Manta

Musician — Manchester

01Profile

A Manta Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
My name is Manta and I’m from a small village in North Yorkshire called Skipton but currently living in Manchester.

Describe your style in three words?
Essential baggy everyday.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds in Leeds because that was the gig that made me start music and pick up a guitar.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Very basic but The Beatles would be one because they’re the best to ever do it, I even have a yellow submarine tattoo. Second would be Post Malone because I’ve seen him a few times live now and he’s always amazing, if I could have anyone's voice in the world I would choose his aha.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
The indie scene definitely influenced me a lot when growing up because the records my dad would play in the car when I was younger would be Oasis, Blur, Kooks etc.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d choose Elon Musk. I’d love to speak to him and get a full insight into his head cos he seems like a mad geeza, but at the same time very clever of course, so I think it would be a crazy hour mostly talking about conspiracy theories about multiverses and space.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Jacaranda in Liverpool for Soundcity because it was the first festival I ever played and the first time I played with my band. It’s also a historic venue with loads of ties to The Beatles.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I don’t know how unsung he is but I’d say this artist called Dijon. He makes music that has a Frank Ocean vibe but I personally think he’s better. His most recent album 'Absolutely' was my favourite project that came out in 2021.


Manta recently released his debut EP 'Confined Spaces'. Listen, purchase or stream it via linktr.ee/Whoismanta.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
All The Kooks' first album ('Inside In Inside Out') during car journeys when I was younger.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Bide Your Time' by The Courteeners.

One record you would keep forever?
'Don’t Forget About Me, Demos' by Dominic Fike.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you"

From 'Strawberry Fields Forever' by The Beatles.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Slide' by Sharleen Ka, Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean and Migos.

A song you wished you had written?
'3 Nights' by Dominic Fike.

Best song to turn up loud?
'My High' by Disclosure.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'STAY' by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Dancing In The Moonlight' by Toploader.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
There’s a girl called Sam Brocket who I’ve helped produce and write for who’s really talented and just released her first single called 'bday card'. Then also my close mates Luke Royalty and Sweets who are both incredible and inspire me to improve and become a better artist.

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
My name is Manta and I’m from a small village in North Yorkshire called Skipton but currently living in Manchester.

Describe your style in three words?
Essential baggy everyday.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds in Leeds because that was the gig that made me start music and pick up a guitar.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Very basic but The Beatles would be one because they’re the best to ever do it, I even have a yellow submarine tattoo. Second would be Post Malone because I’ve seen him a few times live now and he’s always amazing, if I could have anyone's voice in the world I would choose his aha.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
The indie scene definitely influenced me a lot when growing up because the records my dad would play in the car when I was younger would be Oasis, Blur, Kooks etc.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d choose Elon Musk. I’d love to speak to him and get a full insight into his head cos he seems like a mad geeza, but at the same time very clever of course, so I think it would be a crazy hour mostly talking about conspiracy theories about multiverses and space.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Jacaranda in Liverpool for Soundcity because it was the first festival I ever played and the first time I played with my band. It’s also a historic venue with loads of ties to The Beatles.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I don’t know how unsung he is but I’d say this artist called Dijon. He makes music that has a Frank Ocean vibe but I personally think he’s better. His most recent album 'Absolutely' was my favourite project that came out in 2021.


Manta recently released his debut EP 'Confined Spaces'. Listen, purchase or stream it via linktr.ee/Whoismanta.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
All The Kooks' first album ('Inside In Inside Out') during car journeys when I was younger.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Bide Your Time' by The Courteeners.

One record you would keep forever?
'Don’t Forget About Me, Demos' by Dominic Fike.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you"

From 'Strawberry Fields Forever' by The Beatles.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Slide' by Sharleen Ka, Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean and Migos.

A song you wished you had written?
'3 Nights' by Dominic Fike.

Best song to turn up loud?
'My High' by Disclosure.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'STAY' by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Dancing In The Moonlight' by Toploader.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
There’s a girl called Sam Brocket who I’ve helped produce and write for who’s really talented and just released her first single called 'bday card'. Then also my close mates Luke Royalty and Sweets who are both incredible and inspire me to improve and become a better artist.

 

05Videos

Manta | Me, Myself & I (2022)

Manta | Thoughts Of Yesterday (2021)