Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards is an American instrumental ensemble which is centered around forming members Ethan Neel (drums), Ben Wood (trumpet), James Thompson (bass)  & Johnny Manchild (composition, production, vocals, keys).  

 

Since its founding in 2016, the band took the internet by storm, with a unique conundrum of jazz idioms, ska, alt-rock, world music, and funk that prompted even Anthony Fantano himself (known as “The Only Music Critic Who Matters” by the NYT) ask “what gives them the right to be this good? ”

 

The Bastards have since answered that question, drawing from a dedicated and thriving fanbase that is bound together by a deep love of music, lyricism, engineering and sonic exploration. From their hometown of Oklahoma City to the global stage, each release has been a marked discovery not just for the fans, but the Poor Bastards themselves. 

 

With 11+ million streams, 3 albums, and new sonic horizons to be crossed, the Poor Bastards have morphed into a collective of sorts with as many as 10 collaborators (affectionately “Bastards”) in regular rotation, with Johnny Manchild at the helm. 

 

They each maintain busy schedules as session musicians and producers for acts like The Flycatchers, Ace of Hearts, and more), as well as solo artists (with such artists as Ken Pomeroy and Deanna Gowland).

 

Now, in 2021, Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards are preparing to release their most ambitious project yet, We Did Not Ask For This Room, a successfully crowd-funded album, recorded at nationally renowned recording studio, Sonic Ranch. 

 

All signs point to 2021 being the most successful year yet for these young and eager artists.