MANNA

I recently got the chance to sit down and conduct a quick interview with local band MANNA's Jales Hupke.

Jason - So, Where did the name come from?

Jales Hupke - Well, the band name is derived from the Bible...Moses parts the sea..takes the people across..once they get there..they have no food. So after days of starving..God sends down food from heaven called..[MANNA]....which gives them life. So, we feel our music was a kind of spiritual nourishment for us first, and hopefully for our fans.

J - Very thought provoking, so what is the story on the cover?

JH - The pic on the cover of "Free" is my uncle (my dads brother) back in the 70's being the crazy mo-fo. He's dead now, Hence the name of the album.

J - About this sound, it's unlike any I have really heard before. Where did you get your influence from?

JH - Well, Pearl Jam is my all-time #1 influence. The Beatles, Jimi Henrix, Zeppelin and Blue October are not too far behind.

J - Fascinating. Now Vision has very vivid lyrics, would you mind shedding some light on the motive behind such a song?

JH - Well, I wrote it, It's about how when you're a kid you dream of doing this or doing that. The "sky" is the limit so to speak, and as how we get older everyone seems to think you can't be a "dreamer," so I wrote that song to help myself keep that dream or goal.

J - What made you guys decide to start up a band?

JH - Well, it just kinda fell into place. I started playing guitar when moved to Minneapolis, then moved back here [Omaha] I had a couple songs written and Scoot heard me playin some riffs; said he had some lyrics for that. Then, we had two other members, for about a year or so, before they quit. Jas came in on drums. Jori joined in 2004 on bass and we just kept writing and writing..and here we are.

J - You say that you are constantly writing music, how soon before we hear the new MANNA material?

JH - We probably have 100+ songs so far, but we probably will put out a new 5 track EP in the near future. Plus, a one track single in the next month or so called "GWB INSANITY."

J - What kind of equipment do you guys use [preferrably]?

JH - I use a Fender Strat..through a Marshall stack with Boss pedals (flanger, blues, chorus, delay) with a VOX Wah pedal.

Jori uses a Schecter bass through a Behringer stack with distortion and chorus pedals.

Jas uses a Ludwig drumset w/ Zildgen cymbols.

Scott uses a Peavey microphone.

J - Well I appreciate your taking time to answer a few questions.

JH - No problem.

J - Anything you would like to tell the fans who read this?

JH - .THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!!! [and keep on listening.] Peace.

So ends the very first interview. Keep your eyes peeled for new Manna news and happenings, right here on www.Manna-band.com.

-Jason
- Jason

This is one of those CD's that starts off with a nice chime guitar just a strumming away, the drums keeping a fairly steady beat and some Neal Young/Tommy Two Tone sounding vocalist taking you on a head-trip through Mapleton, Iowa.

Song one (Brother) is about the writer's brother's funeral. Of course it's dark but also very warm. Very listenable. "Will I ever leave this town?" That's the big question when you live in small town Iowa. Song two (Cinnamon) is a seductive ditty. Smells like cinnamon, sweetness on your lips honey under your tongue, where has your lover gone? All these songs are fun, and maybe the lyrics throw you around but so does life.

Song three (Manna Message) is just that. A message to you." 4 everything we dream we dream them all 4 you". Again hypnotic, a little frail, and good. Song 6 (Not Worthy) is a feel good number. "I'm in love with everything I See". It starts out with a bunch of woes and then takes off on a positive trip through space town USA. It's quite fun.

Song 7 (Memory) Now here's where Manna shows a little more of their dark side. This one's even got a lead guitar. Oh, I forgot to tell you, the CD is really just a guitar, bass, drums and vocal most of the time. It doesn't need much more though. The vocals pretty much carry the tunes. And this song even has sound effects.

Song 8 (Love Ya Anyway) This song really sounds like David Burns of the Talking Heads singing "Do the Freddy" The CD at this point is really cookin in a mental way. I can relate to this one. It reminds me of my ex-girlfriend.

Song 9 (vision) is another cosmic ditty about life at home. "Well I'm reachin up 4 the stars I'm reachin out 4 the sky. I love these tunes. They could use one more band mate. So if there is a young George Harrison type guitar player out there you should call these guys.

Song 13 (Nuclear) is another song that just cracks me up. It's about the day the bomb arrives. "It's Nuclear today" Manna (Free) Hey world! You have to check these guys out!!!! They're the greatest band ever!!

