A Conversation with: Dan Mangan
Dan Mangan has created quite a name for himself. From playing shows to “10 to 20 people,” Mangan has catapulted himself into worldwide tours and sold out shows. We were lucky enough to have him answer some of our questions during the beginning leg of his “Peculiar Travel Suggestions” Tour, which has included both Quebec and Ontario dates, and of course, nearly sold-out Toronto date tonight at Trinity St-Paul’s Church. After tonight, he will be finishing off the tour on the West coast. So read on, as we talk about his albums, new and old, and some near-death tour stories.
Tell us something about yourself that we probably don’t already know.
I’m a terrific foosball player. My drummer Kenton and I go to all out war when we find a table at a venue.
Your sophomore album, Nice, Nice, Very Nice, was met with rave reviews. How did it’s release compare with the the release of your first album? What then, can you tell us about your journey as a musician over the past few years?
My first album was made a long time ago, and I spent four years figuring out exactly what is entailed in a “release.” It took a while for it to get into record shops, and online, or get any press. I was younger, obviously, when I made it, and though I’m proud of that work, I think I grew up a lot in between records. All those gigs around the world to 10 or 20 people helped me in ways that a real jump start never could have.
You told pressplus1.com that the image of Queen Elizabeth on the cover of Nice, Nice, Very Nice “immediately resonated” with you. Why is that? How does that specific image tie in with the music?
It’s recognizable and familiar for those of us in the commonwealth. The image’s first connection to the album is that it stemmed from the same calypso that the record’s title comes from. “The Chinese dentist and the British Queen all fit together in the same machine. Nice, nice, very nice.” I wanted something somewhat iconic on the cover and royalty seemed appropriate.
According to forfolkssake.com, you financed your debut album with a loan from Van City Credit Union, and that you attempted to get a second loan for Nice, Nice, Very Nice. How did you end up funding the album? How are your finances working themselves out right now?
I managed to get a loan for the first album and had failed to repay it by the time I needed more money for the second one. Luckily the bank manager was a fan of local music; I think that helped. I expanded my line of credit, built up a business plan and approached extended family for small loans; happy to say everyone has been paid back in full with interest!
2010 has seen you touring worldwide. How do do the shows in Europe compare with the ones in North America? What’s more, how does touring in Canada compare with the rest of the world?
We’ve been all over the USA and Europe over the last few months and have had an incredible time. It’s actually a little harder touring in North America than in continental Europe because of the long distances. Also, in Europe there’s a certain pride taken in hospitality that just isn’t paralleled elsewhere. That being said, we’re more used to playing in North America and I must say it has been just incredible to be back in Canada. We got so used to playing shows to small crowds who hardly knew of us; stepping on stage for our first Canadian show in Montreal was like going to a family reunion.
What’s the strangest tour story you can tell us from this year?
Well, last year I nearly got the van and all the musicians inside it hit by a train. So there was that.
If there is one more concert you could add to the tour, where would it be and who would it be with?
Prague with Wilco and Radiohead and Bon Iver.
Why do you think people should pay to see your perform?
Because I wrote a really clever answer to that question.
To lead off the previous question, why should people buy your latest release?
Download it if you’re curious, buy it if you like it and want to support it. And come to the show.
What plans do you have for the rest of the year?
We finish up the rest of our Canadian touring then get started on the next album. I’m very excited.
If you could have a conversation with any three people, dead or alive, who would it be?
George Orwell, Kurt Vonnegut, Jon Stewart.
Thank you!