Episode 185: Corey Bonnevie: Building Sound, Community, and Space at Monopolized Records

Some people don’t just participate in a music scene …they hold it together.
Corey Bonnevie is one of those people.

An OG Strange Grooves crew member, Corey is the owner and operator of Monopolized Records in Saint John, New Brunswick, and a true connector in the music industry. For years, he’s been quietly (and consistently) doing the work: supporting artists, building opportunities, curating sound, and showing up when it matters.

Now, with a dedicated Monopolized Records studio space, Corey is expanding what’s possible for artists of all calibres. This space isn’t just about recording , it’s about accessibility, intention, and creating environments where artists can do their best work. Whether it’s how a show sounds in a room or how a performance is captured in the studio, Corey’s attention to detail is unmatched.

His resume speaks for itself. Corey is such a force for connecting people through music. Long before Monopolized Records became what it is today, Corey was a cornerstone at Backstreet Records for over a decade, and that space for people like Cherise and I became extra special because he was in it. Corey helped countless people discover new music, dig deeper into what they already loved, and connect dots they didn’t even know existed. Beyond the shop floor, he was constantly sourcing the right people to help projects come together, quietly making introductions that turned ideas into reality. And he still is today.

That consistency matters. Being a friendly, trusted face year after year builds community in ways algorithms never will. Building a real ecosystem of resources and then sharing them is so baller and Corey is such a solid human being.

And projects like Quality Block Party to The Greville Tapes Music Sessions with Peter Rowan, working sound, playing all over the world in his bands, Corey has been behind some truly special projects and bands over the years. But what stands out most isn’t just what he’s done, honestly it’s how he does it. He’s thoughtful. He listens. He cares deeply about sound, people, and process. AND IT SHOWS!!!

Corey is also incredibly humble about his talents …which is why we’re happy to say it out loud: he’s a phenomenal musician, a skilled producer, and an all-around decent fella. Anyone who has worked with him knows his work ethic, his generosity, and his willingness to go above and beyond for the artists and collaborators he believes in. Whether it’s helping plan an epic tour, event, new vinyl for a new band, Corey always shows up with the kind of give a shit attitude we just don’t see that often anymore.

Another thing we love? His annual end-of-year holiday weekend party. Every year, Corey pulls together killer bands, local vendors, fun MCs, and a provides a real sense of celebration and community. It’s not flashy for the sake of it , it’s thoughtful, well-curated, and rooted in genuine care for the scene. That kind of consistency is rare, and it matters. Go over to Instagram now and get your tickets. https://www.instagram.com/monopolizedrecords/?hl=en

In this episode, we sit down with Corey to talk about how the last few years have evolved, how the Monopolized Records studio came to life, and what’s on the horizon including pressing more vinyl and working with even more bands. It’s an honest, refreshing conversation with someone who truly walks the walk.

If you care about music, community, and people who do things the right way, this one’s for you. Fun fact we actually had to re- record this episode and in the words of Bob Ross, a Happy accident happened. Were so stoked to get this time with Corey and hope you enjoy the interview.

Want to hear an older episode with Corey? We got you. https://www.strangegrooves.com/episodes/volume-71-corey-bonnevie-monopolized-records