MANIKIN
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July 7th, 2010
We were a moving target. We rode as far as we could go only to come to a dead end. I could not think of anything else to say and I really did not care. I knew these words you've already heard and it's really not a surprise where all these roads are going. It's hard to fight something that you're a part of- it's like kicking the chair from under you- everyday is a struggle and also a tease. You can almost see through the other side sometimes but also feeling the grip on your neck tightening slowly. The paranoia, a conspiracy? What, are you high? There's no escape here but in death- ceasing to exist. It's like what the Buddha said, "all you need to make a song is a girl and a gun" so we decided to make one.
June 28th, 2010
We just got our European version of our latest album from Mads of Mastermind Records and Cola Freaks. Thanks Mads- it looks great. It has a different cover from our U.S. release.
We are playing with MOTO and Midnight Creeps on our next show at Beerland- thanks for the show Timmy. It's on a Friday night, the 9th of July. It's gonna be a great fun weekend- might as well ask for some days off afterwards. Just to be on the safe side.
June 21st, 2010
It's officially summer but it's been super hot here for over a month now. Our friend Garett invited us to play this Friday with his band, Dead Space, at Beerland. I hope you're not sick of us yet- this is the most we have played in a while. The bill include Palit and The Curses. I know a few people in Palit but never heard of Curses. I'll link their website if I am able to find an address.
Reading the book "A Cultural Dictionary of Punk: 1974-1982" by Nicholas Rombes. Pretty nerdy stuff but pretty cool if you are interested in music/art history. It's not in a linear form so it's easy to read here and there.
June 16th, 2010
We're playing this weekend at Angels party. He's one of our biggest fan here in Austin. The Ape-Shits are playing with us and there's also gonna be ping pong and DJs- latino heat and the gouch
I have been watching too much soccer lately, even walking up early in the morning to see teams I'm excited about. I'm pretty sad the hosting team lost today. I wish they have a free card to the second round- I really hope they win their next game. I am not really going for a particular team but I'm just happy to see so many different people converging together and having so much fun. I can't wait to see South Korea play Argentina tomorrow. I know it seems like everyone has gone world cup mad crazy but it's the biggest party ever and how can you be against parties!
I need a vuvuzela. I love the noise it makes. I just need to incorporate it on one of our songs and that's pretty easy to do. It's probably easy to mimic on a synthesizer but I'm sure like anything else, there's no substitute for the real thing. Anyway, here's a line from one of my favorite band. RIP Robert Quine.
I was sayin let me out of here before I was
even born--it's such a gamble when you get a face
It's fascinatin to observe what the mirror does
but when I dine it's for the wall that I set a placeI belong to the blank generation and
-from "blank generation"
I can take it or leave it each time
I belong to the ______ generation but
I can take it or leave it each time
Richard Hell and the Voidoids
June 6th, 2010
We played Friday at The Scoot Inn. Man it's been awhile since we played there last- thanks to everyone that came out. Our friends Serious Tracers and The Bulemics played with us. We are also lucky enough to be playing Angels birthday party on the 19th of this month. We're playing with the Apeshits and The Ripe, tentatively I suppose. Should be a fun time; and plus, there's gonna be ping pong. I love ping pong.
We're also playing with Dead Space and Palit on the 25th at Beerland- Thanks Garret. I hope to introduce a couple of new songs we're working on for a couple of months now. I know I have been saying this forever but we really do have plenty of songs but have the hardest time writing lyrics-
I know why the caged bird sings
and flaps its tethered wings.
Birds were meant to fly away,
and birds were meant to sing.-from "CAGED BIRD,"
Abbey Lincoln
May 24th, 2010
Chaos in Tejas is just a few days away. Our drummer just got in town tonight from her tour in Europe. We have not practice in almost a month and we are playing a show at End of an Ear the 29th of May with Kim Phuc and Twin Stumps. I also can't wait to see the A-Frames Friday- I have not seen them in years. I am really excited and also overwhelmed by all the happenings in town. What to do, what to do? It's another sleepless weekend and I am hoping for a memorable adventure. Hope you can make it.
May 17th, 2010
We're playing a show at End of an Ear on the 29th of May, Saturday at 4pm. Here's the line up:
We're also playing at the Scoot Inn with our long time friend Toby Marsh of the Open Casket and Serious Tracers on the 4th of June. There's should be another band added. I'll let you know as soon as I am more informed. Have a great summer and stay near trouble.
