World United Music: Billy Manzik

About: Billy Manzik

Billy Manzik's musical journey began where Highway 61 ends - in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The soundtrack for his upbringing was provided by his guitar slinging, country singing mother, and influenced by any music he could find, not to mention Billy's penchant for wandering the world. The result is a driving roots 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 hears it. From the anthemic, uptempo lead 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.

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. Penguin Eggs, Canada's Folk, Roots & World Music Magazine, describes the album as "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 by producer Rob Smith with Daniel J. Coe (Aerosmith, The Trews), the album featured musical contributions from Canadian roots music greats Tim Williams, Charlie Hase and Bill Zulak (Crash Test Dummies).

"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, Todd Snider, Colin James, The Wailin' Jennys, Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar), Cara Luft, among many others.

"Billy Manzik has been a great addition to the Live From the Rock Folk Festival. In addition to being a fine musician he is also a wonderful festival performer...he tells the story behind the song and has a sensibility which enables him to pick the right song for the time and place." ~ Liz Harvey-Foulds, Live From the Rock Folk Festival

"Billy Manzik is a great songwriter, right up there with Steve Earle and Ryan Adams." ~ Michael Murphy, Supervisor, Capitol Mastering

"When I hear Billy play, I want to jump on stage and sing along! Great toe-tappin' music." ~ Cara Luft, Singer/Songwriter (formerly of the Wailin Jenny's)

Contact: contact@billymanzik.com