Japanese twin DJ and production duo Monochrome will release their new single “Monk” on October 2 via FANKEE, a community-focused music label. The track fuses traditional Japanese Buddhist chanting with melodic techno and progressive house elements, marking a turn toward the duo’s own cultural heritage after several years of performing across Asia and internationally.
According to the announcement, Monochrome will donate 20% of proceeds from “Monk” to Japan’s Sumadera Temple, a nod to the spiritual tradition that inspired the record. The duo describe the release as a personal exploration of identity and heritage rather than simply an exercise in incorporating cultural motifs into dance music.
Monochrome have built a global festival footprint in recent years, with credited appearances at events including UNTOLD Festival, Ultra Music Festival, Zamna and Sunburn Festival. “Monk” arrives via FANKEE, a label that says it is built around deeper fan participation in an artist’s growth, distinct from traditional streaming and algorithm-driven promotion models.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Valentina Vistoli, valentinavistoli.com.