Made in Mann is a joint initiative between the Isle of Man Arts Council and VillaGaiety. The initiative gives local Manx bands the platform to showcase their talents by playing in the Island’s largest entertainment venue and illustrates the enormous amount of Manx music talent.

Han-FX and Jor-DMC are two beatboxing vocalists who began as solo artists.
 
After many an improv jam night, they have added rock guitars, big brass sounds, funky dub bass, and solid jazz drums to produce a sound like no other. Not quite hip hop, reggae, funk, jazz, or dub, their songs and live shows are designed to get your knees skanking. After extensive touring and playing live, the band have been working on new material which is due out soon.

We caught up with Keiran from HanFX who are the sixth headline act to grace the Made in Mann series.

Q. What is your background in music?

I've played most of my life, I had my first battle of the bands at 13 after playing the bass for 2 weeks, never really stopped. Played bass with bands until I was about 25. Have been enjoying doing vocals for about 6 years now. 

Q. How would you describe your sound?

Bassy, jazzy, funky, reggae, ska, hip hop. 

Q. Who are your biggest influences?

A plethora of festivals made me appreciate what kind of music I like to experience live. Seeing bands like ACDC controlling a crowd, all the way through to more conscientious hip hop like jurassic 5.

Q. The Made in Mann series is about showcasing the best of local original music as well as making it accessible to a wider audience. Why is it important that larger venues such as VillaGaiety look to support local original music on the island?

For such a small island, there is a ludicrous amount of creative talent. Not just musicians, but film makers, sound engineers, painters.. You name it. Unfortunately, I feel with the logistics of touring (even before Covid), its easy to feel stifled on the island. No one can expect people to go and see the same band week in week out. New audiences are important for show casing talent. And big venues are vital for encouraging people to be creative. 

Q. How important is it that bands such as yourselves have opportunities to play at the island’s largest music venue?

I'd say hugely important. What kind of a resource would it be for the island, if only none residents can reap the benefits? It's good for the acts and community as a whole. People are hungry for events and we have some truly brilliant musicians here. And the acts can't wait either! 

Q. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a band since the global pandemic and how have you adjusted your plans in light of this?

The prospect of touring has disappeared. And I don't think it will be back for quite a while. We really loved busking through cities and playing odd remote towns. 

Q. Tell us a little about your support acts? What can we expect?

Kieran Ball, great acoustic singer songwriter. He runs on holiday dog, and the Thursday night at quids inn. Really good musician

Terry George and the Long tall shakeys. A band of musicians who are all excellent in their own right. Brilliant song writing, a diverse and wide scoped sound with great guitar solos. 

Q. What’s next for you?

Very hard to know! We haven't really planned passed finishing the recording and Dark Horse. 

Hopefully spend a bit of time writing. 

VillaGaiety are excited to welcome  Han-FX and Jor-DMC Ft. The Innuendo Orchestra to the Villa Marina’s Prom Suite on Friday 9th July, the sixth band to perform as part of our Made in Mann series!
 
 Made in Mann gives local Manx bands the platform to showcase their talents by playing in the Island’s largest entertainment venue and illustrating the enormous amount of Manx music talent.
 
Plus support: Kieran Ball & Terry George and the Long Tall Shakeys
 
This is a free event, no tickets are required but capacity is limited to 250. Doors open at 7:30pm.
 
Age restriction: 16+
 
Kindly supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.