Grovemade Redefines What a Headphone Stand Can Be
Grovemade's newest product is a complete redesign of the classic headphone stand. The Manual has the first look before it goes on sale in June 2019.
Idris Elba Debuts New 2HR SET Fashion Line Inspired By DJ Culture
Idris Elba is a man of many trades. His newest creative journey comes in the form of a new fashion collection, 2HR SET, is inspired by his passion for music and DJ culture.
Sound of Lapland Captures the Pristine Beauty of Finland on a Mixtape
Everyone knows Finland is the happiest place on earth. Why? Some think it's the time they spend in nature. Now, House of Lapland has put together Sound of Lapland, an audio representation of that happiness.
The Most Unique Collaboration Beers in the U.S.
Collaborations are practically as old as craft beer itself. Here are our picks for some of the best and most unique collaboration beers out there.
You Should Read Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard’s Guide to Life
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard's new book, Some Stories, tells tales about a life spent both outdoors and at the head of a major company.
Zach Klein Is the Reason We’re All Obsessed with Cabin Porn
We talk with founder Zach Klein about what led to this book — Cabin Porn: Inside — as well as his thoughts on the impact of cabins and his Cabin Porn project 10 years on.
The Evolution and History of the Home Stereo
With well over a century in the making, the home stereo has brought tantalizing airwaves into households starting with the record player and moving through radio, cassettes, CDs, MP3, and all-out streaming.
Tim Bluhm on Fear, Survival, and the Healing Power of Music
The songs Tim wrote over the months of rehabilitation have been collected into a brand-new album, Sorta Surviving. Released on March 29, Sorta Surviving was recorded at Johnny Cash’s infamous Cash Cabin (just outside of Nashville) and produced by Dave Schools of Widespread Panic.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Why Prince’s Purple Rain Was an Instant Classic
It's said that the only thing more popular than Reagan in 1984 was Prince and his glorious album/soundtrack, Purple Rain.
Thailand’s Surreal The Library Resort Is a Bibliophile Traveler’s Dream Getaway
Themed restaurants and hotels are often hit-or-miss. In the hands of a sophisticated designer, however, a themed eatery or luxury resort can be extraordinary. Mere feet from one of Thailand’s most famous beaches, one designer hotel is proof of the latter.
What Is Burns Night? A Celebration of Scottish Poetry, Haggis, and Whisky
January 25 marks Burns Night, a time to celebrate Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, the way it's been done since 1801 — with traditional Scottish fare. Meaning Scotch whisky and haggis. Here's why we celebrate.
Cam Honan Wants You to Take a Hike
Cam Honan's newest book, Wanderlust USA, is a beautifully photographed book that details 30 trails from across the United States.
Fender Debuts the Limited-Edition Saleen Stratocaster 1 Guitar
The inaugural release from Fender’s annual Prestige Collection reimagines the Fender Stratocaster as a turbocharged sports car. The look is fearsome, the specs are top-of-the-line, and the sound is somewhere between a feral snarl and a shimmering glissando.
4 of Our Favorite Musicians’ Favorite Drinks
The stereotypical rock star drinks Jack Daniels but as this list of talented musicians suggests, the musician's favorite drink is often more sophisticated than that.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan's 1965 release is a potent effort that took American folk into the burgeoning realm of rock 'n' roll, with priceless lyrics to boot.
What Exactly Is Prog-Rock? We Break Down the Music Genre
Part rock 'n' roll, part anti-pop progressive mindset, Prog-Rock is the music genre you never knew you needed to expand your horizons.
The 7 Most Influential Record Labels of All Time
From Blue Note to Sub Pop, the most influential record labels of all time helped create and recreate what we call music.
How to Appreciate Jazz: A Beginner’s Guide
Jazz can be intimidating but the genre is a true American art form and something every listener can enjoy exploring.
7 Songs by the Late, Great John Prine You Should Know
The music world lost one of its best in country-folk legend John Prine. His list of hits is a mile long, if not longer.
14 Books We Give You Permission Not to Read
There are nearly 130 million books in existence. You can avoid these. Some are considered classics, others are fantasy staples or have celebrity authors.
10 Easy Guitar Songs You Can Play to Brush Up on Your Skills
Here are our 10 easy guitar songs that are also classics tunes.
The Future of the Music Festival Post-Pandemic
The pandemic has shut down music festivals left and right, begging the question: What will things look like in the future?
The Legend of the Moog, the Synth That Changed Music
In 1964, Robert Moog created a new version of the electric piano called a synthesizer, forever changing music.
The Most Stylish Male Musicians of the Modern Era
Musicians tend to be fashionable but these ten lead the way when it comes to style and clothing knowhow, from Kanye West to Elvis Presley.
Catch Some (Sound) Waves With An Intro to Surf Rock
Surf Rock is a sub-genre very much as advertised, created in the early 1960s as a fusion of rock 'n' roll and surf culture.
