Ears Wide Open: Mind Monogram

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Mind Monogram (Photo by Seth Brady Halko)
Mind Monogram (Photo by Seth Brady Halko)

By Juan Gutierrez

What started as a solo project quickly became something more. Mind Monogram is the creation of singer-guitarist Edgar A. Ruiz. Based in L.A, Ruiz wrote and recorded the band’s first EP “Moments in Time” by himself. Eventually, Mind Monogram became a full-fledged band that now includes Christian Caro (guitar), Bryan Mejia (drums) and Billy Azurdia (bass). They recently premiered two new singles, an experimental psych gem “Dark Matter Theory” and the mind-bending “Hedberg,” which is off their upcoming LP “Ivory Hall” (due Jan. 26).

The title “Hedberg” is a nod to one of Ruiz’s favorite Mitch Hedberg jokes, Ruiz says: “You know, I’m sick of following my dreams, man. I’m just going to ask where they’re going and hook up with ’em later.” Their nod to the late comedian is indicative of their cerebral, deconstructed sound. “We’re fans of Mitch Hedberg and we relate to him in many different ways,” says Ruiz. “His comedy has always been hit or miss for audiences, but when he locked in a crowd he would absolutely crush it and take you on a little trip inside the mind of Hedberg.”

If these two singles are any indication of the album, this upcoming record will definitely be a trip into the mind of Mind Monogram.

||| Stream: “Hedberg” and “Dark Matter Theory”