INTERVIEW: Manudigital — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Manudigital

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MY last piece before the weekend (for real this time!)…

is a change of pace! I have been talking with Manudigital about his new single, Winner, and how he came to work alongside Derrick Parker and Lt. Stitchie. With the album Bass Attack out; he talks about Digital Reggae and the artists who have helped inspire his sound.

Manudigital tells me about his connection with the stage and the albums that have affected him; which rising artists have been catching his eye and whether there are gigs coming up – he ends the interview by selecting a very cool song!

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Hi, Manudigital. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m good, thank you! The week went very well because I released my new album and it's always exciting to release a new project!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Manudigital. I'm from Paris and I'm a beat-maker who specializes in Digital Reggae!

Is there a story behind the new single, Winner?

There is a human story above all! Because these two artists (on the song) I work with; I’ve called the song as such – these are people I worked with on their personal album, single or E.P. projects! One is from Jamaica, the other from Tijuana; it was very important for me to record each one in their own country and then make a common project. In regards the subject of the lyrics; this direction is a classic of Jamaican music: the clash, the competition!

How did you hook up with Derrick Parker and Lt. Stitchie?

Like I told you before; I've worked for them on their own project. And it was awesome, so I really wanted to do it again! I really like collaborate with artists like them!

Can you give me a sense of the artists you grew up around? Who do you count as idols?

My favourite artists are Bob Marley, Buju Banton; Michael Jackson, Miles Davis - and many others ones! As you see; they're from different horizons!

Do you think there might be more material next year?

For sure! But, we need to not forget that the material is to serve the music and not the music to serve the material! We should not get lost in the material: the number-one is to make good music!

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Hmm...I don't really know! But, what is sure is I want to still have this keen interest for music! Music makes me really happy day after day! So, I hope it’ll stay this way…

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

My best memories are when I had the opportunity to back some of my favourite artists - Bounty Killer, Beenie Man; Admiral Bailey, Johnny Osbourne; Daddy Lizar and Courtney Melody - all in the same night in Trinidad. I was invited by Chinese Laundry to perform at the huge Machel Monday event. It's by far one of the best moments of my whole career.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Bob Marley - Catch a Fire

Because it's the base and THE classic album of Reggae music.

Steel Pulse - True Democracy

A band that I used to listen to a lot and still do. It's an inspiration for me.

Prince Jammy - Computerised Dub

Because this album started the era of Digital Reggae.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I would love to play with Chronixx - because he is a major artist of the actual Reggae scene. He is the new generation incarnate and has a huge talent!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Hmm. Do it without waiting for nothing. Music is a passion and the main goal would be to have some fun and pleasure! And, also, share the vibes with the public because they give you so much!

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

Yes! I'm going on tour this year and next year to present Bass Attack to the public. I'm going to Reunion Island, Russia and Europe soon. To keep updated, follow me on social networks (@manudigital)!

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

The moment I'm on stage is the only one where I can share my music for real, with people in front of me. I often spend a lot of time in my home studio. It's a bit lonely, so it's really nice to have instant feedback with the public on stage. It's really exciting being on stage and for me both parts are important in being an artist.

IN THIS PHOTO: MESH M18

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Oh; so many! The world is full of good artists. But, if I need to tell you few names, I'll say: Dapatch, MESH M18 and Tom Spirals!

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Yes. I try to keep as much time as I can for my family! And, it's different when I'm working in studio: I spend more time at home. When I'm going on tour, I'm not there much during the weekends. For relaxing, I really like going fishing in my region. It's so calm!

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Hollie Cook - Angel Fire! Thanks!