May 4th, 2010
Introducing Mila Schindler, our bassist new born and only child. I've been meaning to post this actually, sorry it took a little while. We had a crawfish boil last weekend and I just finally got enough Milla time to actually be motivated to get into action.
Alyse flew to Europe today with the Hex Dispensers, her other band, for three weeks. Have a great time guys. We're not playing till she gets back. Our next show is on the 29th of May at End of an Ear. We might be playing with touring bands- I'll try to post more info as I get them........and oh yeah, Happy Birthday Alyse!!!
April 25th, 2010
We're playing a show during Chaos in Tejas. We're playing an in-store at End of an Ear on the 29th of May- thanks Timmy. I still do not know who we're playing with but I'll post it as soon as I find out.
We're playing this coming Thursday at Trailer Space with Horse + Donkey and Criatura. We're playing first so come early. Our show should end around ten so you have plenty of time to make it to the Blue Flamingo Reunion Show at Plush. It should be a really fun night. Friday is not gonna be very productive day.
April 20th, 2010
We finally got a show together. We're playing with one of my favorite band in Austin, Horse + Donkey, and the up and coming Criaturas. It's gonna be our last show before Alyse heads for Europe with the Hex Dispensers. I really hope we can be productive during the break. We're still waiting on the release of our last album in Europe. Madds has been very busy and had little bit of bad luck. Anyway, I think it should come out soon.
We have a couple of new songs to try out. I hope I can write the lyrics before then. Come out if you can. It should be super punk rock.
April 11th, 2010
There was a Musical Lottery League held at Red 7 last night. I was actually one of the members. The premise for the league was to get musicians into a practice space for about 5-8 hours during the day and write songs, then play their set the same night. It's an awesome idea and plus you'll get a chance to play with other musicians you probably will never have a chance to play with. We named our band Vacation Bible School- we found the name on the shirt I was wearing during the lottery pick which was held the night before the show. My band mates were Nick Yaklin from Ripe, Ian McDougal from The Riverboat Gamblers, and Brandon Crowe from Cause for Applause. We came up with eight songs but withdrew one. We also had a CCR cover but opted for The Replacements "Can't Hardly Wait". Fun times- can't wait till next year.
Nick did not make it to the lottery when this photo was taken.
March 23, 2010
SXSW was awesome. After seing so many bands, I am actually not exhausted but more eager to make music. I doubt were practicing this week but there's still lots of work that could be done individually. We do not have any shows coming up, our bass player is having a baby soon and we've alotted a few weeks for the new family member to arrive. Hopefully we can start playing again late April, but maybe it could be May till play out again. We'll try to have a couple of new songs by then. Take care and good nite.
March 7th, 2010
We got a show thank god. We're playing Creekside Lounge Saturday afternoon around 3:45pm I think. We're playing with The Lost Controls, Turbo Fruits, and Occult Detective Club, Black Panda, This Moment in Black History and others. We've never played there before but it should be pretty cool.
We're excited to play this weekend with Serious Tracers, Lenguas Largas, and Ghost Knife at Emos- just love that Emo's sound system. It's only free if you have a SXSW Interactive and Film badge, otherwise it should be around six dollars- Lenguas Largas are from Tucson. Give them a listen- they make some pretty interesting sounds and great melodies. Can't wait to see them play. See you then.
March 2nd, 2010
Our show on the 20th of March fell through- we might be stuck playing the only show we have during south by. Anyway, let us know if you have an opening Saturday. Here's the flyer we've made for our Wednesday showcase.
February 21st, 2010
We just added a new show next month. We're playing at Emo's on Saturday, the 13th of March, with Woven Bones. I'm still not certain who else is on the bill but I'm pretty sure it should be worth attending- I'll post more information soon.
Our bass player is having a baby really soon, around early April. Congratulation Bj and Tina. There might just be a song called Mila.
Here's the line up for our Wednesday night show at Beerland during SXSW, the Super Secret/Mortville showcase:
And just for your information, The Muffs, The Spits, Woven Bones, Cruddy and more are playing Beerland BEFORE our show, Beerlands free day show. If you're free, you might as well hang out all day. You can check out more NON SXSW shows at Austin Showlist.
