I've had a movie musical playing in my head as long as I can remember. When I hear something that hits me in the feelings, or makes me laugh, I try to get it out because I imagine it might feel the same way to someone else. And that's what Mannequin Shop is - a songwriting and performance project that keeps me from going crazy or turning inward.
I'm an American, a Southerner by birth, a New Yorker for a decade, and I've lived in Europe since my first son was born, five years ago. I made it to my late 30s before I decided to actually start *releasing* the songs I've been writing since I was in high school. And now I'm releasing them into a world I don't always recognize.
Songwriters don't get to just be songwriters. On top of performers and engineers, we're becoming videographers and social media managers and, sometimes seemingly above all else, Content Creators. I can see 40 just over the next ridge, y'all - and I've got a brand new TikTok account. Believe me when I say I didn't see that one coming.
Whatever brought you here, I'm so glad you're here, and I hope this music will help you - as it helps me - feel less anxious, less alone, and more optimistic.
Thank you for checking us out
- Aaron Lee
Mannequin Shop released a self-produced debut album, "Lookin Round" in November 2022. A number of acoustic solo performances took place over the following year, in 4 countries and culminating with a show at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The group followed up with a 4 song EP in May 2024. The tracks were recorded in Athens, Georgia with engineer Deke Spears (Quiet Hounds). The EP is entitled "Summer Shenanigans" and the first single, entitled "Hey Man's Day Out" arrives May 28. The song, like the EP itself, is light hearted but carefully crafted, and mostly inspired by the spiked social anxiety and insecurities that, for a lot of folks, are as much a part of summer as beaches and margaritas.
Two singles followed in December of 2024, the raucous holiday rocker “You Put the ‘Jesus Christ!’ In Christmas” and a melancholy, unconventional single called “Merchandise” which serves as a harbinger of a heavier, more somber year of music ahead in 2025.
