A chat with Manuel Manzotti

Manuel Manzotti is redefining electronic music with his debut track, ‘Emba’, a seamless blend of African-inspired rhythms and the soothing tones of Organic House. Inspired by nature, Manuel’s sound captures themes of unity, joy, and love, offering a fresh, accessible take on the genre.

Based in Ulm, Germany, Manuel channels his serene surroundings into his craft, refining his skills at HOFA College and drawing inspiration from mentors like Delyno and Rareș Pop. With a passion for merging technical excellence with emotional depth, Manuel creates music that resonates with both heart and mind.

‘Emba’ is just the beginning for this talented producer, who is dedicated to bringing harmony and authenticity to the electronic music scene. Keep an eye on Manuel Manzotti as he continues to craft his unique sound. We caught up with himn recently to learn more...

What was the creative process behind ‘Emba’, and how did you merge African rhythms with organic house elements?
Organic House has always attracted me for several reasons. Its natural sounds resonate deeply with my love for nature. Unlike other House music styles, Organic House is chill and soothing, making it accessible even to those who aren’t typically fans of electronic music. When I shared the track with friends who weren’t into electronic music, they were fascinated because it’s calm and rhythmic, avoiding the overwhelming intensity of some other House genres. The groove, driven by percussions often inspired by nature, makes you want to dance. Given the rhythmic essence of Organic House, African influences—characterised by drums and rich percussions—integrated seamlessly into the composition.

Why did you choose to name your debut track ‘Emba’? Does it hold any special significance?
The track features an African vocal that repeatedly utters the Swahili word “Mbao,” which can mean “wood” or “nature.” Since “Mbao” might be challenging to pronounce in Western languages, I slightly altered the title to make it more approachable and catchy. Interestingly, many listeners perceive the vocal as saying “Emba-oo,” which makes “Emba” a perfect fit—simple, memorable, and true to the track’s essence.

Producing, mixing, and mastering a track single-handedly is a major feat. What challenges did you face during this process?
Producing, mixing, and mastering ‘Emba’ was an intense yet rewarding journey that spanned nearly a year. After production, even though the track sounded good, I chose to start fresh with the mix. This separation between production and mixing allowed me to spot details I hadn’t noticed earlier. Handling all stages myself helped me stay true to the emotions I wanted to convey, which might have been lost if outsourced to another engineer. Each step deepened my understanding of the processes behind creating a professional track, paving the way for smoother future projects.

How does your southern Germany studio influence your music? Does the environment play a role in your creativity?
Southern Germany, particularly Ulm, has a unique atmosphere—serious and somewhat isolated compared to other parts of Europe. This environment, coupled with the isolation amplified by the 2019 pandemic, gave me the focus and quiet needed to dive deeply into music. While it might seem sombre, it’s the perfect setting for anyone serious about their craft. The culture here prioritises discipline over socialising, which has helped me channel my energy into my music career.

You mentioned that ‘Emba’ is meant to evoke feelings of unity and joy. How do you translate such emotions into sound?
It’s challenging to put this into words; I simply poured my emotions into the music. My girlfriend, who is incredibly intuitive about people’s energy through music, described ‘Emba’ as calming and peaceful—qualities I aimed to capture. The track reflects love, harmony, and unity, offering a counterbalance to the chaos of the modern world. The accompanying music video visually reinforces these themes with imagery of joy, harmony, and togetherness, transcending gender and race.

The haunting piano melodies in ‘Emba’ add a mysterious undertone. How did you come up with this idea?
I’ve always been drawn to mysticism and mystery, which I love expressing through music. The piano melody in ‘Emba’ was designed to stand out—slightly eerie yet fitting within the track’s overall chill vibe. It’s my way of inviting listeners into a world of intrigue and emotion, reflecting my lifelong fascination with darker, mysterious themes.

Why did you decide to release ‘Emba’ in January, and what do you hope listeners feel during the cold winter months?
Initially, the track was ready by September, but I needed time to plan its promotion. Releasing it in November or December felt counterproductive due to the holiday season, which overshadows most non-seasonal music.

January 2025, however, is perfect—people are ready for something fresh, making plans for the new year, and seeking warmth during the coldest month. ‘Emba’ offers an escape to a sunny, warm world, evoking the feeling of summer amidst winter’s chill.

Can you share more about the upcoming music video for ‘Emba’? What can fans expect?
The video complements the track by transporting viewers to a warm, sunny world filled with joy and harmony. Although I’m not an expert in video production, I’m proud of how well it aligns with the emotions conveyed in the music. It’s a visual journey of happiness, love, and unity, perfectly matching the track’s essence.

