Manatee Commune (aka Grant Eadie) has made quite a name for himself in dance music since his debut three short years ago. A native of the Pacific Northwest, this electronic based, classically trained multi-instrumentalist has ignited a wave of fans since his nationally aired interview on NPR’s Morning Edition and being named “best electronic artist” by Seattle Weekly.
The music is as unique as his name. Equal parts bouncy, glittering beats and cool contemplation, Manatee Commune’s compositions capture the sensation of taking a self-reflecting journey through the forest. The productions are masterful arrangements of field recordings, textures from nature, surfy guitar licks, rolling arpeggiated sine waves and classically influenced viola melodies.
Over the past years, he’s performed at SXSW, Bonnaroo, What The Festival, Decibel, Bumbershoot and Capitol Hill Block Party as well as toured with Odezsa, Slow Magic, Emancipator and Blockhead. His flamboyant live show at Sasquatch! caught the attention of dance music aficionados; energetically bouncing across the stage from violin to guitar to drums to keyboard while vibrant, moody, projections of pastels & floral visuals behind him.
Manatee Commune’s 2016 self-titled album on Bastard Jazz Recordings explored the symphonic territory of electronic music, combining dance-driven beats, cosmic overtones and whimsical, complex melodies. The album instantly became a fan favorite with over 4.2 million streams on Spotify which eventually led to remixes for Petit Biscuit and RAC.
Currently, Manatee Commune is back in his newly renovated studio in Portland, Oregon, working on material for his second album for Bastard Jazz and is more motivated than ever to raise the bar for what fans can expect from his music and live show.
“I’m excited to be back in the studio and exploring new sounds, getting messy with some new audio samples and field recordings,” Eadie said. “I’m looking to capture the emotions & feelings I want to feel all the time; sunlight, the smell of rain, dewey grass and untouched snow. Hopefully, everything will translate with the aid of some new interactive visuals, fresh instrumentation and some straight, groovy dance moments,” he added.
It’s this connection with nature that is fueling his emotionally creative approach to electronic music, and paving a path for a uniquely stunning album later this year. Add in a continually evolving live show and unmatched stage presence, and the future is looking bright for Manatee Commune and his following of passionate fans.
