We were super fortunate to have a virtual sitdown with Brian Crabtree, one of the minds behind monome, a company who’s little products are making a big impact….especially in the music world. Along with associate Kelli Cain, Brian’s mission is to “refine the way people consider interface.”
….And they do a darn good job at it too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYv5jqHMe5c&feature=player_embedded
Check out the interview after the jump!
1. First of all, thanks for spending a few minutes with us today. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself….who are you, where are you located, and how did you originally come up with the idea for your first device?
kelli and i have a farm in upstate new york. monome is almost five years old now, and it’s still just us running the whole thing. we’ve intentionally kept production at a small scale, not trying to grow the operation. the device has a small niche market, though that community is terrifically active.
the idea came quickly after learning to program my own audio software– i needed a physical surface which was similarly adaptable. the most minimal solution ended up being the best and most versatile.
2. Tell me a little bit about the culture & community of people that have surrounded these devices. How do you help explain the deeper meaning behind “a grid of button lights”?
various applications continue to be created given the grid is open-ended without specific purpose. a supportive community has come together as a result– people sharing knowledge, solutions, and code. the device continues to grow as the community grows and changes.
so far there have been over a dozen community-organized album releases, benefit albums, numerous city meetups, and a national/international monome-user relay tour. it’s been amazing to see so many people come together.
3. The newer models seem to sell out within a matter of minutes….! And you see everyone from hobbyists (myself) to mainstream artists (Imogen heap) use them and actively develop new ideas for software. Did you ever think it would get this big?
definitely not expected, though mind you it’s not so big that we can’t manage it.
4. It’s almost unmistakeable that you are an advocate of not only producing a great product & open-source development, but in leaving little-no footprint / wasted energy behind in the process. Speak to that for a little bit.
we use renewable/recyclable materials as much as possible, reduce waste, and most importantly source materials locally and use local manufacturers and shops. we’re deeply invested in our local economy.
5. It looks like your last round of devices sold out in December! Besides fostering an incredibly active community….What’s next for you guys?
we’ve just released photos of our new device, and more details are on the way. besides monome, we’re excited to focus more on farming. apple orchards do require some patience.
James Brooks says
I LOVE this! I want one!