We had a little write up on The Deli's Austin Chapter. It's a quick read but it might be at the end of the page by now. Thanks London.
February 15th, 2010
I made a mistake earlier. Our show during SXSW is on a Saturday the 20th of March and NOT Friday. Again we are playing Beerland Wednesday night and Saturday night during SXSW and both are non-sxsw show- that means you do not need a wrist band to see us or pay an enormous amount of money. I am hoping our friends from Brooklyn, the Peace Killers, can join us on our Saturday bill. Anyway, can't wait to play out the new songs.
I just read this article about this Artist Ensemble (Okay Mountain) here in Austin and I would like share it with you. Here's the link. Anyway, they made installations for Pulse Art in Miami and then Texas State University in San Marcus. Read it, it's short and inspiring. These guys are so awesome!
February 8th, 2010
Paul and Baldomero of Kingdom of Suicide Lovers
Last week was the longest ever. There was so much things going on. Three days of Rock and Roll for the Casual Victim Pile record release at Beerland and of course Super Bowl Sunday. Needless to say I'm still un-nerved by all the events but I am very happy New Orleans came on top of their game against the Colts.
We secured a second show during SXSW at a friends party in the east side of town Friday night- I can't believe it's only a month away. Anyway, I really hope you can experience SXSW this year since it seems like it shapping up to be a good fun.
We're playing this Saturday at the Parlor. Come join us. I promise you a slice of pizza and a heart shaped love song earache.
January 30th, 2010
I just posted a few songs we've recorded at WFMU and a show we played at the Scoot Inn. You can download them for free here or just go to the media link and chose music. I hope that you'll enjoy the difference of a live recording.
Our next show is at the Parlor with Acid Reflux, Hex Dispencers and The Altars. It's gonna be tight, tight, tight. I really hope the weather will be a bit cooler then. Anyway, I just made this flyer for the show- see you then.
January 22nd, 2010
Something definitely changed. This water taste different. It's a lot warmer, it has a foul smell and a yellow tinge to it. How can the Supreme Court have voted the way they did last Thursday on the Campaign Finance Reform? Ithought they suppose to keep corruption out of politics. I thought they were public servants- to serve the majority of the people. What happened? Were all fucked man. Read more here.
I do not wanna go through loopholes to fix the problem. Is there anyway we can change their mind or get rid of these people who voted for it? It is just apparent they are not on the peoples side.
The Corporations made a move. They know their time is nearing if they do not. Theres no time for complacency, we need to press on.
January 19th, 2009
Our next show is at the Parlor near our home in Austin. We're playing with the Hex Dispensers and Acid Reflux. Our friend Tim Hefner booked the show- he is also responsible for organizing the Chaos in Tejas Fest late in May. It's a free show and it should be a great time.
SXSW is quickly approaching. We are scheduled to play our annual show at Beerland for the Super Secret Records showcase on Wednesday, the 17th of March. We are also playing Obsolete Studio, our good friend Billy Bishop's screen printing studio, with the Terrible Twos and Ratas Del Vaticano either Friday the 19th or Saturday, the 20th of March. I'll try to post any schedule change or any relevant detail worth mentioning.
Still our prayers goes the brave souls in Haiti. A friend of mine was in Haiti during the Earthquake. Coincidentally, he's a freelance journalist. Here's a link to his web blog: mediahacker.org. If you wanna know what is realy going on in Haiti, this a great place to read about it. Thanks Ansel and safe travels.
Shaul Schwarz / Reportage via Getty Images for TIME
Here's a link to charities you can donate to: Charity Navigator.
January 14th, 2010
It's been a devastating week. Too much suffering. I do not wanna be negative but sometimes I just wanna kick people in the face for the things they say. I really should stop watching the television. Here's a link to a list of charities you can donate to. Hope you can find a few dollars to help. Thanks and have a great weekend
January 5th, 2010
We have some new songs we're working on but as usual can't find the words- jazz words- they come and go but seem too elusive to actually meet the paper. Stupid words.
December 12th, 2009
You can download our WFMU recording for free. Here's the link: Manikin Live WFMU. Remember to tune in to Evan Davies show every Tuesday night at 11pm on WFMU- it's a great place to find new music or rediscover old ones if you're into that stuff.
