Bio

Manzo is the musical alias of outsider visual artist, songwriter and producer Alan Hodgetts. Alan has never been shy about experimenting, using any medium or channel to communicate his ideas. Music gives him a popular platform to share his observations and social commentary, whilst providing greater opportunity for collaboration.

Originally signed to the Southern Collective label. Manzo is now a self releasing artist under his own label Manzo Music a member of the Music managers Forum NZ & Independent Music NZ.

To date, Manzo has released 3 studio albums, 9 singles and a 4 track EP.

Manzo's last album, the 11 track Attachment was simultaneously released with a 4 track companion EP Beatniks on Toast as part of a limited edition 2 CD set.

Attachment was a year long project involving new vocalists and more live recording. An expansion on producer Alan Hodgetts eclectic, experimental style, the album combined a variety of instruments into vocal genres that are out-of-the-norm. Released on 26 July 2019, Attachment reached #2 in the NZ Indie charts, #17 in the main NZ album charts.

Manzo's second studio album Outsider was released on 2 September 2017, Outsider reached #2 in the NZ Indie charts, #2 in the NZ Heat Seeker album charts, #8 in the main NZ album charts.

Outsider explored very topical themes of corporate greed, politics, masculinity and social pressure, are woven with tales of loss and love, but in an ultimately uplifting album full of humour and hope. Infusing pop, rock, electronic, classical, hip hop and dance, along with some blatant 80's and 90's vibes, the music reflects Manzo’s broad musical influences, and also his refusal to be pigeon holed and constrained by genre.

Classical arrangements flow into grungy electric guitar and synthesisers support cello and brass. Guest vocalists bring a range of styles, from soul to soprano, from rap to raunchy rock chick. It’s a celebration of how different styles can be brought together in harmony.

This is an album that talks about the frustrations and flaws of our modern world to anybody that understands how it feels to be perceived as different. It’s a salute to the outsider.

Debut Album Ultramarine.

In 2015, as a creative concept, he produced a CGI animation Make Peace and Love along with an associated soundtrack. After this he continued composing and producing music, bringing his compositions together into his debut album The album was released on 15 January 2016. The album entered the IMNZ Album Charts at No 8.

Band Members:
Alan Hodgetts

Guesting and collaborating artists include:

Leona Palmer
Laurence Cooper
Allan Taotua
Harrison Nicol
Anny da Silva Freitas
Andrea Coulston
Shirleen Oh
Sally Jarvis
Zev Dikvert

Links

• Artist Website
• Facebook Page
• Twitter Page
• Youtube Page
• Instagram Page
• Bandcamp Page
• SoundCloud Page
• Apple Music Page