Manzik, Billy

Websites:  http://www.billymanzik.com/
Origin: Calgary, Alberta - Thunder Bay, Ontario
Biography:

Billy Manzik's musical journey began where Highway 61, the "Blues Highway" ends, in Thunder Bay Ontario. The soundtrack for his upbringing was provided by his guitar slinging, country singing mother, and influenced by roots rock, old rhythm and blues, and even (gasp) the metal bands of the 80's, not to mention Billy's penchant for wandering the continent. The result is a driving blues rock sound, complete with catchy riffs, lyrical hooks and a 'feel-good' toe tapping kind of style.

Billy's new release ‘AllTogetherNow’ packages this sound into one beautiful and diverse album, sure to catch the ear of any who hear it. From the anthemic, uptempo lead out track 'On A Road' and the sweet harmonies of 'Hannah', to the wailin' bluesy rock of '61 Highway' and the summertime pop sounds of 'Has Been', 'AllTogetherNow' combines musical ingredients so well it puts the icing on the rock n' roll cake. Recorded at Orange Lounge Studios and Knob and Tube Studios in Toronto and produced by Chris Wardman (The Watchmen, Randy Bachman) with help from David Gavan Baxter (Justin Rutledge), 'Alltogethernow' is music for modern times. Chock full of energy, hope, and a little melancholy, its mostly just plain fun. In addition to Billy on vocals and guitar, the album showcases the talents of many well-known Canadian musicians, Geoff Hilhorst (Deep Dark Woods) on keys, Erik Allen (Jenny Whiteley) on drums, Mike Filipowitsch on guitar and Jonny Kerr on bass, plus appearances from many others. Everyone, all together now!

Watch for a glowing review of "AllTogetherNow" in the spring issue of Penguin Eggs, Canada's Folk, Roots & World Music Magazine, which calls the album "a powerful roots-rock assault that hits every pop nerve you've ever pumped with proteins." (Eric Thom)

Billy Manzik's music career debuted in Alberta in 2007 with his self-titled release, recorded at Calgary's Rocky Mountain Studios with producer Rob Smith, with help from Daniel J. Coe (Aerosmith, The Trews) and contributed to by Canadian icons Tim Williams, Charlie Hase and Bill Zulak. "Billy Manzik" received critical acclaim, charting on several !earshot charts and being featured on CBC's Key of A. In 2008 Billy showcased at the annual Alberta Sessions (Alberta Music Series), broadcast on CBC's Radio 2, and kicked off the 2008 Juno Awards with a spirited performance at the annual Juno Welcome Reception. In recent years Billy has played with or opened for such luminaries as Blue Rodeo, Elliott Brood, The Trews, and Colin James. Billy currently resides back in Thunder Bay, Ontario while he decides where to go next!