Introducing: MaMan
Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
I'm currently trying to expand my sound and signature both online and offline. Based in Groningen, The Netherlands, I play at local venues. Besides playing live, I try to release as many songs as possible. Over the last few years, I released 17 singles (excluding remixes) in collaboration with multiple amazing artists.
Tell us a bit about your influences.
Regarding non-electronic music, I grew up with artists/bands like Dire Straits and ABBA (guilty pleasure). I love rock, disco, and 80s music in general. But looking at electronic influences, that was basically how every bedroom-producer started out. Watching YouTube and cracking music software. In terms of artists, my main inspirations throughout the years have been names like Nora En Pure, Kasbo and Shallou. Recently also more Ben Böhmer and Tinlicker.
How did you start?
Many years ago, I was inspired by rising superstar DJs like Martin Garrix, Kygo and Avicii. Starting with mainstream bigroom/edm, I quickly felt that was not for me. I discovered the beauty of Tropical House and created a lot of music in this new style. After a few years, however, Future Bass sparked my attention and I started crafting wide pad-heavy drops. This period resulted in many releases on established labels. Where I am now is quite different again, though, as I'm mainly working on house music. It feels like I finally found my call in terms of genres. Super excited for the future!
How will artists be influenced by the rapid change in technology in the future in your opinion? What will change?
Interesting question. Uhm, I think the rapid changing technology showed how more people were able to create music just from home. You don't need fancy multi-million studios anymore. Looking forward, though, I am not sure where it will go. I hope AI will not come with some kind of deep fake music algorithm where music is created only by robots. Then my career is gone, hehe.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Probably two things:
1. Be patient
2. Network is key
I'm typically not very patient in general, but when it comes to music I want it all, and I want it now. Frequently, however, time is your greatest friend. We often overestimate what we can do in a day, but we underestimate what we can achieve in a year. Furthermore, knowing the right people is so important. I am fairly introverted, but stepping out and having a strong network could be so beneficial in the music industry.
What has been the best time for music in your opinion? What era would you like to live in as an alternative?
I don't think there are specific times I'd rather live in regarding music. Nowadays there are so many opportunities and everything is so easily accessible. That being said, things will change in the future for sure, and I plan on being in this industry for a long time.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Good question, not thinking so much about this usually. In five years I'll be 26 years old, hopefully living happy and healthy with music being my main occupation. More specifically, I would like to see myself having releases on labels like Anjunadeep or ThisNeverHappened. Not to forget the part about playing live shows where I'll meet beautiful people and share magical moments.
What is your favorite book? What would you suggest to our readers?
I don't really read music books, but I do read mindset and management books. These books can help in music as well, since finding your way in the music industry is not very different from any other industry. Favorite fiction books? That'd probably be the series of Ranger's Apprentice, another guilty pleasure.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
My most recent single was 'Ceridwen', released on Armada Music. It gave my listeners a new direction with my upcoming organic deep house music. Ceridwen was supported by great people and it got some editorial support, too. Looking forward, I have over 20 songs being finished as we speak. WIth or without vocals, they all follow my new direction as much as possible. Can't wait to share them with you all!
