Manimalhouse, the band behind the Plant It Portland! song
If you haven’t heard the band Manimalhouse, you’ve missed a great experience. Manimalhouse recorded Friends of Trees’ Plant It Portland! song, which was broadcast on KINK and 94/7 FM earlier this fall.
The Plant It Portland! song makes you want to clap your hands and tap your feet, but the nine-member band usually plays a different kind of music. Check out this music video of “Comet” from the band’s new CD, Body Rock.
Lead singer and percussionist Brody Lowe describes the band’s music as “rooted in classic funk, New Orleans funk, soul and even some hip hop.” The band’s music, Lowe says, helps you “forget your troubles and dance, vibe, and enjoy life with some people who truly believe the world is a better place when good funk music is being played.”
The other eight members of Manimalhouse are:
Mark Blanding – drums
Brian Fitzsimmons – trumpet
Dan Lee – guitar
Reyna Mallare – vocals
Reid Neuman – saxophone
Mac Potts – keys, sax, vocals
Jon Ramm-Gramenz – trombone
Jeff Tummond – bass
Friends of Trees is grateful to Manimalhouse for all the time and talent it contributed to recording our Plant It Portland! song.
Here are lead singer Brody Lowe’s answers to a few questions from Friends of Trees:
How many people helped make the Plant It Portland! song?
All nine Manimals, at least three folks from Frank Creative [the marketing firm that made Plant It Portland! a reality], and the generosity of those at Friends of Trees to allow us to have as much fun as we did!
How long did it take?
It didn’t take very long actually. There were a few afternoons working with the people at Frank Creative to make the lyrics and a couple nights with Manimalhouse to create the music. Then it was one day in the studio to record and mix.
What was the most challenging part about creating it?
I guess the most challenging part came when we had to record. It’s a bit of a herculean effort to attempt to record, edit and mix a song all in one day. By the end of the day, some of us were going a little delirious. Our engineer, Jeff Tummond, is a hero.
What led you to do this for Friends of Trees?
Well, I’m actually a partner in a graphic design firm called Stump’d Design, along with my friend Sarah Gensert. We worked with Frank Creative on the artwork for the whole Plant It Portland! campaign.
How long has Manimalhouse been performing together?
The band Manimalhouse has been together since 2006. We’ve had a few changes in the lineup of the band as well as a change in the band’s name.
Manimalhouse’s new album is Body Rock. It would make a great holiday gift.
Manimalhouse’s next performance is on January 6 at Dante’s, 1 SW Third Street, Portland, with Kimosabe and Notes from the Underground. What a great way to start the new year!
–TR