Manchester Orchestra

Manchester Orchestra is an American indie rock band which formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2004. The group is currently composed of rhythm guitarist, singer/songwriter Andy Hull, lead guitarist Robert McDowell, keyboardist and percussionist Chris Freeman, bassist Jonathan Corley and drummer Tim Very. Former drummer Jeremiah Edmond parted ways with the band in January 2010 to focus on his family as well as running the band’s record label, Favorite Gentlemen. The band has released three albums - 2006’s I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child, 2009’s Mean Everything To Nothing and 2011’s Simple Math.

Manchester Orchestra originated in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. They are named after the English city Manchester, a place rich in musical history (The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, Oasis, New Order, Happy Mondays). Feeling increasingly alienated at his “small-town-Georgia, Christian high school”, Hull became so frustrated that he spent his senior year studying at home. Early in their career, the band recorded an album entitled Nobody Sings Anymore. However, it was never released due to the shift in the band’s musical direction and personal changes undergone following its recording. The band stated that “the band that made the record was different to the band now.” Some of the tracks written for the album were released instead on the EP You Brainstorm, I Brainstorm, But Brilliance Needs a Good Editor.

Following You Brainstorm, I Brainstorm, But Brilliance Needs a Good Editor, Manchester Orchestra recorded and released their debut album I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child. This album gained the attention of the music industry, and eventually led to their signing with Canvasback. 

The typical age for listeners of  Manchester Orchestra range from people aged 16-25. This is supported by The magazine NME who have stated that Manchester Orchestra tend to have quite a young fan base, and also Last.Fm the too listeners ranged from 17-24.

The location of listeners and fans of Manchester Orchestra are mainly from the USA, Canada, the UK and Brazil. This is probably because of The Manchester Orchestra being from the United States. They also have a name that was inspired by the City Manchester in England.  This makes the name appeal to people in the UK and  would explain why  they have a big fan base in the UK.

The social background would be very similar to other indie bands simply because of the age of the teenagers . They would most likely have a part-time job, enjoy going out with friends, and are basically living the student life.

There is no main gender that the Manchester Orchestra would specifically appeal to. This is due to the style  of the music appealing to everyone, a recurring theme in the indie genre.