Dr Mann's Psychedelic Country Sound
Dr Mann is the solo project from Sunshine Coast based artist Danny Mann and his first single, ‘Stubborn Mule’ has a beautifully cosmic psychedelic country sound and is lyrically a song in which most of us can relate to, with up front and honest lyrics about coming to terms and the realisation of being stubborn and hard headed in a relationship at times. We caught up with Danny to ask him about his new musical direction, his first tour with AWOLNATION and his McHappy Days beginnings.
For those that haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?
Cosmic psychedelic country inspired by old 60’s- 70’s cosmic and west coast country/rock mixed with my love of modern psych bands such as Khurangbin, Wooden Ships, Rose City Band, Tobacco City, Mac Demarco, kikagaku moyo. Lush tones, pedal steel and tasty guitars mixed with a groovy rhythm section
Tell us about your new song ‘Stubborn Mule’?
Stubborn Mule is a song which I co wrote with a friend who is in Kentucky USA. His name is Lance Rogers and he is doing some big things in Nashville and Kentucky. We wrote it as we both had chatted a few times how we can be stubborn in relationships which is always down to not wanting to put anything before our art. Being songwriters and musicians who are driven and focused, It's hard for others to relate or understand the passion and it's also hard for us to see how it affects the ones we love. It's like you live within a tunnel at times going 1000 miles an hour. Its also about the little tic tac things that mean nothing when you're disagreeing yet they can be hard to let pass just because you're being stubborn and cant let go or admit you are wrong..
What does the song mean to you?
The song means a lot in many ways. It is kind of a way of showing my fiancée that I get it and I understand that I can be stubborn as hell at times, I also feel she can be haha. It is also the first song for my new project, I got to write it with a guy who I look up to and also had the honour of having a great friend and producer Steve Summers (Dear Doonan, Ziggy Alberts, Endless Valley) get involved fully on the production and mixing. He is on the same page and it’s a dream to work with him. It’s a great song to release first as it gives an indication of the sonic textures and soundscapes which we are creating while still showing off the song writing and pop sensibilities.. It is also the first song released on Heartsville records by Dr Mann!
“I have such amazing memories of playing guitar, listening to old school country on a condo rooftop in Los Cerritos”
The song transports you almost instantly to the Deserts of Mexico, with a Baja feel, where did this Mexican feel come from?
I think deep down it stems from my love of old western movies that I used to watch with my dad, his love of ol 70’s psych rock bands who give that vibe. My love for west coast country and traditional Mexican music and Mariachi.. But a trip to Mexico and in particular spending a month traveling Baja with my fiancé surfing, staying in regional areas, sampling the local life definitely lit the spark.
I have such amazing memories of playing guitar, listening to old school country on a condo rooftop in Los Cerritos, drinking tequila, blazing and watching the day turn to dusk while watching the surf after a day of exploring and surfing. Also great memories of driving around the desert and immersing ourselves in the culture. I just love the landscape and the people. I could go on forever!
Is there a Dr Mann Album or EP coming soon?
Definitely an EP early 2022. It could be an album at the pace that I write haha. The next single will be out in late January.
“A cosmic psychedelic sonic trip! ”
What can fans expect from the EP?
A cosmic psychedelic sonic trip! Definitely the music which I have always dreamt of creating and with the people who are coming from the same place musically and creatively.
Your music is being released via the new country music label, Heartsville Records was established by Jye Perry Banks, what was it like to work with the steel and guitar heavy weight?
I worked with him on a few Swimsuit Issue songs and he just sent me his parts and that was it but with this project we catch up weekly on zoom and basically jam on the ideas as if we were in a studio. He is just mind blowing with his ear and sense of melody. I wish I could steal his powers and be the boss on the pedal steel
Are there plans to tour for the album?
Oh Definitely! I am really hoping to land some festival slots next year anywhere in Australia. I believe Jye wants to get me down to NSW and Vic for some shows. I was meant to be playing Tamworth also but I had a prior engagement. I will definitely be playing as often as I can. Hopefully I can take my family on tour with the camper trailer, my 2 ½ year old daughter Maggie would make the perfect spokesperson the way she likes to chat haha.