How has your experience at HOFA College shaped your skills and approach to music production?
HOFA College has been transformative. Before attending, I struggled with unfinished projects and lacked a clear structure. HOFA opened my eyes to the intricacies of professional music production, from studio setup and acoustics to audio engineering and sound theory. It’s amusing to revisit my old projects and realise how far I’ve come. HOFA has given me the foundation to grow continuously, and I’m excited to see how my skills evolve in the years to come.

Delyno and Rareș Pop have shown their support for your work. How has their feedback influenced your growth as an artist?
Delyno and Rareș Pop (aka BeatzShack) have been pivotal in shaping my journey as a musician and artist. I’ve known Delyno for a long time, dating back to my days as a DJ, when he was just starting his musical career. Back then, he would send me his tracks to get my feedback or to include them in my DJ compilations. In 2018, I visited his studio for the first time, and I was blown away. That visit inspired me to take the plunge—I returned to Germany and slowly started building my own studio setup, determined to give music production a shot.

My first track, She Wants Me Badly, was created with Delyno as a playful experiment but marked the beginning of my serious interest in music production. However, I quickly realised that having a studio and expensive gear wasn’t enough without proper education and constant learning. That’s where Rareș Pop came in. We met through an online community of music producers, and from the start, it felt like we had known each other forever. Rareș recommended HOFA College after hearing my frustrations with early projects, which turned out to be life-changing advice.

Both Delyno and Rareș have been instrumental in my growth. Delyno inspired me to start this journey, while Rareș guided me with the right tools and knowledge. I owe them immense gratitude for helping me pursue this incredible music production path.

What or who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
My influences have evolved over time. Early on, I admired artists like ATB and Scooter, then transitioned to Alle Farben, Diplo, and DJ Antoine. Recently, I’ve been drawn to Organic and Ethnic House, inspired by Tim Green, Mass Digital, Victhor, Bross (RO), Alex O’Rion, Volen Sentir, and especially Sako Isoyan. These artists and styles, with their blend of rhythm, harmony, and artistry, perfectly align with my vision for music.

What’s your approach to balancing technical mastery with emotional storytelling in your tracks?
Both are equally important. Technical excellence ensures the track sounds professional, while emotional storytelling connects with listeners. By studying both music theory and audio engineering, I strive to merge these elements seamlessly, creating tracks that resonate both emotionally and sonically.

How does being based in Ulm, Germany, influence your music and career as an artist?
Ulm’s quiet and reserved nature contrasts with the bustling vibe of larger cities like Stuttgart. While there’s less nightlife and fewer clubs, the calm environment allows me to focus deeply on my craft. It’s a balance between serenity and opportunity, and I’ve learned to make the most of it.

What has been the most rewarding part of creating and preparing to release ‘Emba’?
The most rewarding part has been seeing the track evolve from an idea to a finished product. It’s a testament to my growth as an artist and the countless hours of effort poured into every detail.

Can you give us a glimpse of your upcoming projects? Are you working on any new tracks or collaborations?
Absolutely! I’m already working on new tracks and exploring collaborations with other artists. Stay tuned—2025 will be an exciting year!

How do you stay inspired and innovative in such a competitive and ever-changing industry?
Staying inspired and innovative means following my inner voice and staying true to my dreams. Many try to replicate popular trends, but I focus on understanding the emotions and energy behind music.

Exploring different genres keeps me creatively fresh. Beyond music, I draw inspiration from books, movies, and continuous learning, like studying music theory and piano. These diverse influences fuel my creativity and help me innovate while staying authentic.

What do you hope listeners take away from ‘Emba’ and your music overall?
I hope listeners experience a burst of positive energy through ‘Emba’ and my music. In a world oversaturated with aggressive and poorly crafted music, I aim to bring harmony, mystery, and rhythm that’s both danceable and enjoyable.

My goal is to create music that resonates deeply and feels authentic. Success, for me, is about connecting with people through genuine passion and dedication. When something is crafted with love, it inevitably finds its place in the world.

As an emerging artist, what advice would you give to others who are just starting their journey in electronic music?
There are no shortcuts in music—it’s a challenging path that requires years of dedication. Building a solid foundation in music theory, production, and audio engineering is crucial.

The music market is oversaturated, but quality always stands out. Avoid shortcuts and “magic” courses; instead, invest in professional education and consistent practice. Anyone can learn to make music, but success comes with time, effort, and a commitment to learning.

Keep up with Manuel on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, Deezer and Bandcamp

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