon

Monorex x Umbro teaser

2010-09-16T16:27:00.002+01:00

After completing a huge and successful campaign with Umbro during the build up to the world cup, we were asked again to create a load of other murals across the country. There's still a few more to be completed, once they're all finished, we'll show them off in all their glory. In the mean time here's a couple of shots from a recent wall

Suzuki x Monorex - Live show at Westfield London

2010-09-16T13:04:00.003+01:00

Monorex were commissioned to paint live at Westfields last month, but this was no normal commission... As Suzuki made advertising history, being the first brand to film, timelapse, live edit and transmit the pictures live to all major railway stations across London..

Test by Bleach

2010-09-15T23:46:00.003+01:00

A little test by the talented Mr Bleach, for a new exciting project dropping this winter....

Wanna tell you more but can't just yet :)

Tokyo Paint Job - Video Edit

2010-09-08T17:21:00.002+01:00

Feast Your eyes on this

Bar Tokyo, Southampton

2010-09-08T15:45:00.002+01:00

Hicks and the rest of the 54 crew were on hand to paint this recent commission in Southampton. The clients wanted to go all out, which was exactly what we wanted.

The bar, named Tokyo had to have an authentic japanese look and feel. This was a huge job, scale wise and we didn't disappoint.

After the exterior was completed, Monorex were commissioned again to do the interior wall. Images coming soon!!

Suzuki Swift x Monorex

2010-09-03T14:05:00.008+01:00

A recent collaboration covering the UK at the moment....

Monorex is making some big moves!

CHU X MONOREX @ DEBUT LONDON

2010-09-02T20:51:00.004+01:00

Alife x Drake x Umbro x Monorex

2010-08-15T02:17:00.005+01:00

The Crystal Pharoah and Alife just dropped a fresh video documenting the Drake gig at the Alife x Umbro pop up store.

Monorex were flown over to paint the large wall in the courtyard - adding every country that featured in the FIFA World Cup 2010... Good fun and a messy trip stateside!

More good projects like this bubbling on that side of the pond, watch this space...

Red Bull Canvas Cooler

2010-08-13T18:47:00.004+01:00

A few weeks ago Alfa, Teck, Riff & Mr Gauky headed down to the Redbull HQ for a day of fridge customisation! Along with 15 other top artists they spent the day painting or illustrating the specially primed chillers.

In the evening the workshop was transformed into a private, exclusive exhibition space packed out with Red Bull contacts, artists and a few other lucky people! The finished fridges were placed on plinths for bar owners to select a fridge of their own; so look out for these in the coolest, trendiest bars around London!

Man City x Monorex

2010-08-02T23:13:00.004+01:00

Monorex recently sent Mr K and Stika on a 3 day mission to Manchester to paint the Man City club shop at the Arndale shopping centre.

The brief was to apply a blueprint style to all the walls and units - quite a tricky task where there was no room for error (as the guys only had one chance with the permanent white edding pens).

Using a super high res projector (not our usual tool) we were able to minimise the chances of any problems - and the guys worked around the clock to get this complete for the opening.

Overall we were super happy with the finish and the client got exactly what they required....

Mono Brow x Courvoisier

2010-07-25T20:56:00.025+01:00

Well well...what a week it has been! Our latest adventure involved us teaming up with Courvoisier to throw a pop up group show as part of the brands 2 week Revolutionary Spirit Festival. Fittingly tilted "Mono Brow" artists- Alfa, Disco Teck, Stika, Chu, Wen, Mr Guaky, Jimi Crayon, and a special appearance by Mr K were given just under 48 hours to transform The Future Gallery into an off the cuff display of art. A sleep over or two and some some seriously annoying problems with a broken lift pod didn't stop the guys from hitting home some amazing work.

To celebrate the Courvoisier Revolutionary Spirit, Monorex turning 6 and just the general end of two days work, we held a bit of a viewing party for 100 guests. AND celebrate we did! After all everyone could indulge in some seriously tasty cocktails courtesy of Courvoisier throughout the night.

