Upcoming 100: How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?
MANi$H: Music has been an intricate part of my life since as long as I can remember! …..since my early childhood.
Upcoming 100: Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “music is what I want to do”?
MANi$H: I was always accustomed to just focusing on living life and creating the stories I’m now bringing to light….but back in 2012, I was travelling full time in a Motorhome with my family and was able to take a mental break from what I grew to know as “life”. I was reflecting on the growth around me and the energy/vibe from the music in the background snatched my thoughts. I instantly felt an unparalleled level of excitement in the disappointment of where the music was headed, but didn’t really know what to do about it. Then it hit me! I turned the music off and grabbed the 1st thing to write on (the back of one of my sales training manuals) and started verbally expressing myself and controlling it (which was something I wasn’t accustomed to). I grew up a fighter, so all that talking and inner-feeling sh!t was for the birds! I just wanted to let people know what “life” should be/feel like……”Coastin through life like it’s a journey, and not a destination. Bossin like I’m here to give you a seminar or a presentation, this Cali-swaggin but the explicit demonstration….”this later became a track titled: “TUCKED AWAY” which gives an inside perspective to who I am and what some of my life was like growing up.
Upcoming 100: What inspires you (or your music)?
MANi$H: I feel a strong sense of obligation to give back to what keeps me going through life’s challenges, adversities, and all the emotions in between (the music!).
Upcoming 100: Who’s on your iTunes playlist?
MANi$H: Way too many to name! I have different playlists based on moods and even categorized by record label, lol.
Upcoming 100: The project you are currently promoting, how did the idea for it come about?
MANi$H: Initially, I thought about just releasing an EP consisting of about 5-8 tracks but didn’t really have a “concept” for it, so I wasn’t passionate about getting it out here and definitely didn’t feel any urgency. My motivation to release my debut Album/Mixtape was on the strength of my oldest son’s 18th birthday approaching and thought “this album should be a message about staying on your MAN sh!t at all times….the reminder! What better way than to give 18 tracks to celebrate his legal liberation and give him something he can always use to reflect/stay focused?....well here you go, and here it is!”
Upcoming 100: There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?
MANi$H: Purpose.
Upcoming 100: I’ve heard your latest music and it’s amazing! I can definitely tell your sound has evolved over the past few years from previous songs we’ve heard from you online. What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?
MANi$H: I believe evolution comes from “will” and daring to be different! But first, you have to be able to recognize patterns/systems and overstand situations with clarity for it to even be a consideration. Evolving is what we’re designed to do, I think complacency is our worst enemy!
Upcoming 100: Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?
MANi$H: Absolutely! (to both questions)….My passions are to CREATE opportunities for others, GIVE something of value to reflect, and PEDESTAL positivity.
Upcoming 100: With your current success and working with a renowned PR firm such as Starlight PR, What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?
MANi$H: Focus on Value! Give Value and expect it in return, there’s nothing wrong with going through experiences and aligning/realigning yourself with your vision or goals along the way.
Upcoming 100: Where can potential fans find out more about you?
MANi$H:
http://www.manishmuzik.com
IG: @wc_manish
Twitter: @WCMANISH
SoundCloud: @manishmuzik
