Billboard

The Los Angeles based quartet Manic want to do things on their own terms and to be the masters of their own destiny.

"We are believers in the idea that the only way you can grow as a band is to play shows and work hard, as opposed to trying to write a hit single," says guitarist/keyboardist Zane Smythe. "We want to make a good record that we love; not radio singles. If things don't work out, at least we will have made records that we are proud of. We want to make quality music, as opposed to a product that will appeal to the masses. We know that the people we do appeal to will be into it on a deep level." Clearly, Manic know what they want, in terms of their business and their art, and they've found a way to balance the two.

"We had no inclination to sign with a major label," says Smythe of their deal with Suretone, new label of ex-Geffen prez Jordan Schur. "We recorded a demo that was essentially the Floorboards EP." The five-track EP in question ended up landing in Schur's hands who quickly approached the band with an offer. "We wanted a deal where we could excercise creative freedom and do what we wanted. He said yes to everything we asked for, so we couldn't turn him down," Smythe says.

Rare is the case where a band dictates its own terms to a label courting it for a record deal, but Manic, featuring vocalist Paul Gross, guitarist/keyboardist Zane Smythe, drummer Ryan Green and bassist Nate Perry, is a rare band in many facets. The band formed in 2002, are actually native to L.A. and didn't go there from somewhere else seeking success like so many bands do. "There is so much going on," Smythe says about the L.A. scene. "It's over-ridden with bands, and inherently, it makes people care less and more fickle. We're just trying to set ourselves apart with our songs and with how we present them live."

"We are a fairly tech-heavy band," Smythe says, shedding light on the band's sound. "We use a lot of gear. Keyboards, pedals, laptop, guitar & vocal effects, etc, so the music is on the technical side. We're big fans of music that has depth and texture but we also want to be able to replicate our recordings live. When we record, we throw everything into the pot and start reducing, and what's left is what we play live. We think we do a pretty good job at accurately representing ourselves in a live setting."

Following a two month NME Tour throughout the U.K., a handful of shows at SXSW 07' and extensive regional touring in support of their debut EP 'Floorboards', Manic headed back into the studio in the spring of 07' to begin work on their second EP 'Another New Home', which is due out 7-24-07 on Suretone/Interscope Records.

For more info go to manicband.net

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Manic LP for FREE Feb 26

So we decided to give our newest LP away for free because we think it's worth it, and who turns down something that is free anyway?? I guess we'll find out. If you want this LP consisting of 14 soli...

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Discography - see all 3

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  Another New Home

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  Remixes

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  Floorboards EP