(March 9, 2021) The HamilTones, Anthony Hamilton’s backing vocalists, have gone as far as any group of backup singers in crafting their own image and sound. Whether the trio are working on their studio projects, collaborating with artists like PJ Morton, Jonathan McReynolds and Tori Kelly, reimaging Drake’s “Hotline Bling” as a gospel tune, engaging in a little musical political humor in 2016, or giving political commentary with their 2020 album 1964, The HamilTones have created a brand that builds on their connection to – while also being distinct from – lead singer for whom they work.
The connection to Anthony Hamilton comes from more than the trio’s name, which is a play on the principle’s surname but also from the group’s sound that draws heavily on gospel quartet and doo-wop singing, as well as the blues and classic soul. “Manager,” the trio’s latest single, finds them taking a big step away from the sound they made famous as The HamilTones and as Anthony Hamilton’s backup singers.
“Manager” has a distinctly contemporary sound with the singers deploying auto-tune and an arrangement that fuses trap infused percussion with a laid back 1990s era funk bass line. The song and the accompanying video are a witty and humorous play on the concept of a showbiz manager with the singers making their pitches to ‘represent’ a pair of beautiful ladies who walk into their venue. The song’s over-the-top pop culture comparisons will have you wondering whether the guys want to represent them or have a more exclusive and intimate arrangement. You be the judge. Check out “Manager” here.
By Howard Dukes
The HamilTones – “Manager”