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The Tokey Tones 'Caterpillar & Butterfly' is the first set in series of albums that have been planned by Auckland Songwriter/Engineer/Producer, Scott Mannion. Confusingly, and to the frustration of Lil Chief, each album will be recorded under a different band name, though all will be labelled as 'Plasticene Recording Projects.'
Mannion began his musical career as lead songwriter for b-net chart toppers Polaar. The group went on to win 'Best New Act' at the b-net music awards and one of their songs ('I've Got A Crush On You') is currently featured on the short film 'Harry and Peter in Love' which screened at the International Film Festival.
After the demise of Polaar, Mannion moved on to perform and record under the band name Plasticene, with fellow ex-Polaarist Li-Ming Hu. One of their songs was featured on the 'Crawlspace Records Kiwi Sampler' and two were on the Arch Hill records compilation 'Introducing Arch Hill Recordings'.
The concept behind 'Caterpillar & Butterfly' is loose, but basically 'Caterpillar' is more laid-back, organic, reflective, and less produced, whereas 'Butterfly' tends to be more upbeat, poppy, and full. Each CD runs for about 30mins, which Mannion attributes to his short attention span, and the fact that the records he enjoys most hail from an era when that length was standard.
While Caterpillar/Butterfly is primarily Mannion's baby, there was a fair bit of collaboration. Hu shares a few writing credits, while most of the ex-members of Polaar had something to contribute. The help of friends and label-mates Jonathan and Heather of The Brunettes was invaluable, as is obvious in Heather's (uncredited!) duet with Scott, 'Love Done Me No Good'.
The stunning artwork on each album was created by Misery, a rising talent in the local art scene. Misery's first exhibition proper was in Feb, where every piece she had on offer was sold! She has also had a solo-show in the US and regularly creates designs for the clothing label, Illicit.
Scott Mannion's next 'project' is already underway and will be a single CD of songs - recorded very quickly to 8-track tape. Half the tracks will be sung acappella, while the others will incorporate only a small number of instruments. In the future you can look forward to an entirely electronic record, followed by an entirely orchestral record. Sheesh.
Band Members:
Scott Mannion (vocals, guitar, keyboards)
Li-Ming Hu (keyboards, vocals)
Nick Buckton (guitar, vocals)
Gareth Shute (bass, vocals)
Ryan McPhun (keyboard, guitar, vocals)
Kari Hammond (drums)
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