By Dilan Mehta | Posted May 30, 2025
Music is a part of every aspect of Mark Manto’s life. It’s in the rhythm his feet make when he goes out to run, it’s in the soft sound of the waves at the beach, it’s in the old records he digs up for new inspiration. With years of experience from various bands and musical endeavors, Manto is proud to announce his first all-original album, The Rocky Hill.
Mark Manto
The album, expected in late 2025-early 2026, is the result of decades of passion and exploration. Manto’s musical journey began with his fascination for drums at a young age.
“I became infatuated with percussion early on, at around 10 years old I found a record in my parent's album box, called Drum and Percussion, and I would listen to this album constantly,” Manto said.
Eventually, Manto started formal training and lessons, going on to perform in various bands, and ultimately pursuing formal education at DeVry University while continuing his music career on the weekends.
Manto’s expertise and involvement in numerous musical undertakings make him one of the leaders in the local music scene. He’s a percussionist for the New Jersey-based cover band Seven Stone (www.sevenstoneband.com). He’s also one of the founders of the popular indie and alternative band TunaBalloon.
However, his most recent pursuit is the most exciting yet: His solo project, theeGroovement (reverbnation.com/theegroovement), and its debut album, The Rocky Hill.
The album will be around twelve songs in length and incorporate a wide range of genres and themes. Manto wants to showcase his extreme versatility, so when listening to the songs, you’ll find elements of jazz, blues, country, rock, alternative, industrial, and even hip-hop.
The songs are short, catchy, and packed with layers. They always include Manto’s incredible openings and signature outros, to kick off and close the songs in tight, thunderous sounds.
“Everything I write has a heavy ending, a killer ending. It could be a guitar solo, a saxophone melody, maybe drum rolls ” he explained. One of his songs, Far Side, even ends with a harmonica section.
Manto’s process is amazing to watch. It all starts with a melody he will think of in his head. He gets his inspiration from the world around him and nature. He also draws from artists he loves, such as Steely Dan and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.
“Something inspires me, triggers my imagination, and in my head, I hum it out. Then I hum it into a microphone. So then I start messing around with it, I always put the bass first, since I’m a drum, backbone guy. Then while I build it up and develop it, I’ll hear something else. A piano melody, a guitar riff,”
While there are various themes and ideas that make up the album, the overarching message is about perseverance and determination. The album’s name serves as a reference to his neighborhood but also symbolizes overcoming obstacles.
“The album is called The Rocky Hill, so it's about getting up that rocky hill! Not giving up, and trusting your instincts. It's a rocky life, but just keep it going. There's always hope”.
Although thee Groovement is a solo project, it is far from a one-man effort. There are many people who have helped the project grow that Manto is grateful for, including his Seven Stone Guitarist – bandmate, Lenny Konick, Music producer Scott MacPherson and Saxophonist – Keyboard Wizard and NJ Native, Lenny Barone from Passaic, NJ.
“Working on original music is always the most rewarding experience,” says Konick. “It’s like planting a seed, which is the concept, then nurturing it to fruition. Sometimes it can be an extremely short and to-the-point process on certain songs, and other times a totally different unexpected route develops.”
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Konick is a guitarist, and his creative vision and mastery of the instrument make Manto’s songs come to life. He’s a good friend of Manto and enjoys their creative dynamic, saying,
“Working with Mark is always exciting as he is a pleasure to be around. [He is] open-minded to suggestions yet firm in where he sees the heart of his songs should be heading.”
Scott MacPherson is a producer who has shaped and refined Manto’s songs to create their unique sonic texture. The experience that he brings to the table is perfect for this album.
“I’ve been producing for artists and my music projects since 1996, building my first studio in Washington, D.C. when everything went digital.”
MacPherson has been guiding Manto in the development and growth of the album.
“My favorite part is helping an idea turn into a finished song,” he said when asked what he liked the most about working on The Rocky Hill.
In his free time, Manto loves cooking, golfing, running, and biking. But ultimately, music isn’t work for him. It’s his passion.
“[The studio] is a black hole,” he said. “As soon as that door closes, time flies. It's like anything you love. You get lost in the music.”
Manto is taking his creativity to new heights. The album is a reflection of who he is, told through its irreplaceable sound and distinct lyrics. As he prepares his finishing touches, we can’t wait to hear what he has in store for us.
