Sonos says this exclusive collaboration with "one of the most influential and iconoclastic artists in global music culture," honors the creative spirit of the inventive New York trio. In conjunction with the release of the Beastie Boys Book, Sonos has collaborated with Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, Michael “Mike D” Diamond, and San Francisco-based artist, Barry McGee – on a strictly limited Sonos Play:5 Beastie Boys Edition speaker, with all proceeds going to charity.
"The Sonos mission is to empower the world to listen better, but it is also deeply focused on contributing to culture, enabling access to music, and music education, so proceeds from the collaboration will be given to Peace Sisters and Little Kids Rock in the name of the Adam Yauch Foundation, along with a sizeable product donation," the Sonos announcement states.
“It’s no coincidence that the first song ever played out loud on a Sonos was ‘No Sleep till Brooklyn’. Beastie Boys are a revered and inspirational force in music, with a legacy we are incredibly grateful to support through this exclusive collaboration, celebrating the work and philosophies we respect enormously,” says Brian Beck, Sonos Global Head of Music.
For the design, Barry McGee decided to reference the intricate wordplay and evolutionary identity associated with an ever-changing artist, that spliced genres and shattered boundaries since starting out as a hardcore punk band in 1979. Creating a new, linear typeface for the band, the bold graphic is applied in red to the grille of a monochromatic white Sonos Play:5, creating an abstract, yet striking product."Beastie Boys always adapted their style to each moment, and the albums get better with time. I wanted to use graphics in the same spirit - something abrasive that rewards a closer look. The speaker has a pretty contemporary and clean design, so I used a pattern that disrupts the front of the speaker, but still complements it," McGee said.
The Sonos Play:5 Beastie Boys Edition will debut during Beastie Boys Book: Live & Direct tour that kicks off in New York City on Monday, Oct. 29, with shows in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London, UK. Each night of Beastie Boys Book: Live & Direct tour will feature readings, conversations between Mike D, Ad-Rock, a special “slide show” and more surprises – all with a live score provided by Mix Master Mike – and a brand new Beastie Boys exhibit. Sonos will provide the sound experience at each event, playing a mixtape curated by Ad-Rock and Mike D, but will also give fans at each location the chance to win a special signed version of the speaker.
Written by Ad-Rock and Mike D, with contributions from Amy Poehler, Colson Whitehead, Spike Jonze, Wes Anderson, Luc Sante, and more, the Beastie Boys Book is a panoramic experience that tells the story of Beastie Boys for the first time in the band members’ own words. Alongside Horovitz and Diamond’s personal recollections are an overwhelming assortment of rare photos and original illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a graphic novel, a map of Beastie Boys’ New York, mixtape playlists, and many more surprises.“When I grew up in New York, we’d discover new music anywhere from a DJ in a club, to a boombox in the street or subway, or a taxi driver’s radio — all of which involved leaving the house. These days, with help from Sonos, you can access all the music you want at any time and in the highest fidelity, in your bathrobe and slippers, or your finest silk smoking jacket.” Mike D said. “Whatever you’re wearing, we look forward to hopefully turning you on to our custom-curated playlists—and thanks to Barry McGee, the source of the sounds will look just as sweet.”
Priced at $499 USD, the Sonos Play:5 Beastie Boys Edition will be available December 2018 on sonos.com, at the Sonos flagship store in NYC, as well as select retailers worldwide. The Beastie Boys Book releases on Tuesday, Oct. 30, and pre-order is available at beastieboysbook.com.
sonos.com/beastieboys
