Ryan met Justin during the formation of a previous band concept that never came to fruition. They needed a bass player, so when Justin got a bass guitar he and the other member of the band helped him develop his bass skills. When that band gave up Ryan continued creating music with various people solo, including using Justin for bass. Around that time Emmanuel had decided to pick up a drum kit. Ryan decided to use Emmanuel for his work and had asked Justin to contribute as well. This was the origin of the band.
At the time calling themselves Loomer, and then briefly Huxley, they created a very experimental sound. The experiments led to the need for another guitarist, which led to the introduction of Rick. The individual influences blended nicely, mixing heavy influences of shoegaze and dream pop with a bit of a nod to sludge and metal, which has given New Man a sound that lies somewhere between Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine with a hint of Pink Floyd.