Interviews: MANUEL

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band, MANUEL, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned or spontaneous? 

MANUEL is simply my name. At a certain point in my career, I realized I wasn’t being fully authentic. I spent years playing other people’s music and slowly lost touch with my own musical essence. Eventually, I turned inward and focused on what I had been brewing creatively. This project is about reclaiming that identity! no filters, no compromises.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I fell in love with this kind of music as a teenager. It feels natural and instinctive to me. There’s a freedom in it, emotionally and physically, that lets me express myself without restraint.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I knew DJKTF and Jason beforehand. I met DJKTF shortly after moving to Maine; he’s been my brother ever since. Jason and I met at a show where we played a Santana tune together, and from there, everything just clicked. The rest is history. 

4. Each band member’s favorite bands?

It’s all over the map, in the best way possible. Influences range from Sepultura and Opeth to Tortoise, Kendrick Lamar, The Mars Volta, Santana, Grateful Dead, and Los Mirlos.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Life itself. It’s constantly shifting, evolving, colliding. There’s no better way to express the human experience than through sound.

6. Where was your last gig?

Biddeford, Maine, at Rumors.

7. Where would you like to perform?

On The Simpsons and at the Hollywood Bowl.

8. Who would you like to collaborate with?

Marty Friedman, Max Cavalera, Santana, Los Mirlos, Kendrick Lamar.

9. Who would you not collaborate with?

Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, or anyone rooted in racism, homophobia, misogyny, or hate. No space for that.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any advice for beginners? 

Yes, absolutely. My advice: close your eyes, breathe, and remind yourself that you’re doing this for you. Once you let go of expectations, the fear loses its power.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Opeth and Death.

12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you?

Honestly, nothing’s off the table yet.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I love them. They elevate everything we do and make this journey meaningful. 

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s essential. Platforms like yours help spread the word and shine a light on the incredible amount of music out there that deserves to be heard.

15. Anything you’d like to add?

Resist. Fight the parasite that feeds off the people. No kings. No masters.