- The Iowa Entertainer

1. Decent
The song is pretty good, it just seems the drums may be a little too busy in the beginning. Overall an enjoyable listen

2. red hot tune
thanks made me happy to be reviewing songs at garageband.com just wanted to jump up and drift away jammin...
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Beat, Mood, Originality.

3. Hmmmmm.....................
I like the cranberryish guitar sound. The melody line is a touch repetative. I do like the sound of singers voice and he doesn't butcher any notes badly, i just feel the melody line needs to be more interesting. The drums are sloppy, the timing is off. That needs to be cleaned up. The wah on the guitar in the breakdown is a cool idea but a bit obtrusive, tone it down a bit. I'm starting to sound like i'm trashing this song. I'm not. I want to like it for some reason, so i'm being a little critical. I think you have the potential to pull this song together with some attention to details. Don't give up.
Extra Credit: Mood.

4. Well done, cap'n
A song that fills your soul with absolute bliss. Great direction, and the vocals are well done, especially with the lyrics. Good production too.

5. good song
bass and drums sounded well mixed and went great together. guitar sounded a little tinny. vocal melody unique and enjoyable

6. hooray for something good on garageband
yeah this is good, i hope you guys are playing out and promoting yourselves, vox, guitar,bass, drums all work very well together.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass, Production, Melody, Originality.

7. Ok, but...
"You cheated me" was the first thin I thought when I started to listen to this song. The drums did not come in where it definetly was supposed to. That made the intro sort of messy.

Songs like this makes me bored. It's nothing that tells me I've never heard it before. It's nothing particular to this song. Until the wah-guitar. Cool effect for this kind of song.

Ok vox, but too much off key.

But I think you should take it to the next step. Find out what you want. For instance you could use more effects like the wah-guitar. Something to make it more interesting. To make it more original. Boring beat. I think it should be a bit more bouncy.

But it was a good mix. The vocal and instrumnts was well balanced.

And what about a lead guitar?
That would be nice with a guitar solo or another guitar on top. That would spice it up.
Extra Credit: Best Elevator Song.

8. use of wah
the wah hit the spot! very distinct vocal that speaks to the listener in a non-threatening way. as a drummer, i'm harshly critical and shant say a word. the rest of the music is fab. when the wah kicked in, the whole song was made worthwhile.

Extra Credit: Guitars, Melody.

9. catchy
this is catchy very simple but very catchy i do like it the drums need a little work but mot much. the vocals are great they are soothing throughout the whole song.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Melody, Beat, Coolest Chill-Out Track.

10. easy on the ears
really clean thick guitar tone. love how upbeat this song starts out, and then switches to a slower more calm feel. very smooth changes.

11. average
Hmm,its good.Simple,not too ambitious.I dont really enjoy this song,but its not bad if your into this kindof feel.I'd say overall its not bad,just boring.

12. Live Alarm Cure
This is obviously a one take recording.
Reminds me of the 90s band Live but with a better vocal production.
Has some sort of The Alarm energy in it, The guitar arrangement is engaging and the lyrics are very appropriate to the melody.
Then again, it has some The Cure swing to it.The wha guitar middle section part gives the tune some edgy feel and then, when it stops and finishes, saves the whole mood of the song.
the sound production is not the best but it is obviously a demo track. It could be a great song if well produced in a studio.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Lyrics, Melody, Mood, Best Feel Good Track.

13. engineer gooroo
i like this riff the drums came out on the recording nice great sound the fills pan very nicely the eqing sounds pretty good too

14. Love the beginning and ending...
Wow, I like this song. The pacing is perfect, the guitars are excellent. There's a lot of interesting percussion going on, and you can actually hear it! Only thing, I'd like to hear more bass, seems like it's hiding in the back. Very full, rich sound overall. Lyrics are well done, vocalist is talented--dynamic and expressive---and his tone goes well with music. I like how the pace of the song changes as the song goes on--this is a pretty long song, but it doesn't feel like it when you're listening. Immediately after the song ended I wanted to hear it again. No major complaints here.
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars, Drums.

15. I loved this song
This song was great. The vocalist, it was hard for me to put my finger on who he reminded me of. The bigg - GARAGEBAND.COM

The Story so far...

For the members of the Iowa-based band Manna, connecting with a crowd is job number one.

Taking universal spiritual themes, and mixing them with low-key, mellow rock ‘n’ roll, Manna have been spreading their positive message across the Midwest in local clubs, on radio, and public television.

Guitarist Jales Hupke says he hopes the band’s music bridges the gap between the audience and the band members in meaningful ways. The goal is to have the crowd totally in tune with the music.

