John Mork & Frankie J. Monacella (also known as The Sound Republic) started in 2005 as a collaborative partnership, and as integral players in the so-called second wave of underground house music's New School/Boompty movement, also known by its biggest & most inaccurate misnomer: Jackin' House - along with contemporaries Joey Youngman, Bryan Jones, Chris Grant, and many others.

Citing creative differences, John and Frankie declared an indefinite hiatus for the group in early 2009, and to date both are actively pursuing solo projects and careers.