Monocle on Culture
Robert Bound and guests explore what’s new in art, film, books, and media. Expect lively discussions, in-depth interviews, and expert insights.
Latest Episodes
The Sessions at Midori House: One True Pairing
Former Wild Beasts bassist Tom Fleming has launched a solo career under the name One True Pairing, taken from a fan-fiction title. He plays some tracks in the studio and tells us about his debut album, which he describes as his “angry, northern Springsteen record”.
Autumn preview
Notebooks at the ready: we give you the TV shows, albums and exhibitions that should be on your radar this autumn. Georgie Rogers, Peter White and Francesca Gavin offer their expert tips.
‘Succession’
Robert Bound is joined by Tim Robey and Scott Bryan to discuss ‘Succession’, the HBO dark comedy about media tycoons the Roy family.
The Sessions at Midori House: Amadou & Mariam and the Blind Boys of Alabama
US gospel choir the Blind Boys of Alabama have joined forces with Malian duo Amadou & Mariam in a project called ‘From Bamako to Birmingham’. They each play a track of their own plus their collaboration in the studio.
‘The Souvenir’
‘The Souvenir’ is the fourth film by British director Joanna Hogg. It stars Honor Swinton-Byrne in her first acting role and is based on the film-maker’s time as a student. Robert Bound sits down with film critics Simran Hans and Anna Smith to discuss.
‘The Offing’ by Benjamin Myers
Robert Bound, John Mitchinson and Susannah Butter crack the spine of ‘The Offing’, the new novel by Benjamin Myers, whose last book ‘The Gallows Pole’ was a big hit.
‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’
Last week saw the UK release of what is supposedly Quentin Tarantino’s penultimate film: ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Robert Bound, Simran Hans and Tim Robey discuss the counter-culture, cowboys and controversies surrounding it.
Olafur Eliasson at the Tate Modern
We review Olafur Eliasson’s show ‘In Real Life’ – an immersive retrospective of the artist’s career to date. Tom Edwards is joined by Francesca Gavin and Jane Morris to discuss what’s behind the smoke and mirrors.
‘Old Town Road’
We take a deep dive into Lil Nas X’s US record-breaking number-one single, “Old Town Road”. Baylen Leonard and Leonie Cooper join Robert Bound to discuss genre, sexuality, remixes and what it takes to make a hit song.
‘Queer Eye’
We assess how ‘Queer Eye’ has transformed the makeover genre – and what it has done for queer TV in general. Ben Rylan is joined by critics Scott Bryan and Toby Earle, who also offer tips on the shows to stream now.