‘Stubborn Mule’ would be at home on the stages of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, The Gympie Muster or even Blues on Broadbeach, will we get to see Dr Mann playing festivals soon?
OHHH I would love to!!! I can't make Tamworth this time but 100% will be in 2023.. Jye!!! Get me some slots!! lol
The song is already receiving strong support on Double J/ABC Country with Henry Wagons saying, “I like the retro Aussie jangle of that there tune”, you must be excited by the support and the compliment?
Absolutely! Henry is an amazing songwriter and has a great ear which people respect so to get that kind of support and praise really helps give me the belief that I can do this!
How big is your part in the production side of your music?
It’s a big part for me, I tend to write a song and then record a demo at home of what I hear in my head, playing all the bass, synths, drums, vocals etc.. I then get Jye to do the steel. Then I get in the studio with Steve and record all of the live instruments and he puts in all of his ideas and changes things up and adds all the spice! But yes I love producing and creating the vibe.
“It starts as a passion and it doesn’t stop when you have the drive and thick skin to match”
How did you get your start in music?
It all starts with Dad again, He introduced me to music as a toddler. Ever since an early age I wanted to be a musician, a guitarist like Jimi, Blackmore, Gilmore, Vaughn etc. But it wasn’t until I went to the UK at 14 and went to a local festival with some family friends when I saw their friend's band playing some Green Day songs and they had loads of girls dancing and screaming. I decided that as soon as I got home to Australia I wanted a guitar..
I got one, started a band and that was it, haven’t stopped since!
I've been lucky enough to tour Australia and the world in a pop punk band and also live in the UK and tour the EU playing with the likes of Placebo, AWOLNATION etc with another Alt rock band I was in. It starts as a passion and it doesn’t stop when you have the drive and thick skin to match
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Way too many to list haha! But I guess if I break it down like this.
Under 10 – Little Feet, Jimi Hendrix, Poison, Def Leppard, Little Feet, Hawkwind, Bob Segar, Willie Nelson, Foreigner , Led Zeppelin
Teens – Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Pennywise, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Waylon Jennings, MEarle Haggard, The Doors, The Byrds, Mamas and the Papas, Neil Young, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Joni Mitchel, Underworld, The Prodigy, Bjork, Snoop Dog
Later in life – Nada Surf, Rose City Band, Girls, Sir Douglas Quintet, Gene Clark, Depeche Mode, Deadmau5, Brian Eno, Jonny Cash, Khrungbin, kikagako Moyo, Wooden Ships, Mac Demarco, Cigarettes after sex, Beach House, New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Chris Isaac, Steely Dan, Doobie Bros, Tears for fears
That’s just a snippet, I think I listen and love more music than I can ever recall haha
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
Dr Mann hasn’t played a gig yet, the first is early 2022 TBA. My first ever gig was McHappy Day at Penrith Panthers Maccas with my band The Albino Turtles and we played Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Green Day and Rancid covers with some originals.. It was a success because we had so much fun and played for hours, We started in the children’s play area and then got asked to play at the back end of the parking lot as we were turning customers away.. We felt like rock starts after that lol
Who would your ultimate Collab Partner be?
Rick Rubin, Willie Nelson and me creating the music and Quinten Tarantino making the visuals
What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?
Signing a management deal with Outerloop Records and a booking agent deal with The Agency Group for my old band Invaders and then going out on a UK tour with AWOLNATION as our first gigs as a band.. It was because it was all down to hustle, drive, belief and persistence. I was managing the band and driving it to get to that point so once it all fell into place I felt extremely proud and a massive sense of achievement. It has now just given me the belief and will to pursue anything in life knowing that you can make it all happen with dedication,so many stories and milestones along with a million setbacks and knock downs which made it sweeter
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Tom! He pushes me and tells me shit straight, also gives me the belief to be me. He practices or at least I think he does constantly as he is just becoming an incredible drummer and really getting out of his comfort zone to become a better musician
Along with the EP, what can we expect from Dr Mann in 2022?
An album, live performance video sessions, content, live shows and festivals! Most likely an injury or two as I am always in need of a real Dr with the way that I am a clutz! hah
Interview by Michelle Symes
December 2021