City to the Countryside is a compilation of TJ Rosenthal’s observations while on tour with bandmate Joe Zdaa through the now divided states of America. Rosenthal is the lead singer of the NYC band, Monk Tamony and a political radio host. As the band snaked its way from NYC en route to the 2017 SXSW music festival in Austin Texas, One couldn’t help but notice the differing regional viewpoints in a country still reeling and politically torn over the 2016 election. The book’s story culminated with a pit stop at a Motel 6 in Louisville Kentucky on the very day President Trump arrived on Air Force One to thank his supporters at a rally. 

Visual artist Joshua Griffler captured tour scenes from the road and visually interpreted Rosenthal’s observations. Bookmaker Tim Palin put the finishing production touches on the story, helping to bring this rock and roll photo journal to life. City to the Countryside is a glimpse of two different cultures meeting through music at a time of great division and tension across the country.

Songs off of Monk Tamony’s debut EP are available with purchase of the book