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#383 Manfred Sittmann of Elephants and Stars
In the ever-evolving landscape of rock music, where authenticity often takes a backseat to fleeting trends, Elephants and Stars emerge as a beacon of genuine artistry. Hailing from Canada’s Golden Horseshoe region, with roots deeply embedded in both Hamilton and Toronto, this quartet crafts music not out of obligation, but from an intrinsic need to express, connect, and resonate. The Genesis of Elephants and Stars At the heart of Elephants and Stars lies the enduring partnership between singer-guitarist Manfred Sittmann and bassist Mike MacMillan. Their musical journey began in the early 2000s with the formation of Soap Opera, a band that quickly garnered attention and secured a deal with Bullseye Records, leading to the release of two albums: Poised and Welcome to the Tangiers. Not content to rest on their laurels, the duo ventured into new sonic territories with The First Time. Their 2004 debut, It’s On, produced by the esteemed Warne Livesey (known for his work with Midnight Oil and Matthew Good), was a faster, heavier evolution of their previous pop-punk sound. The album’s acclaim was underscored when it clinched the Best Punk Record at the 2005 Toronto Independent Music Awards, with singles like “Goodbye Harlowe” and “New Day Dawning” receiving widespread radio play and television licensing.
A Sound That Resonates Elephants and Stars are not just another band in the crowded rock scene. Their music is a testament to maturity, experience, and a profound understanding of the genre’s roots. Eschewing the typical grind of endless touring for minimal returns, they focus on delivering performances that matter—sharing stages with luminaries like Television’s Richard Lloyd, Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace, and indie legends Lowest of the Low. Such collaborations not only elevate their profile but also place them in front of audiences that appreciate depth, nuance, and authenticity in music.
‘Under The Earth And Above Heaven’ February 2025 marked a significant milestone for Elephants and Stars with the release of their album, Under The Earth And Above Heaven. Produced by the legendary Ian Blurton, the album is a masterclass in blending high-energy rock with heartfelt lyricism and anthemic melodies. The lead singles, “The Ceiling” and “Strangers on a Train,” have already captivated listeners, showcasing the band’s knack for big hooks and guitar-driven energy. Blurton’s production amplifies the band’s dynamic range, resulting in what many critics hail as their most powerful release to date.
The album’s title carries a unique backstory. After sharing a stage with Richard Lloyd of Television, Sittmann was inspired by Lloyd’s autobiography. “We got the title from the Richard Lloyd (Television) autobiography after we played a show with him last year,” Sittmann recalls. “When I told him we were thinking of using the title, he thought it was a great name—and that was pretty much that.”
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception The release of Under The Earth And Above Heaven has been met with widespread acclaim. Cashbox Canada highlighted the album’s fusion of high-energy rock and heartfelt lyricism, noting that it marks an exciting evolution for the band. Similarly, Dropout Entertainment praised the album as a bold new chapter, emphasizing its anthemic melodies and raw, heartfelt lyricism.
A Commitment to Authenticity What sets Elephants and Stars apart is their unwavering commitment to authenticity. They eschew the trappings of the modern music industry, choosing instead to focus on crafting songs that resonate on a deeper level. Their approach is evident in their recording process, opting for old-school studios and seasoned producers like Ian Blurton to capture the raw essence of their sound. This dedication ensures that each track is not just heard but felt, leaving an indelible mark on the listener
Looking Ahead With Under The Earth And Above Heaven now available on all major streaming platforms, Elephants and Stars invite listeners to embark on a sonic journey that traverses the highs and lows of the human experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this album promises to be the soundtrack to your next adventure.
In a world where music often feels disposable, Elephants and Stars stand as a testament to the enduring power of genuine, heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll. Their journey, marked by evolution, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to their craft, serves as an inspiration to both fans and fellow musicians alike.
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By Apologue Productions
5
55 ratings
In the ever-evolving landscape of rock music, where authenticity often takes a backseat to fleeting trends, Elephants and Stars emerge as a beacon of genuine artistry. Hailing from Canada’s Golden Horseshoe region, with roots deeply embedded in both Hamilton and Toronto, this quartet crafts music not out of obligation, but from an intrinsic need to express, connect, and resonate. The Genesis of Elephants and Stars At the heart of Elephants and Stars lies the enduring partnership between singer-guitarist Manfred Sittmann and bassist Mike MacMillan. Their musical journey began in the early 2000s with the formation of Soap Opera, a band that quickly garnered attention and secured a deal with Bullseye Records, leading to the release of two albums: Poised and Welcome to the Tangiers. Not content to rest on their laurels, the duo ventured into new sonic territories with The First Time. Their 2004 debut, It’s On, produced by the esteemed Warne Livesey (known for his work with Midnight Oil and Matthew Good), was a faster, heavier evolution of their previous pop-punk sound. The album’s acclaim was underscored when it clinched the Best Punk Record at the 2005 Toronto Independent Music Awards, with singles like “Goodbye Harlowe” and “New Day Dawning” receiving widespread radio play and television licensing.
A Sound That Resonates Elephants and Stars are not just another band in the crowded rock scene. Their music is a testament to maturity, experience, and a profound understanding of the genre’s roots. Eschewing the typical grind of endless touring for minimal returns, they focus on delivering performances that matter—sharing stages with luminaries like Television’s Richard Lloyd, Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace, and indie legends Lowest of the Low. Such collaborations not only elevate their profile but also place them in front of audiences that appreciate depth, nuance, and authenticity in music.
‘Under The Earth And Above Heaven’ February 2025 marked a significant milestone for Elephants and Stars with the release of their album, Under The Earth And Above Heaven. Produced by the legendary Ian Blurton, the album is a masterclass in blending high-energy rock with heartfelt lyricism and anthemic melodies. The lead singles, “The Ceiling” and “Strangers on a Train,” have already captivated listeners, showcasing the band’s knack for big hooks and guitar-driven energy. Blurton’s production amplifies the band’s dynamic range, resulting in what many critics hail as their most powerful release to date.
The album’s title carries a unique backstory. After sharing a stage with Richard Lloyd of Television, Sittmann was inspired by Lloyd’s autobiography. “We got the title from the Richard Lloyd (Television) autobiography after we played a show with him last year,” Sittmann recalls. “When I told him we were thinking of using the title, he thought it was a great name—and that was pretty much that.”
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception The release of Under The Earth And Above Heaven has been met with widespread acclaim. Cashbox Canada highlighted the album’s fusion of high-energy rock and heartfelt lyricism, noting that it marks an exciting evolution for the band. Similarly, Dropout Entertainment praised the album as a bold new chapter, emphasizing its anthemic melodies and raw, heartfelt lyricism.
A Commitment to Authenticity What sets Elephants and Stars apart is their unwavering commitment to authenticity. They eschew the trappings of the modern music industry, choosing instead to focus on crafting songs that resonate on a deeper level. Their approach is evident in their recording process, opting for old-school studios and seasoned producers like Ian Blurton to capture the raw essence of their sound. This dedication ensures that each track is not just heard but felt, leaving an indelible mark on the listener
Looking Ahead With Under The Earth And Above Heaven now available on all major streaming platforms, Elephants and Stars invite listeners to embark on a sonic journey that traverses the highs and lows of the human experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this album promises to be the soundtrack to your next adventure.
In a world where music often feels disposable, Elephants and Stars stand as a testament to the enduring power of genuine, heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll. Their journey, marked by evolution, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to their craft, serves as an inspiration to both fans and fellow musicians alike.