Peter Mandic: guitar, vocals; Paul 'Duke' McKeracher: bass; George 'Skumm' Douglas: mandolin; J. Bruce 'Doc' Walton: percussion, cajon, harmonica, guitar
Influences
Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Cat Stevens, Tom Petty, Fred Eaglesmith
Sounds Like
.....I Used to Work...our CD Release Party
.......Freelance Uban Recycler...our CD Release Party
....Fred, a tribute to Fred Eaglesmith, Canada's hardest working musician
.....Band Practice doing a new song, WINNER
....Cupcake
Peter Mandic was born in Sydney, Australia and moved to Canada in the early sixties.
In 1999 he decided that he wanted to formalize his attempts at songwriting by taking several songwriting courses at Toronto’s renowned music school, Humber College. With an acoustic guitar in hand he started writing about things he observed and mixed them with his life experiences. Neil Young, Cat Stevens and Pink Floyd played a big part in the type of songs that were to come.
In 2002, he recorded his first album, When the Wine Runs the Show, live off the floor at Humber College with Humber students. In the same year, he received two Honorable Mentions from the 11th Annual Billboard Song Writing Contest for placing two songs in the top 1,500. This was the catalyst that inspired Peter to continue full force with his goal to become a better songwriter.
In 2004, he released his self-titled sophomore album. Reviews were very encouraging for this novice songwriter, “Songwriting the way it used to be and in a style I wouldn't mind hearing some more of.” “His often acoustic pop-rock sound combined with country, Americana and folk might well be something you have heard before, but it is easily something that would be well worth hearing all over again.” “Mandic is able to evoke that desolate feeling that country music is so famous for, while holding onto the strings of rock’s roots.”
In 2006, Peter retired early and is now devoting a good part of his time to his passion, songwriting and playing in his newly formed band. In February of 2006, Peter’s songwriting talent was validated when he got a call from CBC’s, the fifth estate, who asked if they could feature his song, Razor Wire, in their nationally televised documentary about Wayne Carlson, Canada’s notorious thirteen time prison escapee who Peter met and became friends with during the 2004 Roots on the Rails musical journey across Canada. Razor Wire is on his third album and the first with the band and is now available.
Albums and I Used to Work t-shirts are available at www.petermandic.com or at CD Baby
Peter and Paul, Great interview on ERIN radio!.... a great chance for the current musically deprived to hear about your wonderful tunes! Thanks to Steve Clarke for bringing us this!
It's an honor to meet true musicians. I can hear the bluesy influence, as well as the Tom Petty-like inflections. You guys are really original, and I wish you the best. Peace.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to be part of the (First Annual?) Treehouse Jam! The family of souls that grooved together on Saturday rang like a 12-string guitar. The music and vibes (and food!) there were joyous! And,...seeing you and Jill were, as always, like comin home.
Home again today, and i felt I must write. I wish I had Duchess's skill in describing it all.... But the launch was my first CD launch ever, and it was even better than I'd imagined. The music was extraordinary, and the ambience was warm and human, and worth the trip a million times. And meeting Flea and Opossum was gravy on top.
Thanks Peter and Jill, and thanks all the rest of the band, for a delicious evening warmly shared!
All my best, and many more such successful launches in years to come! Yours Cathryn
Wow - Great CD release! Peter, you have one of the best support collectives I've ever seen. Jill, your band mates, your producer, family, their families (opossum and flea driving 7 hours to the gig!!!) - Now that's indie! Great delivery,honest and real -my current fave is "I used to work" - most of us have lived that one for sure. With respect, Mario
The CD Release Party was a very special evening. If they hadn’t told us they were a new band, we certainly wouldn’t have known. I’d heard Peter around the campfire, and once had the opportunity to eavesdrop on Band practice, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well they’ve come together as a band in such a short time.
Whether playing old favourites Lying Mary and Still, or new treasures like the sweet Sigh for No Reason, clever Cupcake, an honest homage to Fred, or the edgy Pickup Truck, the band presented remarkable spirit, energy, and talent. Peter’s songs are well-crafted and his guitar work distinctive. With Paul McKeracher’s able bass, George Douglas’s fine mandolin riffs, and Bruce Walton introducing a variety of unique percussion, the band has created a one-of-a-kind sound.
Peter hinted that he’s already working on the next collection – keep ‘em coming PMB!
Had the chance to listen to your CD today "I Used To Work". Good to hear the studio recordings of some of the pieced I have heard you do live and good to hear those new pieces too. Congratulations on a project well done.
The new release by the Peter Mandic Band, “I Used to Work”, is a gem! Not only does this four-man incarnation of Mandic’s sound fill each song with an increased passion and warmth but these guys flow together like a good mixed drink. Once again, Peter Mandic’s songwriting is superb, bearing a simple honesty and quiet truth as he weaves moments and tastes of life like nobody else can. These songs are about you, and me, and things we all see.......sometimes from a distance........sometimes close up. With dreamy lead work by George “Skumm” Douglas’ mandolin, the songs take on a fresh cutting edge to Pete’s writing and with Duke Mc Keracher laying down a distinct sweet foundation of the deep, and J. Bruce “Doc” Walton with his punchy exotic percussion, harp lines, and backup vocals, “I Used to Work” becomes a instant classic in my collection. I would take my hat off to these guys..........but it’s been off since I met them. “I Used to Work” is simply superb.
Hey - some dream - some even talk the dream and then there are the very very few that have the courage to continue creating even after the dream appears lost. Great tunes, great band effort ~ It all feels real to me. Congrats, Mario
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