Thank you to all that came to view Mono Brow - Fun times were definitely held!

Lastly a big hug & kiss to everyone at Courvoisier for this....you know who you are.

(Photos kindly provided by Natalie Sternberg)

WELCOME TO MONO BROW

The Mono Brow Crew enjoying the gifts...

Mr A. Miss E. and Mr T.

Nike Exposure Custom Trainers!

2010-07-23T12:51:00.005+01:00

Candy Lo & Miss Led were invited to spend the day at an all female event held in London to customise a whole load of brand new Nike Trainers for female journalists! They each spent 15 minutes with the journalists to come up with their designs..these are the results!
[Photographs kindly provided by Exposure]

http://uncandy.co.uk
www.missled.co.uk

Mono Brow Exhibition @ The Future Gallery London

2010-07-13T23:32:00.018+01:00

A showcasing of 7 artists from the Monorex agency books.

Monday 19th July to Thursday 22nd July

Courvoisier presents.....MONO BROW by Monorex

"Courvoisier’s Future Gallery, a secret oasis of space tucked away in the busy streets of central London, opens its doors throughout July to Revolutionary Spirit 2010. Bustling with activity, these fully interactive events offer the chance to experience the latest innovation and development from the front line of business enterprise, the arts, interactive technology, health and pleasure".

As part of this two- week summer festival of revolutionary events, Monorex will be teaming up with Courvoisier to present MONO BROW @ THE FUTURE GALLERY.

For further information and opening times please visit http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138187452866037&ref=ts

Visit http://revolutionary-spirit.com/home

DiscoTeck x Alfa x Volkswagen Camper!

2010-07-08T00:19:00.004+01:00

Disco and Alfa were recently invited over to Sweden to battle in Secret Wars at the Peace and Love festival....

Along the way they met some good people and were asked to paint a few things... Below was one of many of those things! Pow

Monorex at JTP

2010-06-30T12:19:00.002+01:00

John Thompson & Partners specialise in harnessing human energy to create new places and breathe new life into old ones

basically they're a group of really talented architects who recently won the 2010 sustainable buildings award at the City of London Corporation's sustainable City Awards....Congratulations!!!

To celebrate, JTP invited a number of guests, partners and clients to celebrate. We were brought in to introduce some live art for the event. Once again Hicks, who's been really busy recently for Monorex painted this beautiful 6x6 canvas for the guys to eventually hang in their plush offices.

Well done Hicks!!

South Coast gets some Monorex love

2010-06-30T10:59:00.002+01:00

A new style bar in the heart of Bedford Place, Southampton is getting the Monorex treatment. Hicks and the rest of the 54 Crew are working on a Japanese themed bar called Tokyo!!

It's on a huge scale as you can see, so if you're around the area, make sure you swing by and say hi.

Tokyo opens on Thursday 1st July, which means the outside paint work, should almost be finished. We'll have updated pics + a nice little time lapse to show you all very soon

New Era x Iron Man Launch

2010-06-29T13:29:00.003+01:00

Way back when the Iron Man 2 film was launching in the UK, New Era invited Monorex down to add a touch of live art. Alfa was commissioned to paint 2 huge canvases, one of which was done at the store and raffled off to a lucky winner.

It's another great partnership between Monorex and New Era...keep your eyes peeled for future projects

Bulmers Berry Campaign - IRELAND

2010-06-23T23:53:00.038+01:00

Cider me this, cider me that, with apple & pear have some new Berry I dare

For those that have been following our previous posts you might have seen our involvement with Bulmers Berry- the latest addition to the successful cider brand portfolio. Having been involved with the brand on a number of areas we weren't done yet! Adding to this huge project, Monorex teamed up with the brand to work on phase 2 of the Bulmers Berry nationwide outdoor campaign. Having already rolled out throughout the country, we wanted to post the seriously fresh "An Undergrowth Movement" designs that artists Disco Teck and Mick Minogue created. The task of designing the ads for both artists was a slightly simpler role compared to phase 1- which saw both guys hit up 2 massive billboards to deliver hand painted images. Nevertheless, it was great to see the finished designs printed and mounted on billboards and buses around Ireland.

