Coffee Break with MANTi
Los Angeles-based Iranian DJ, producer and NXT event founder Mana Nabati, aka MANTi, is fast becoming one of the most exciting rising talents on the underground circuit. Crafting a unique and distinctive sound palette through an immersive education in Music Production and Sound Design at Point Blank Music School in LA, MANTi’s sonic journey is characterised by deep, melodic and atmospheric compositions that champion resonant basslines and vibrant synth work, with her work gracing leading labels including Marginalia, LSF21+, Borders of Light, Einmusika, Akumandra and Natura Viva, amongst others.
Hi Mana, thanks for having this little chat with us today. First of all, how are you doing and what are you up to?
Hi guys. Thanks for having me! I’m great! I’m currently traveling in Florence, Italy and really enjoying the amazing culture and food.
Being originally from Iran, now based in LA, what influence would you say your heritage and your city had on your relationship with music?
My Iranian heritage infused my musical upbringing with rich, traditional melodies and rhythms. The move to the lively music scene in LA has been inspiring as it has exposed me to a melting pot of genres and cultures. The intersection of these influences are visible in my sound.
When were you first introduced to electronic music, and when did you decide to start producing yourself?
The first time I heard electronic music was in 1998 or 1999 and I was instantly in love! However it wasn’t until 2016 that I decided to learn how to make music. I realized that I love electronic music too much to just be a music enthusiast and I really wanted to be a part of it. So I enrolled in the Music Production & Sound Design course at Point Blank LA and started my musical journey.
What is it like to be a female DJ in an industry that is still male-dominated? Have you ever had bad experiences?
Being a female DJ in a male-dominated industry certainly has its challenges. I have had multiple bad experiences, but the most common one is male DJ/Producers asking who is the ghost producer producing my tracks. The best way to go about it is to ignore the nasty comments and focus on your growth as an artist; which means acknowledging the journey, learning from mistakes, and empowering the next generation of female artists.
How would you describe the dance music scene in America?
The electronic music scene in the US is growing rapidly, presenting exciting new opportunities. However, this surge in popularity has also led to a more mainstream presence, shifting some focus from the essence of the underground scene to the commercialization of the genre. While the expansion brings accessibility, it makes it more difficult to preserve the authenticity and diverse roots that make the underground scene so unique.
You just released the EP "Lose Yourself" on LSF21+. Could you tell us a bit about this release and the story behind it?
This EP is quite a personal one. 'Lose Yourself' is all about breaking free from the self-imposed limits we tend to set. It's a friendly reminder that letting go can take us places we never imagined. On the flip side, ‘Distant, Yet Connected’ taps into the emotions of feeling physically distant but emotionally close. It's that magical connection we have with certain people and things, no matter the miles. I wanted to capture and share that powerful feeling in this track.
Which track is your favorite and why?
I love both so can’t really pick one over the other. But I would say ‘Distant, Yet Connected’ is more personal.
What gear/VSTs did you use to produce it?
I used Diva and Massive X.
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Deep, hypnotic, and melodic.
Which festival do you dream to play at?
Voodoo Village Festival.
What is your favorite Iranian dish?
That’s a difficult question as there are so many amazing Iranian dishes, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with ‘Ghormeh Sabzi’.
Last but not least: coffee or tea?
I stopped drinking coffee years ago due to some stomach issues I had, so I’m all about tea now. I like my tea black, no cream, no sugar.
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