We're playing Emos free week on the 2nd of January with the Ape-Shits, Ghost Knife, Serious Tracers and the Vitamins. It's gonna be a long New Year weekend- here's the flyer we're working on. It should be done pretty soon.
December 10th, 2009
Man, it's fuckin cold here in Austin. I hope the cold remains till this weekend when we play Club 1808. It's our last show of the year. This is the first flyer I made that illustrates the band. It was fun making it- Hope you like it.
We're also organizing a carolling pose. No need to play music, just sing and clap your hands. Happy holidays guys and give love.
December 2nd, 2009
Here's a photo inside the WFMU studio. Evan took this photo from the control room. They also just posted our live recording on their website- it should be available on their achive in a few days, the downloadable version. Check it out if you still have not heard it- listen to the whole show. Here's the link: Manikin Live WFMU. Many thanks to Evan Davies and WFMU.
November 29th, 2009
Our recording on WFMU will air December 1st on Evan Davies show, 11pm - 2am eastern standard time- I guess that will be 10pm central time and three hours before if you're living in the west coast. I can't wait to hear it. We're also playing our next show at Club 1808 with Literature, Diagonals and Horse + Donkey on the 11th of December. It should be our last show of the year. Hope you guys had a great turkey weekend.
Nov. 22nd. 2009
We were pissing in the rain Thursday night in New York Brooklyn New York. I woke up with the worst hangover while BJ maintained his normal everyday routine- I hate you BJ. We were already running late and we needed to bring our equipment to the Chelsea Hotel before Alyse gets there from the Airport. We were planning for a perfect evening, including an opening at the MoMA for Tim Burtons exhibit but Bill was still stuck at the bar with his brother in law. We were all dreamers- there's nothing free in this city. We brought our guitars and pedals through the subway- my arms were touching the floor when we got to the Club.
I still had to meet my sister but my phone died- it pretty much ODeed on too much texting the night before but I had enough smart to save her number on someone else's device. I ate some chicken wings at Verlaines (not tom verlaine) with some New York strangers my sister introduced me to. The show started at 9:15 and flew like the wind. I was happy to see some old friends and acquaintances. Austin took over the Cake Shop for a brief moment and then gone. I really hope we did not waste their time cuz we had a blast playing. Thanks so much.
Thanks to all the bands we played with. Special thanks to Tom Hyman and the Imaginary Icons, Evan Davies of WFMU, Foster Care for lending us their equipment our second nignt, Pop 1280 for their generosity.
November 14th, 2009
We leave for NYC soon. Can't wait to see my sister and friends. It's our first time playing there and I am really excited to play where VU, NY Dolls, the Ramones, Television, The Voidoids, Teenage Jesus, and so many of our favorite artist have formed and evolved. We're playing Friday the 20th at the Cake Shop with Imaginary Icons, and (((Microwaves))) and at the Bruar Falls in Brooklyn Saturday with Foster Care. It's been too long, hope to see you.
We had a great time at the Austinist pre fun fun fun showcase at the Mohawk- the fest itself was awesome this year even though it almost rained the whole day Sunday. The Forgetters was also great at Red 7 that evening. Still a little bit in a haze afterwards but there's no time for rest, the East Austin Studio Tour started this weekend and there's so much inspiration to be absorbed. The art performance that started at Rio Rita, to Birds Barber Shop, to some drainage ditch off 5th and ended at the Shan-gri La just reminded my why I live here In Austin. Keep Austin Awesome!
November 1st, 2009
underground, collecting, conspiring, arranging the third movement. It's not your rock and roll, it's not fashion, it's something living like a ghost- indistinguishable, vague and ironic.
Bill at the Waterloo party.
October 27th, 2009
A little change in plans- we're playing the Cake Shop Friday, the 20th of November with the Imaginary Icons and Microwaves (Pitts). We're also playing Bruar Falls in Brooklyn Saturday, the 21st with Foster Care. We have a couple more shows here in Austin before we leave so buy some of our stuff to help us with our trip hehehehaaa- we have not been playing any paying gigs. Asking for money sucks.