“We want to have that kind of impact, where if you watch someone in the audience, they act like a totally different person,” Jales says. “Maybe it helps them get through something.”

Manna’s music, featuring the familial lineup of Scott Hupke on vocals, Jales Hupke on guitar and vocals, drummer Jas Hupke, and Jori Goodman on bass, focuses on offering a helping hand to those in need. Their CD Freeoffers songs with strong political and spiritual views, as well.

These “small town” values, Jales says, are meant to form a common, community spirit with the band and its fans. “We play what we believe, and we assume others have the same beliefs,” he says.

Manna was formed late in 1999 when father Scott Hupke put lyrics to son Jales’s guitar playing. A few bassists and one drummer later, Manna has found a cohesive band that rocks the Breadbasket's clubs. Their influences are generational, with Scott drawing from classic ’70s lineups like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin. The younger members enjoy contemporary acts like Pearl Jam and Our Lady Peace.

Manna’s message is one of “spiritual nourishment,” of using music as a release from everyday pressures, says Jales. “We all have everyday jobs, so we go up and play music as a release.” The spiritual part is something that comes from an over-arching philosophy. While Manna writes music for themselves, “If others can relate to it, it’s definitely a bonus,” Jales says.

Jales and his band mates are very aggressive self-promoters, a necessity if they want to reach new fans in the Midwest. While their spiritual side can turn off club owners, many others admire the band’s gung-ho attitude.

“They like to see that,” Jales says. “They like to talk to us and find out how business is done.”

Music is both a creative outlet and a fun past time for Jales.

“Music lets me be creative, to feel through the music,” he says. “It’s fun, too. Just playing music is fun.”

To learn more about Manna, check out their web site at www.manna-band.com.

Story by Dave Lawrence

- Crush Music Magazine

Original rock band Manna stopped by the MCTV studio last Saturday night to perform live for KMSC. The folks in attendance got a chance to see the Battle Creek, Iowa, band play live in an up–close atmosphere, while KMSC listeners were treated to a live on-air broadcast as well. The audio from the performance will be put into KMSC’s rotation for airplay.
The band’s latest album, Free, is receiving airplay on KMSC, Morningside’s student–run radio station, and is also available at Sam Goody.
- Morningside College

The Story so far...

For the members of the Iowa-based band Manna, connecting with a crowd is job number one.

Taking universal spiritual themes, and mixing them with low-key, mellow rock ‘n’ roll, Manna have been spreading their positive message across the Midwest in local clubs, on radio, and public television.

Guitarist Jales Hupke says he hopes the band’s music bridges the gap between the audience and the band members in meaningful ways. The goal is to have the crowd totally in tune with the music.

“We want to have that kind of impact, where if you watch someone in the audience, they act like a totally different person,” Jales says. “Maybe it helps them get through something.”

Manna’s music, featuring the familial lineup of Scott Hupke on vocals, Jales Hupke on guitar and vocals, drummer Jas Hupke, and Jori Goodman on bass, focuses on offering a helping hand to those in need. Their CD Freeoffers songs with strong political and spiritual views, as well.

These “small town” values, Jales says, are meant to form a common, community spirit with the band and its fans. “We play what we believe, and we assume others have the same beliefs,” he says.

Manna was formed late in 1999 when father Scott Hupke put lyrics to son Jales’s guitar playing. A few bassists and one drummer later, Manna has found a cohesive band that rocks the Breadbasket's clubs. Their influences are generational, with Scott drawing from classic ’70s lineups like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin. The younger members enjoy contemporary acts like Pearl Jam and Our Lady Peace.

Manna’s message is one of “spiritual nourishment,” of using music as a release from everyday pressures, says Jales. “We all have everyday jobs, so we go up and play music as a release.” The spiritual part is something that comes from an over-arching philosophy. While Manna writes music for themselves, “If others can relate to it, it’s definitely a bonus,” Jales says.

Jales and his band mates are very aggressive self-promoters, a necessity if they want to reach new fans in the Midwest. While their spiritual side can turn off club owners, many others admire the band’s gung-ho attitude.

“They like to see that,” Jales says. “They like to talk to us and find out how business is done.”

Music is both a creative outlet and a fun past time for Jales.

“Music lets me be creative, to feel through the music,” he says. “It’s fun, too. Just playing music is fun.”

To learn more about Manna, check out their web site at www.manna-band.com.

Story by Dave Lawrence

- Crush Music Magazine