From all of us at Monorex- it was an absolute pleasure and joy working with Bulmers Berry and everyone one inolved from start to finish. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to collaborate on a number of different areas and we wish all the best for the brand. X

* Photos taken by Francesco Taurisano*

Disco Teck

Mick Minogue

Also check out this time lapse of Disco Teck hand painting his image onto a 96 sheet billboard. Big shout to Martyn from StitchThat who shot this fine video.

Alife x Umbro - NYC

2010-06-21T00:54:00.004+01:00

Monorex went on another mission across the Atlantic recently for a special project with Alife x Umbro - The brief was to paint a wall in the back garden of the Alife store with all the competing teams at the FIFA World Cup 2010.

There was also enough time for a holiday, so the guys got stuck in and partied hard at night while rinsing the credit cards dry in the day shopping....

Good times were had and we met some amazing people along the way...

Tailored By England :::: Monorex x Umbro - England 24

2010-06-03T13:34:00.005+01:00

Monorex just finished tiring tour of the country, driving to each of the birth places of the England football players - to paint a wall in honor of them getting selected for this summers World Cup.

It was really really good fun and we have many a story to tell from our journeys in the big white transit vans.

More photos and info to follow but check out the collection below: (It featured on the back page of the Metro today)

-------From Umbro.com

Wherever you’re from has a big influence on who you grow up to be, and as Fabio Capello’s squad flies out to South Africa, we wanted to celebrate this by created a commemorative wall in the hometown of each player. These are the places that the 23 players were tailored by – the leisure centre in Huyton where Steven Gerrard first played, Wayne Rooney’s school, the famous Wallsend Boys Club where Michael Carrick learned his trade – and which made them them the footballers they are today.

We didn’t forget the England manager either. To celebrate the massive role Fabio Capello has played in shaping the England team, we also created a celebratory wall in his hometown of San Canzian D’Isonzo in Italy. All the walls will be on display for two weeks from today, giving you plenty of time to check them out in the flesh. You can see them all in detail over on Flickr, and you can also take a closer look at exactly where the walls are situated over on Umbro.com.

As well as being a celebration of the player who was tailored by this particular town, village or city, each wall also has a great story to tell. David James’ wall in Welwyn Garden City played a key part in his footballing development. ‘I first discovered my passion for football on the streets of my home town,’ James explains. ‘Me and my mates would grab a football and setup a game at any opportunity. I think that is what makes football unique, it is accessible to all and that is why the footballers of tomorrow are just as likely to come from the streets as a top youth academy.’

John Terry’s wall is situated in Barking, close to where England’s 1966 captain Bobby Moore grew up. ‘Barking is where my passion for football started,’ says Terry. ‘Playing on the streets, for my school, district and county, and now representing my country makes me so proud. The area’s got a tradition of producing England players and the legacy of the 1966 team remains strong here. I’m proud this is where it all started for me’.

One of England’s newest internationals, goalkeeper Joe Hart, is equally proud to have his achievement celebrated in his home town. ‘To say I’m tailored in Shrewsbury makes me extremely proud,’ Hart stated. ‘I was born in Shrewsbury, went to school in Shrewsbury and made my professional debut for Shrewsbury Town against Gravesend & Northfleet in 2003. I stand here as an international today due to the upbringing that Shrewsbury provided me with.’

Speaking about how his hometown influenced his playing career, defender Stephen Warnock said, “My childhood in Ormsirk provided me with the perfect basis to learn about football. My first team Rumford Colts were the stepping stone to the Liverpool youth academy, which in turn provided me with the ideal environment to train towards becoming the professional footballer I am today.”

