MANifesto is gearing up for a September 10th release date for their debut album, Pinky Swear.

Who is MANifesto? MANifesto are five grown-up gays from Toronto who cover songs previously sung by girl groups! It’s smashing! MANifesto are Dionisio, Twaine, Icarus, Kelly, and Brayo.

Their mission is to help spread the word of inclusiveness and awareness of the fantastic organization RAINBOW RAILROAD. And, of course, to bring musical joy to all who listen. The organization is very dear to them.  The goal is to bring visibility and fundraising to the most disenfranchised of the global Queer Population.

The brainchild of Toronto Renaissance Man, R Kelly Clipperton (Kelly and the Kellygirls, Merkury Burn), MANifesto emerged out of a need for visibility and inclusion.

“I’ve adored Girl Groups forever and desperately wanted to be part of their tribe. I’ve also loved singing with other voices: harmonizing and supporting, and realized I’d never attempted that with other Out Gay Men. The project developed out of these impulses.” 

The group worked with award-winning producers Brad ‘Merlin’ Nelson (Cylinder Sound), Spencer Sunshine, and Daryn Barry (The Orange Lounge) to hone the early 90s dance feel that fused the record together.

Anthony Bastianon, Stewart Borden, and Alan Moon all worked as Musical Directors to create the arrangements and build the stacked five-part harmony that is sprinkled throughout the songs.

“We, foremost, want to elevate ourselves as openly gay men within this concept; a unifying adventure, and secondly want to bring as many glorious souls along with us on the ride. Though this has been a challenge to keep afloat throughout this difficult year and a half, we honestly feel the timing couldn’t be better for a record like this.”

“This record is part Tribute, part Testimony, and part Triumph. There are so many communities and elements at play that have given us the lives we lead… we feel all of those are wrapped up and presented in this work.”

Their motto is Celebration. Dedication. Gaynation. We can’t wait to see them live!

Q&A

1. How did you choose the order of songs on the album?

We spun Icarus around on a Ouija board with the album titles scattered about…he mystically decided for us…or alternately we looked for flow sonically: The first side is more pop-oriented, the second a bit deeper and jazzier. –Kelly

2. Where did you record the album?

Two of them… studios Cylinder Sound and The Orange Lounge, both in Toronto – Brayo

3. Did COVID have any impact on the project?

It just about destroyed us, lolz. Like so many creative and entrepreneurial ventures, we were heavily restricted by the protocols of the Ontario Gov’t….but we Gays persevere!!! – Kelly

Of course it did. We had to stop, re-evaluate everything and work harder independently so when we could get back to work; it was as productive as possible. – Dionisio

4. Tell us all about the Rainbow Railroad organization.

People in other countries who are persecuted for being gay need a way out. Most can’t just get out without help. Rainbow Railroad helps them relocate safely. – Dionisio

Our latest member brought his awareness and passion for this organization to us, and we’ve embraced it. I believe that most any group that works to improve the lives of others is worthwhile. – Twaine

5. What was it like working with Brad ‘Merlin’ Nelson, Spencer Sunshine, and Daryn Barry?

It was dreamy. Best studio experience of my life. They are all geniuses. Also, Brad looks great in a wig. – Dionisio

6. What was the first song you performed in front of an audience?

Lady in Red. Grade 7 talent show. – Dionisio

At Last by Etta James in university – Icarus

Some ‘Kingdom Medley‘ from the faith of my childhood – Twaine

Something in church choir, I think…. as far as MANIfesto goes…as per Question number 3, we have yet to do this… MANifesto began in earnest 1 month before the Pandy shut us all down. Summer’22 is the goal. Hydraulics, Pyro, Planes flying over, J.Lo guest spot… it’ll be epic – Kelly

7. What’s your favourite social media platform to interact with fans?

Smoke Signals – Kelly

I’m easy – Dionisio

8. What’s up next for the rest of 2021?

We are having an intimate listening party on the 10th, shooting another video in the fall, getting the hot pink vinyl into our fans’ hands and plotting live rehearsals on a beach in the Caribbean – Kelly

Not sure what the future holds, but I hope it includes more fun making music, singing and dancing, sharing a bit of ourselves, and adding our unique voices to the world stage and the conversations therein. ✌️ – Twaine

In addition, to answer our interview questions, 3 out of 5 MANifesto members answered 5 Quick Questions. Find out who they can listen to on repeat, what the first music they bought was, and more.

5 Quick Questions with MANifesto

Pinky Swear is due out September 10th. Mark the date on your calendars and pre-order your pink vinyl now!

Pinky Swear Track List

1. The Promise (Girls Aloud)
2. Come See About Me (The Supremes)
3. Say You’ll Be There (Spice Girls)
4. Mr. Sandman (The Chordettes)
5. Automatic (Pointer Sisters)
6. One Strike (All Saints)
7. Not That Kinda Girl (Fifth Harmony)
8. Don’t Walk Away (Jade)
9. Cruel Summer (Bananarama)
10. Point Of No Return (Expose)
11. Lady Marmalade (LaBelle)
12. My Lovin (En Vogue)

Photo credit: Filipe Paulo
L – R
Brayo, Dionisio, Icarus, Kelly, Twaine

Author profile

Trish Cassling

Writer/Photographer/Editor

Toronto Music Blogger