This Ain’t a Scene: Eli Chartkoff

This Ain’t a Scene: Eli Chartkoff of The Monolators

Eli Chartkoff (with his wife Mary, who plays drums) formed The Monolators close to eight years ago and have self released an impressive array of singles, EPs, and LPs. Their music and performances are often filled with humor and consistently strike me as fiercely independent, though their D.I.Y. aesthetic hasn’t at all decreased the quality of their work; in fact, I’d argue, that it’s clearly increased the quality of their efforts as they end up pouring so much time and energy into everything they do. Though they may not have the highest, local profile, their reputation in the Silverlake scene as being friendly and helpful is unparalleled (it’s not uncommon to see bands silk-screening t-shirts in Eli and Mary’s garage before a tour or record release). Amongst dozens of bands struggling to find their place, The Monolators play a key and pivotal role, bringing people together and helping to make the scene more than just a collection of bands and venues, but a place of meaning worthwhile in it’s own right.

I sat down with Eli in his home in Eagle Rock in October of 2009.

Check out my photos and interview with Eli Chartkoff here.