Emanuel (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Louisville , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Emanuel was an American post-hardcore group originating from Louisville, Kentucky, established in 1998 under the name Emanuel Nice. Following four independently released records, they signed with Vagrant Records in 2004 and abbreviated their name to Emanuel. The band produced two full-length albums: Soundtrack to a Headrush (2005) and Black Earth Tiger (2007).
History
In 1998, high school classmates Matt Breen and Bryan Whiteman joined forces with Anthony Brock and Mat Barber to create the garage band Emanuel Nice. Their initial releases featured the EP Hi-Skool Trivia (1999) on the German indie label Roddog Records, as well as split records alongside New Jersey’s Lanemeyer and the German punk outfit Colourbone. Despite active touring, they struggled to achieve significant local recognition.
By 2004, the group shortened their name to Emanuel and shifted their musical style from upbeat pop influences toward a darker indie/emo sound, which caught the attention of Vagrant Records. Their first album under this new identity, Soundtrack to a Headrush, was launched in March 2005. That year also saw Devin Triplett take over guitar duties from Breen. Emanuel took part in the 2005 Vans Warped Tour and embarked on extensive tours with bands such as Thirty Seconds to Mars, Aiden, From Autumn To Ashes, and Moneen.
The band returned to the Vans Warped Tour in 2006, debuting new songs destined for their next album. Recording sessions commenced in January 2007 with producer Terry Date, resulting in Black Earth Tiger released in August 2007. This album was characterized by a darker, more atmospheric sound while maintaining the band's signature raw intensity.
Their subsequent tour was shorter than previous ones, covering both the United States and the United Kingdom. Although rumors circulated about a breakup, Emanuel refuted these claims through statements on Myspace. After touring, they faced financial difficulties and limited promotional support. Breen mentioned ongoing songwriting efforts; however, band activity gradually diminished, with occasional rehearsals but no formal farewell performances.
Breen briefly collaborated with Brian Deneeve’s project Summer Law, which initially faltered before reforming with new members in 2010. Additionally, Breen and Triplett reportedly initiated a fresh musical endeavor, while other former members established the psychedelic rock band Good Girl, which ceased activity after a handful of shows in 2011. The official Emanuel website has since been discontinued.
Emanuel is also recognized for their side project 812 Dirty Squad, a hip-hop collective influential within Louisville and Indiana’s underground rap circles. This group includes artists Knife (Kasey Cull), Doc Money (Dave Renwick), and Hayz (James Masterson).
Relation with PETA
The band has publicly supported PETA campaigns, particularly those opposing animal testing and the use of animal products for clothing.
TV appearances
They were spotlighted as "artist of the day" on ManiaTV! and interviewed by TasteItTv during the 2006 Warped Tour. After releasing Soundtrack to a Headrush, they also co-hosted an episode of Steven's Untitled Rock Show on FUSE TV.
Past members
- Matt Breen – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Mat Barber – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Devin Triplett – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2005–2008)
- Bryan Whiteman – bass guitar
- Anthony Brock – drums, percussion
Studio albums
- Soundtrack to a Headrush (2005)
- Black Earth Tiger (2007)
EPs
- Hi-Skool Trivia (1999, under the name Emanuel Nice)
- Lanemeyer / Emanuel Nice Split (2000, collaborative release with Lanemeyer, as Emanuel Nice)
- Steinbach2Clarksville (2000 split with Colourbone, credited as Emanuel Nice)
- Wait (2002, released as Emanuel Nice)
- Emanuel (2004, issued by Vagrant Records)
- Acoustic (2007)
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "The Willing" | Soundtrack to a Headrush |
| 2005 | "The Hey Man" | |
| 2006 | "Make Tonight" | |
| 2007 | "Cottonmouth" | Black Earth Tiger |
Additional tracks
- "Hey Man!" appeared on the soundtracks for Burnout Revenge (2005), The Fast and the Furious (2006), and the compilation Honor: A Compilation to Beat Cancer
- The songs "Medusa" and "Disarm" were included in the Japanese release of Soundtrack to a Headrush (2005)
- A rendition of The Stooges' "Search and Destroy" featured on the Tony Hawk's American Wasteland soundtrack (2005)
- "Mayonaise" contributed to the tribute album The Killer in You: A Tribute to Smashing Pumpkins (2006)
- "Viscera" was part of the ATV Offroad Fury 4 soundtrack (2006)
- The track "The Willing" was included on the compilation Punk the Clock Vol. 2 (2006)
- "Scenotaph (DJA Infected Remix)" appeared on the soundtrack for Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
- The Simlish version of "Anathamatics" featured in The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff Soundtrack (2007)
- "Kryptonite (I'm on It)" was released on the compilation Punk Goes Crunk (2008)
- "Soundtrack to a Headrush" was also featured on Alternative Times Vol. 60
- An acoustic rendition of "Breathe Underwater" was made available online
- "2012," an unreleased B-side from sessions for the album Black Earth Tiger