Fate, friends and heavy touring can be attributed to Philadelphia rock group Man Man’s journey into Norman Saturday, as the group is performing on the main stage of this year’s highly anticipated Norman Music Festival.
Known for its stage presence and dynamic live show, Man Man tours so regularly it’s almost natural, Honus Honus said. And after three months off, he’s excited to get back on the road.
“Hopefully when we dive back into the tour, it’ll feel like jumping into the swimming pool after a winter of not touring,” Honus said. “Hopefully there won’t be any crocodiles.”
Man Man, which performs on the Norman Music Festival’s main stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, had intended to play the festival last year, but scheduling conflicts prevented the band from sealing the deal. The band members are close friends with a several people involved with the festival, so this performance has been a year in the making.
“We really wanted to do it last year,” Honus said. “We’ve been attached to this thing for a while now. You always have really good shows in Norman.”
Man Man’s energetic live show hinges on a unique connection with the audience, as well as the band’s obscure yet catchy sound. But Honus said the band’s ability to connect to its audience won’t be hindered by the outdoor festival setting.
Playing festivals “is like menopause, hot flashes,” Honus said.
“We like playing big festivals. It’s fun. It’s funny though, even when we’re presented with a large stage, we still situate ourselves in the middle of it. It’s sort of like when a big bug hits your windshield and there’s nothing you can do to get rid of it,” he said.
And as its newest album, “Rabbit Habits,” continues to pick up steam, generating positive reviews by both Pitchfork and NPR, Man Man indeed remains very difficult to get rid of, whether you like its abstract, “gypsy jazz” sound or not.
“Our live show is not too shabby,” Honus said. “I feel it’s better enjoyed if you have no expectations.”
But he does have some expectations for the festival’s headliners. Man Man’s members are friends with the musicians of headlining act Of Montreal, which will perform on the main stage at 10:30 p.m.
“They’re huge,” Honus said. “Hopefully they have a tiger [on stage]. I know they’ve had horses before.”
—Tyler Branson/The Daily
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