Die Mannequin
Die Mannequin was a Canadian alternative rock band from Toronto, formed in 2005 by guitarist and singer Care Failure (Caroline Slezak Kawa). The group toured extensively across Canada, opening for acts such as Buckcherry, Guns N’ Roses, Marilyn Manson, and Sum 41. They also made several trips to Europe, including a 2008 run with Danko Jones.
History
Die Mannequin developed out of Care Failure’s earlier project, The Bloody Mannequins. In 2006, she recorded the first EP, How to Kill, performing vocals, guitar, and bass herself, with Jesse F. Keeler of Death from Above 1979 handling drums and production. The release included four tracks and was mastered by Ryan Mills. Around the same time, Care joined the supergroup The Big Dirty Band, which featured members of Rush. They recorded a cover of “I Fought the Law” for the film Trailer Park Boys: The Movie.
Failure recruited friends Ethan Deth and Pat M. (Ghostwolf) to fill out the lineup, though Deth was soon replaced by Anthony “Useless” Bleed of Kïll Cheerleadër. Managed by Shull Management, the group signed with EMI Publishing in 2006 and launched their own label, How To Kill Records, distributed by Warner Music Canada. That same year, they opened for Guns N’ Roses during the band’s North American tour.
In 2007, Die Mannequin issued the Slaughter Daughter EP. Two songs, “Do It or Die” and “Saved by Strangers,” were produced by Ian D’Sa of Billy Talent, while Junior Sanchez produced “Upside Down Cross” and “Lonely of a Woman.” The video for “Do It or Die” gained airplay on MuchMusic. Both early EPs were later collected on the compilation Unicorn Steak, which also featured two bonus tracks. Canadian director Bruce McDonald filmed the video for “Saved by Strangers” and directed the documentary The Rawside of Die Mannequin, which premiered at NXNE in 2008.
That same year, Care appeared in the City Sonic documentary series, discussing her connection to Toronto radio station CFNY 102.1 The Edge. In 2009, Die Mannequin released their debut full-length album, Fino + Bleed, mixed by Mike Fraser. The band toured Canada with Marilyn Manson during his High End of Low tour.
Die Mannequin returned in 2012 with the EP Danceland, coinciding with the release of the film Hard Core Logo 2, which featured several of their songs. In 2014, they issued their second studio album, Neon Zero. The record was described by Exclaim! as “evil dance metal.”
On March 30, 2023, Care Failure passed away at the age of 36. The following year, a tribute concert called Failurefest was held at Toronto’s Bovine Sex Club. The event featured performances from ACIIDZ, Fine Motor Control, Blackout Orchestra, Ian D’Sa, Kali-Ann Butala of Bad Waitress, and members of the Anti-Queens. Proceeds supported the charity Sistering, where Care had volunteered.
Band Members
Final Lineup
- Caroline “Care Failure” Kawa – vocals, guitar, bass (2005-2023)
- Keith Heppler – drums, percussion (2015-2023)
- J.C. Sandoval – guitar, backing vocals (2015-2023)
- Stephany Seki – bass, backing vocals (2018-2023)
Former Members
- Ethan Kath – bass (2006)
- Ghostwolf – drums, percussion (2006-2009)
- Anthony “Useless” Bleed – bass, backing vocals (2006-2014)
- Dazzer Scott – drums, percussion (2009-2014)
- Stacy Stray – guitar, backing vocals (2009-2014)
- Kevvy Mental – bass, backing vocals (2015-2018)
Discography
Studio Albums
- Fino + Bleed (2009)
- Neon Zero (2014)
EPs
- How to Kill (2006)
- Slaughter Daughter (2007)
- Danceland (2012)
Compilations
- Unicorn Steak (2008)
Soundtrack Appearances
- Hard Core Logo 2 (2012) – “Do It or Die,” “Orson Wells + 2012,” “The Other Tiffany,” “Candide”
Singles
- “Autumn Cannibalist” (2006)
- “Do It or Die” (2008)
- “Saved by Strangers” (2008)
- “Bad Medicine” (2009)
- “Dead Honey” (2009)
- “Miss Americvnt” (2009)
- “Orson Welles & 2012” (2012)
- “Sucker Punch” (2014)
