Dan Merino, also known as Sex Mannequin is no stranger to the neighborhood.   I first met Dan a couple years ago at the Casbah and instantly knew he was a fun person to be around, but it wasn’t until I saw him dance to Maneater on vinyl in his living room, that I knew we would be friends. I was stoked to have Dan be a part of Commune last March and even more so that he won Commune Featured Local.  It was a close race between all three nominees, but Dan pulled ahead in the last couple of days of December and finished the month with 487 votes! I met up with Dan to congratulate him and see what he has going on.

1. So, we have to know. Where did the name Sex Mannequin come from?

At the time I came up with Sex Mannequin I wanted to make a name that reflected my own social commentary on the act of promiscuity and that looked good on an iPod. I had just turned 21 and immersed myself into a hedonistic lifestyle.

2. What’s it like being in a one-man band?

Lonely… Very lonely

3. What inspires your music and do you have any other projects you are currently working on?

Gaux Nu Vaux. So far our direction is a mix of electro/ pop/ disco/ new wave. It picks up where Sex Mannequin leaves off by adding the beauty of having a female lead vocalist paired with my own musical creations.

4. Do you have any upcoming shows people can catch you at?

I am currently writing new Sex Mannequin material to follow up my last 2 e.p.’s. As far as shows I am more focused on my new project to get it out there. But I definitely will continue performing with both.

5. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

In all honesty I find myself pretty disgusted with cigarettes at this point in my life. I’ve tried to justify my own reasons for smoking in the past but cigarettes seem to make my sinuses irritated and my lungs weaker. Plus they make you impotent and Im pretty sure my girlfriend has emphysema.

For more on Sex Mannequinn check out his myspace at http://www.myspace.com/sexmannequin and for some demos and more on Gaux Nu Vaux check out www.myspace.com/gauxnuvaux.