Haunting, acoustic-electro lullabies, chilling 3-part harmonies, dramatic choruses, songs about the end of the world – Man Made Forest is organic indie-folk layered with haunting voices, dual percussion, toy organs, animal sounds and silence.
MAN MADE FOREST
Man Made Forest is a Canadian alternative ensemble whose music moves between intimate acoustic passages, expansive full-band arrangements and immersive experimentation. Blending organic instrumentation, electronics and carefully constructed moments of sound and silence, the band creates performances that are meant to be felt as much as heard.
Formed in Markham, Ontario, in 2012, Man Made Forest began as a side project between Future History founders Kevin Ker and Justin Dillon. Its earliest songs grew from material Ker developed during ten months of isolated writing in a cabin in the Ontario woods.
The project expanded when multi-instrumentalist Sarah Fazackerley (My Son The Hurricane) arrived unexpectedly at a Chalet Studio recording session with an assortment of instruments. Ker and Dillon immediately recognized how naturally her voice and musical instincts fit the developing material. Bassist Todd Larter joined after connecting with Ker through an Epidemic Music Group Open Stage, while percussionist Pete Reid was recruited by Dillon to help realize the project’s extensive rhythmic arrangements.
Man Made Forest features Kevin Ker on vocals and guitar, Justin Dillon on drums, percussion and drum synthesizer, Sarah Fazackerley on vocals, keyboards, synthesizer, saxophone and flute, Todd Larter on bass and vocals, and Pete Reid on percussion.
The band made its official live debut at the Markham Village Music Festival in June 2015. It has since appeared at festivals and events throughout Canada, including Pan Am GlobalFest, the Markham Village Music Festival and Harvest Fest, and completed an Eastern Canadian tour in August 2016.
Man Made Forest’s debut album brought the atmosphere of its live performances into the studio, combining poised, honest songwriting with richly layered arrangements and unconventional production. The record received attention and airplay from CBC Radio and was praised by Spill Magazine for its organic movement, darker lyrical undercurrents and unexpected warmth.
Whether presented as an intimate acoustic performance or a complete ensemble, Man Made Forest captures a particular moment, place and emotional state—leaving each song deliberately raw, human and true.
