Robert Bound
The next best thing
In the Netherlands’ crowded newspaper market, new daily NRC Next has found an untapped readership with its wit, analysis and opinion. Could this be the new role model for the European press?
Culture
Named after their frontman, Patrick Watson are a new band from Montréal. Their excellent debut, Close To Paradise, features wintery pianos, oompah marching bands and a Jeff Buckley falsetto.
Battle of Flanders
Monocle meets Christian Van Thillo, CEO of De Persgroep, a powerful Belgian media empire that understands its market’s every desire. He took the helm fresh out of college and built a powerhouse.
Mountain high
Music festivals are big business in Japan, but the one that started the boom is still the best: Fuji Rock. We head to the countryside to meet the world’s best-behaved music freaks.
Culture
Offbeat literary recommendations; Monocle music for September; rocking' in Iran and T-shirt devotees get their own glossy title.
Citizen clean
We profile Michael Ringier, the fifth-generation head of the Swiss media empire. Since 1991, he has expanded Ringier AG into eastern Europe and the Far East, launching its first free evening paper in Switzerland.
Culture
Trim tomes for your travels, Sónar sounds and our pick of Monocle music for the summer.
Korea Moves
South Korea is a laboratory for the future, mixing pop culture with business and blurring lines between bands and brands. Thanks to its lightning-fast wireless, is this the media model of tomorrow?
