Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Manuel the Band
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My mom playing piano when I was a toddler.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I think it started even before I was born. My mother would play songs for me during her pregnancy and I would kick. Even after I was born, she would say I would recognize those songs and laugh and smile while she played.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Not really a story. Just people who like to get together and make music. I love harmonies and Chelsea and I have always just had a natural connection that way.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It depends on what you’re listening to. As an acoustic group, it’s folksy, with a lot of harmonic elements to it. The full band is a massive wall of sound and energy- think Dave Matthews with a John Mayer feel.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? I think I came to a realization in the last two years that crowds are not as scary as I’ve
thought them to be. Sounds dumb, but I think there’s always been a part of me that’s had a difficult time relaxing in front of crowds of people, always worrying about being on time, playing everything right, etc. The truth is, at least in my experience, things are probably gonna turn out just fine and crowds just want to have a good time. If I’m having fun, it’s highly likely that they re having fun, too. So that’s helped me with how I perform and make music on stage and a good realization to have.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? I used Logic Pro to make demos, so having a basic recording set up to get new ideas
out has been really essential for me.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
i’ve been really digging Novo Amor.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? They bleed into all my songs. I tend to write from experience, so there’s always some
story in the lyrics that is an influence of some personal experience.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Really whatever works for them. I don’t think it’s my place to tell people what to take from my music. I’m grateful that they listen to it and whatever message or sentiment they experience, I just hope it’s helpful or cathartic.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Chill out and be humble. I’m lucky to be able to do what I do and I try to remember that every time I pick up my guitar.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Madison Square Garden
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? I think this one fluctuates in my head a lot. I’d love to pick John Mayer’s brain on song
lyrics, but I think I’d be so intimidated to actually write/play with him. But I’d try!
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links) It’s all under Manuel the Band. I’ve googled it– we’re the only ones.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’d love to put together a little acoustic tour and putz around, playing music at packed coffee shops and such. That, to me, sounds like a really great time.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? Hmm. Never really thought about it. I guess they can uncover what they’d like to. I just
hope they dig what I do musically.
