Nathaniel
animateddog.bandcamp.com
Nathaniel Robin Mann aka Animateddog is perhaps better know as one third of the UK’s finest performance outfit Dead Rat Orchestra. Described as ‘unconventional, traditional, highly liberal and subversive’ (Sam Lee Magpies Nest) his solo explorations chart diverse realms; from of the folk vernacular to the best of disney show tunes. Tipping his cap along the way from to everyone from Jacques Brel to Saul Williams, Mike Waterson to Nina Simone. From her darkest dirges to her lighter shades of puerile pop.
On stage Nathaniel uses a curious collection of instruments and objects to provide accompaniment and percussion: Phonofiddle, meat cleaver, 2x4, ukulele, guitar, stomps, bells and whistles, which provide stark contrast to his a cappella moments. All drawing from a collection of both folk tradition and original material. 2012 will see Nathaniel’s first solo releases, an EP of songs on the independent Antigen Records and a full length album on Fire Records off-shoot Critical Heights.
Within the Dead Rat Orchestra, Nathaniel has collaborated closely with Baby Dee, Marc Almond & Eric Chenuax, and in his solo guise has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with such diverse artists such as Ryan Driver, Doomed Bird of Providence and Emily Portman.