Understanding Club Music: 5 Sub-Genres You Need To Know
In celebration of the indefatigable spirit of club-goers around the world, we’re going through five sub-genres of club music that you absolutely need to know.
Our 7 Nominees for Album of the Summer
And so begins the great debate: What is the absolute best album of summer 2020?
Arashi is the Most Popular Band You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
Arashi is an extremely powerful force in the realm of international pop music, despite having no major presence in American music.
Music for the Dog Days of Summer
As the days shorten and back to school ads start popping up, you need music that tells you that it’s still very much summer and everything is going to be okay.
Everything You Need to Know About High-Resolution Music
High-res music is the audio equivalent of high definition, adding depth, premium audio engineering, and richness to your favorite tracks.
How Music Venues Have Been Affected By the Pandemic
Music venues are suffering a particularly bad case of the pandemic blues as COVID-19 continues to halt live shows.
The Worst Band Names of All Time
There are plenty of terrible band names but the worst of the lot are so bad they are practically legendary.
Meet Salvatore Ferragamo’s Grandson Edo, the Best-Dressed Rock Star
Ahead his new pop single, Edo talks to The Manual about the his music, Italian food, and the strong family values he inherited from his grandfather.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters is Heady Jazz for the Masses
We take a closer look at Herbie Hancock's must-have record, Head Hunters, which steered jazz brilliantly towards funk, soul, and fusion.
Time to Flip to Side B: The Cassette Tape is Back
The cassette tape is roaring back to life at a growth rate that's even better than vinyl. Why does it still occupy a certain place in every music lover's heart?
Revisiting Classic Albums: Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Brice Springsteen's 1982 wonder was originally supposed to be a demo but turned into one of the greatest pieces of intimate folk ever.
Everything You Need to Create the Ultimate Man Cave for Music Lovers
From a sleek turntable to the best chair for relaxing, we’ve got everything you need to create a music lover’s paradise — a musical man cave listening room, if you will — right in your own home.
You Should Listen Responsibly: Don’t Separate the Artist from the Music
The music industry has always had its share of sour apples but how are we to listen in the wake of #metoo and revelations about the likes of R. Kelly and Michael Jackson?
Revisiting Classic Albums: Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd's remarkable concept album is sheer genius, taking on the troubles of the modern world with a direct dose of prog-rock.
Revisiting Classic Albums: Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago
The Manual’s classic albums series is young yet, but it wouldn’t be a proper grouping without a few provocative selections. Bon Iver’s debut is a breakup album for the ages.
9 Coolest Concert Venues in the United States
From downtown Seattle to the Manhattan borough of New York, these are the coolest venues in America to catch a live show for the ages.
The Best Artists for Listening to Music in Isolation
Music is one of the best forms of medicine on the planet so try out some of these artists as we trudge through the quarantine and the effects of isolation.
This Map Will Take You on the Same Road Trip in ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’
From Los Angeles to Las Vegas, this online map by CarRentals.com charts the wild, psychedelic journey taken in Hunter S. Thompson's novel 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'. Mescalin not included.
The New Fender Vintera Series Harkens Back to the Beginnings of Rock and Roll
Want to tune in to the beginnings of the rock and roll movement? Check out the new Fender Vintera series, with 15 age-appropriate guitars to choose from.
Learn Guitar (and Don’t Give Up) With the Fender Play App
The Fender Play app aims to limit the trials and tribulations for new guitar players with short, digestible lessons that will teach you hundreds of songs and the techniques needed to achieve your music goals.
Vans Dropped a David Bowie-Inspired Collection and It’s Insane
Now is the time to put on your red shoes and dance the blues. Vans released a limited-edition capsule collection called Vans x Bowie honoring the legendary Starman with five shoes, three shirts, and two hats. Each commemorates a David Bowie album or alter ego.
Stephen King’s Maine Mansion to Become a One-of-a-Kind Writer’s Retreat
Stephen King evolved beyond a “mere” horror novelist to become a full-blown pop-culture icon. Soon, fans will be able to experience the writer’s life, legacy, and inspiration as he looks to convert his Bangor, Maine mansion into a one-of-a-kind writer’s retreat.
How to Score Discounted Tickets to the Best After-Party in NYC this Weekend
On Saturday, July 27, Discogs is hosting a free vinyl fair in Times Square called Crate Diggers. Here's how to score cheap tickets to the after-party featuring Method Man and Redman, Roy Ayers, Funk Flex and DJ Red Alert, and more.
Airbnb Announces Epic Around the World in 80 Days Adventure for Just $5,000
If you’ve ever daydreamed of traveling the world in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg, you could get your wish this September. Airbnb just announced a once-in-a-lifetime adventure dubbed Around the World in 80 Days. It’s every bit as epic as Jules Verne’s classic novel.
How Jay Boberg Went From Managing Bands to Managing Barrels
Managing wine and managing bands aren't all that different when you think about it. Just ask Jay Boberg, because he's done both.