John McManus profile picture

John McManus

Hey there little girl I'm thinking of you...

About Me


Hear more music at John McManus 2!
LOTS OF NEWS: DECEMBER 2007.
"I will have my second CD out in the new year. It's called 'The Belle Sessions'. Only a few "old" songs on it. I am very excited about it. It's a "McManus goes electric" event for the most part. Once again working with Michael Leavy---he did drums and percussion---and Steven Lafashia---did a lot of guitar, all the bass, keyboards and even lap steel! You can hear the lap steel---thanks to Kevin Bentley!!---on "The Summer of '92".
"I am looking for a band. I have my drummer lined up----John Whiteley---he used to teach me drums. Let's just say I should stick to songwriting. So if you are interested in the music, let me know."
"There are also a whole lot of plans for records besides the one I have in the can---we just need to tweak mixes, master it and put it out. If I do get this band thing going, we'll cut a record I hope. And also I want to do a true solo album. I've always had other players with me."
Now, onto the biography:
JOHN MCMANUS is a Philadelphia-area singer-songwriter who independently produced and released his solo debut, SIDE ONE, in February 2004. The CD features five of John's original songs. The CD was produced by JOHN MCMANUS, recorded and mixed by Steven LaFashia at Resonant Recording and mastered by Peter Humphreys at Masterwork Recording.
The spark that ignited John's interest in music was when---at age 13---he witnessed the video for Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" while leaving the house for a school function. He started molding his unique musical vision after graduating from Penn State in December 2001. He began performing as a solo artist at area open mics. Growing confident, he formed the band JUMPSHIP in September 2002. The band began arranging for John's songs and played open mic nights in the area. From September 2002 to June 2003, John consistently entertained crowds as the band's singer and rhythm guitarist.
John's artistic journey has come full circle and he is currently performing as a solo artist in the Greater Philadelphia area. He has been booked in two states and his music can be requested on WXPN and WSTW.
He has lent his time and talents to benefit worthy causes, such as Delaware Hospice and donated tips to Tsunami victims just after the tragedy.
His diverse musical influences include the Beatles, R.E.M., The Smiths, Nirvana, Ryan Adams, Jesse Malin, The Posies and Caroline's Spine. Despite these influences, JOHN MCMANUS creates passionate, original and honest music. He performs three to four times a week and appreciates all of the support he is given. John works very hard on his writing and performing craft and is focused on fulfilling his artistic dreams. He is an independent artist and maintains his website and his own independent label, SELF EVIDENT RECORDS For more information, please visit http://www.john-mcmanus.com.
Background from Yahoo search result

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 6/1/2004
Band Website: john-mcmanus.com
Band Members: John McManus: Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, The Fool.
Influences: Nirvana, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi, Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Jesse Malin, Idlewild, U2, REM, The Posies, The Smiths, The Cure, Ryan Adams, The Clash, Joe Strummer, Jealousy Curve, IKE, Pawnshop Roses, Laura Shay, Tori Amos, Leadbelly, Pearl Jam, Marvelous 3, CSNY, Velvet Underground, family, friends, concerts.
Sounds Like: REM, The Smiths, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, John Lennon, Idlewild, U2, Nirvana, Bob Dylan, Etc.
Type of Label: None

My Blog

Most Of The Time...

Most of the timeI’m clear focused all around,Most of the timeI can keep both feet on the ground,I can follow the path, I can read the signs,Stay right with it, when the road unwinds,I can handle...
Posted by John McManus on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:05:00 PST

Philadelphia area show just booked!!

John McManusApril, 25 2008 at The Bellefonte Cafe 804 Brandywine Blvd,, Wilmington, Delaware Cost : FREE7-9 PMFREE ALL AGES show. Come out to hear originals and some cover songs. Acoustic duo show wit...
Posted by John McManus on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:18:00 PST

Slacker.com

Hey everyone,So I was going through magazines today and noticed the back of my current issue of SPIN. It was an ad for Slacker.com, which is an internet radio site. So I decided to check it out. Pr...
Posted by John McManus on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:19:00 PST

New Old Pics, Super Bowl and Day Plans

So if you've been keeping an eye on my journal, you will see that I have been using other people's words to express some things. And yeah, it's been kinda that way for about a month. All I will say is...
Posted by John McManus on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:33:00 PST

I taught myself...

Poor little rose, beaten by the rainIn the wind in the gale, thunder and the hailSometimes I feel like I'm going insaneWithout the numbness or the pain so intense to feelEspecially now it added up thr...
Posted by John McManus on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:55:00 PST

Getting my music: Digital vs. CD

Hi Friends,Right now you can't get SIDE ONE from me. I don't know what's going on with the buttons. I'll get back to you on that.SIDE ONE is cheaper if you get it from a digital download site like i...
Posted by John McManus on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:43:00 PST

My latest readings...

Hi Friends,Are all the presents bought?? And wrapped?? Are you yearning for the 3 PM mall traffic to be back to normal?Yes it's that 'most wonderful time of the year'. OR IS IT??Anyway, I've been sl...
Posted by John McManus on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:19:00 PST

The Summer of 1787 by David O. Stewart

This book is a relatively short but excellent summation of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.Stewart brought to light issue and characters I knew little or nothing about. And I went to school to ...
Posted by John McManus on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:33:00 PST

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

I have just completed Ron Chernow's biography on Alexander Hamilton.It is without a doubt one of the best biographies I have read. Others that come to mind are David McCullough's John Adams, Walter I...
Posted by John McManus on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:17:00 PST

***NEW LOW PRICE FOR SIDE ONE ON CDBABY.COM***

Now you can get SIDE ONE for just $5.00 at http://www.cdbaby.com/mcmanus.You can hear samples of the songs on that site and also on my John McManus 2 page.Peace,John
Posted by John McManus on Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:30:00 PST