October 14th, 2009
We finally secured a show with Imaginary Icons Saturday and now just waiting on a Friday show. Can't wait to get out of this place. It's been so humid here lately and seems like Mr. Sunshine took a holiday and disappeared for his two week vacation. Please come back, I swear not to curse your presence again.
We're playing at the Parlor with Serious Tracers at the end of the month and at the Mohawk a week after. Hope you can join us.
October 1st, 2009
Our show with Cruddy at Sound on Sound was awesome. Thanks for letting us play your show and hope you guys have a great tour.
We're playing a free show at the Mohawk on November 6th- it's the Fun Fun Fun fest weekend. The show is hosted and arranged by Austinist, a local webzine featuring local news and culture about Austin. For more information about the show or for the full schedule, go to their site. We're playing the big stage early, scary I know. Hope you guys can make it.
Our friends in New York, Imaginary Icons and Golden Triangle, are trying to get us a show for our quick visit up there in mid November, the 19th - 21st; we're also playing WFMU in New Jersey. Can't wait to travel- get us out of Austin please. Thanks Ruthy for your efforts. See you at Fun Fun Fun.
September 21st, 2009
We're playing a show this coming Wednesday at Sound on Sound with Cruddy and Dated. It's Cruddy's tour kick off show so better buy some of their merch to help them out a little bit. It starts early in the evening, around 6:30ish. We'll also have our CD version of Stop the Sirens. See you guys then.
September 7th, 2009
We're playing the Super Secret Records showcase at Red 7 this coming weekend, the 11th of September. It's free and there should be some free food also. I think there's only three bands: the Ape-Shits, The Tunnels and Manikin. See you at the show.
Our friend Paul Streckfus recorded us during our show at the Scoot Inn last Saturday. He also plays in Kingdom of Suicide Lovers. Here's the link to our last set. Manikin at Scoot. Thanks a lot Paul.
September 4th, 2009
So we're shooting for the 19th til the 22nd of November to visit New York City. I am really excited if we can make it through. Still workingout the details. I'll try to keep this website as current as I can. Thanks for your interest.
August 31st, 2009
Here's the line up for our show this weekend at the Scoot Inn.
There's an ArtShow at the Trailer Space Records before hand with Cruddy and Al G. playing. It's starts at 6PM and ends around 9ish. I think I'm gonna paint a sexy mushtache on everyone. It should be a great time with free beer.
August 24th, 2009
Our next show is at the Scoot Inn on the fifth of September and a week later at RED 7, the Super Secret Records showcase. The line up is still on the works but I'll try to make a flyer as soon as it's confirmed. Hope you can make it. Anyway, I'm still hoping to record before the years over. Hopefully we can manage to do this between our tight schedule.
Still working on our new refined website. Hope to finish soon.
August 18th, 2009
Our CD version of "Stop the Sirens" should be out soon. We just sent it to the press and it should be here in a couple of weeks. We also have a show at RED 7 with The Tunnels and The Ape-Shits. It's some sort of Super Secret Records showcase on the 11th of September- featuring Super Secret artists. Hope you guys can make it.
We might go to the north east. We still have to iron things out with our contacts but we might be playing a few show around New York- get us a show in your town.....
We're also re-designing our site. It should be better- we're sticking to a simple composition. Hope you'll like it. I should have some new content soon.
July 18th, 2009
Disecting Manikin's Gang Mentality
by Audra Schroeder
The humidity inside Sound on Sound is breathing down our necks this Friday night, invading personal space and stepping on toes. It's understandable. Summer in Austin brings out the more primal instincts in us all. Half the dead punks on the wall here would agree.
Manikin's set starts with a beat – the opening notes to "Beat It," to be exact. It's the day after Michael Jackson's death, and everyone packed in the small North Loop record shop for Manikin's LP release nods and lifts beers in approval. Then drummer Alyse Mervosh subtly changes tempo, and the local quartet shifts from goofing off to straightening up. Suddenly, the oppressive sweat and curious smells inside the store become less of an annoyance than a salve.
Like forefathers Wire and PiL, Manikin is one of those bands that's really good at sounding like itself, something that's evolved through the 5-year-old quartet sculpting and resculpting its sound. There's no experimentation beyond its three-minute marches, no wanky solos or rock & roll posturing. Manikin songs are concise in the punk rock tradition and restrained in their execution.
See the whole story here.
photo by John Anderson
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