Although he studied classical piano for years, it wasn't until his late 20s that Chris A. Cummings began recording his neo- soul pop under the name Mantler. After going to film school and becoming a DJ, he joined an instrumental band in 1994, playing electric piano. Following its breakup a year later, he went solo, first contributing two songs on a compilation from Toronto dance label Play. In 2000, Mantler's first full-length, Doin It All, was released on jazz label Le Systeme. Two years later, after moving to Tomlab, he released Sadisfaction. The Epic Compromise followed in summer 2004. In 2010, Mantler released the moody and atmospheric Monody. Aside from his recordings, Mantler has also been working with the Canadia dell'Arte Theatre in Toronto since 1998. ~ Kenyon Hopkin, Rovi