Mr Hicks at Kicks and Canvas

2010-06-02T00:42:00.003+01:00

Here's a couple of snaps from the Kicks and Canvas of Mr Hicks and his landscape mural. Hicks had a couple of hours to paint this, but the really impressive thing about all of this is that I'm using the new apple iPad to post this and it's brilliant!!

Anyway, other artists at the show included insa, inkie and Disco Teck. As well as the wall Hicks also customized a pair of size 15 kicks!!! We'll be posting picks once they come through

Secret Wars x Casio bus hits Brick Lane...

2010-05-25T14:46:00.002+01:00

If you were down Brick Lane or Truman's brewery last weekend then you might of saw the Casio crew driving around the area and parking up for a party...

PREMIERE SCREENING - AN UNDERGROWTH MOVEMENT

2010-05-13T23:32:00.005+01:00

Created by Monorex, DiscoTeck, Reeps One & Stitch That

Monorex x StitchThat x Bulmers x Reeps One

A big secret collabo project went down last month in a dark but creative warehouse in BOW E3... This was a top secret experiment between Bulmers and Monorex and no one knew what it would turn into...

We commissioned StitchThat - those magical, hard working friends of ours to get involved and take this to the next level... Then we added mega mouth Reeps One and threw DiscoTeck in there just to mash it right up...

Andy (Monorex Ireland) drove the car over from Dublin and we were told we had 3 days only to get it in the warehouse, prepped, filmed and then back to Dublin.. BIG challenge! But one the Monorex guys always thrive off!

Each of the 3 days turned into a 15hr shift for the main guys on set, patiently shooting thousands of frames on an SLR camera to obtain and achieve a sick stop motion effect.

Big ups to Bulmers for believing in us and a HUGE hug to all the guys / girls on set that were involved in some shape or form. It was well worth it and we would do another tomorrow...

Some shots of the set:

SECRET WARS WALL UPDATE

2010-05-10T22:18:00.003+01:00

A little update on the slowest wall we have ever done!

CHU and Discoteck added their magic to the top and are now on the home stretch.... One more artist to come and then walla! One sick Secret Wars wall.

Photo by CHU

Secret Wars & Flip Video Online Competition

2010-05-06T14:35:00.002+01:00

Secret Wars and Flip Video are offering you the chance to win a FREE Flip MinoHD - the most stylish Flip to date. It's still just as tiny but now has a bigger screen, brushed metal finish, longer memory, and curvier design.
And if that isn't a big enough insentive we are also throwing in 2 FREE VIP tickets to the Secret Wars Euro League Final!

HOW TO ENTER -
All you have to do is upload your personal Secret Wars inspired video to the facebook group
[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124022670948610#!/group.php?gid=124022670948610&v=info&ref=ts]
All entries will be judged by the Secret Wars & Monorex team to determine who we think should be one of the first to own a New Generation Flip Video!

So get inspired and start uploading!
Winner announced in 3 weeks time

An Undergrowth Movement - Live Painted 96 Sheet Billboards

2010-05-05T00:51:00.011+01:00

Here`s a peek at the new Bulmers Berry outdoor project that we have been working on in Dublin, Ireland.

Disco Teck (Location-Terenure Road North)

Mick Minogue (Location- Glasnevin, Botanic Road)

Showing our man Reeps One some love!

2010-05-04T22:38:00.010+01:00

One of the main Monorex / Secret Wars family members - MR Reeps One.... jamming in Japan!

Funny out takes

Secret Wars EUROLEAGUE T-shirts now on sale!

2010-05-04T12:34:00.001+01:00

Finally the NEW and very fresh Secret Wars EUROLEAGUE t-shirts have gone on sale...

Click the Shop to buy yours now as we only have limited stocks available!!

As worn by team Secret Wars + Artists

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large