Monsters of Folk Members, Gear & Sound
Jim James, Conor Oberst, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis
Members
Select a Monsters of Folk band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Monsters of Folk is an indie folk supergroup that blends the talents of Conor Oberst (vocals, guitar), Mike Mogis (multi-instrumentalist, production), M. Ward (vocals, guitar), and Jim James (vocals, guitar, multi-instrumentalist). Formed in 2004, the group emerged from the collaborative spirit of these musicians, who are known for their work in Bright Eyes, She & Him, and My Morning Jacket, respectively. Monsters of Folk crafts a sound that traverses indie folk, stomp and holler, and alt-country, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and melodic craftsmanship.
How to Sound Like Monsters of Folk
The sonic character of Monsters of Folk is marked by a warm, organic feel, achieved through the interplay of diverse guitar textures and vocal harmonies. Their music balances melodic richness with rhythmic drive, often incorporating the raw, expressive tones of guitars like the Gibson ES-335 used by Jim James. The use of effects like the Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive by M. Ward adds a touch of grit, enhancing the emotional depth of their sound. Amplifiers and effects pedals anchor their compositions with a vintage warmth and dynamic range, allowing each member's unique style to shine through in their collaborative pieces.
Discography
Get the Monsters of Folk Sound
Want to sound like Monsters of Folk? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.