artist manito

One of Montreal’s most lyrical indie bands, “manito” (formerly known as Puff and the Pillpoppers) launched their first CD, “Set the World to Flames” in 2008. The album featured forty two minutes of acerbic lyrical commentary peppered with moments of tender reflection, recorded most appropriately at their loft in the RCA building in St. Henri. The group drew inspiration for their multi-era sound from the very atmosphere of this early 20th century factory once used to produce gramophone equipment.  Three of their songs are featured on the soundtrack of “Still Longshots”, premiered on Global TV’s “Global Currents” series.

manito has since relocated to a church in NDG and will soon be releasing a self titled album. The making of their second album was well captured in a compelling indie documentary "radioactive sweet peaches" produced by André Lai. The short film can be seen freely on YouTube.

The band formed in 2005 when songwriter and lead singer Simon Bergeron assembled a circle of musician friends to give voice to his songs of love and longing. Their music is now at once hauntingly melodic and infectiously rhythmic. Featuring enchanting voices and vintage equipment, this 5 to 7-piece Montreal group stirs in elements as diverse as folk, punk, and pop rock. To sweeten the pot, they throw in an ancient Hammond organ nicknamed ``Bégouine``.