Dan Mangan
Dan Mangan is a two-time JUNO Award-winning and three-time Polaris Music Prize-nominated Canadian musician, songwriter, and cultural entrepreneur. Born on April 28, 1983, in Smithers, British Columbia, and based in Vancouver, Mangan has carved a distinctive path in the indie folk and rock scenes with his evocative songwriting and innovative approaches to music and community engagement.
Mangan began his musical journey with the independently released EP All At Once in 2003, followed by his debut album Postcards & Daydreaming in 2005. His 2009 sophomore album, Nice, Nice, Very Nice, marked a significant breakthrough, featuring the hit single "Robots." The album was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize and earned him the title of "Artist of the Year" at the Verge Music Awards.
In 2011, Mangan released Oh Fortune, an album that showcased a more expansive and orchestral sound, earning him two JUNO Awards for New Artist of the Year and Alternative Album of the Year. Continuing his evolution, he collaborated with the band Blacksmith on the 2015 album Club Meds, exploring darker and more experimental tones.His 2018 album, More or Less, produced by Drew Brown and Simone Felice, reflected on themes of fatherhood and personal growth. In 2022, Mangan released Being Somewhere, a project recorded remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was shortlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize. The album's single "Fire Escape" won the Audience Award at the 2023 Prism Prize.
In 2024, he followed up with Being Elsewhere Mix, a mixtape-style album blending acoustic reimaginings, covers, and standalone singles, showcasing his versatility and willingness to experiment with format and style.
Beyond his recording career, Mangan has composed scores for film and television, including the Netflix animated series Hilda and the CBC/AMC miniseries Unspeakable. He co-founded Side Door, a platform connecting artists with alternative venues for live performances, aiming to democratize and decentralize the live entertainment industry.
Mangan continues to tour internationally, known for his engaging live performances that foster a deep connection with audiences. His contributions to music and culture have solidified his reputation as a visionary artist committed to innovation and community building.
