Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny K. Soul.
Manny K. Soul, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Like many singers, I got my start in the church. I grew up in a small city south of Atlanta where I just remember being exposed to music at a very young age. Although I was probably younger when I started singing, I don’t remember anything prior to the age of five but I just remember singing all the time! I even wrote my first song at the age of eight and continued to develop my musical skills through the years from there. My mom sang in the gospel choir and that’s where most of my early training came from along with playing trumpet in school. My dad was also a huge music lover and it was through him that I was introduced to some of the greats such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Prince who is one of my greatest inspirations ever in life! I continued singing gospel for many years before I transitioned over to R&B/Soul music because I really wanted to share my personal stories of love and life, and all the up’s and down’s that come with that. Everything that I’ve written has been based on real-life experiences.
Also, I felt that I could be more authentic singing R&B/Soul music. Authenticity is so important to me not only as an artist but also as a person. I began working really hard on my debut single “Blazing Love” in November 2018 and I am still amazed at how it turned out! It’s available on all digital outlets and is receiving such incredible feedback. I am hard at work on my EP which is due later this year! So many doors have been opened from this one song and I’m excited to see what’s to come!
Has it been a smooth road?
By no means has this been an easy journey for me! Honestly, the biggest challenge for me has been financial. Being an independent artist, I am literally funding everything myself-the photoshoots, the artwork, the studio time, etc. all while trying to maintain a whole household and livelihood! I have learned though that one of the greatest things I can do for myself on this journey is to invest in myself and in doing so, I’ve had to make some sacrifices.
I’m very big on quality and I want my music and everything associated with my brand to be just as good as anything you’d get from a successful mainstream artist with a label backing them and realistically that costs! For instance, I have an amazing producer who helps me create each song from scratch and that has probably been the most costly part of the process, but also the most rewarding! I get to shoot my ideas to him in their rawest form and by the time he gets done with the track, I’m always floored because it’s nothing like actually hearing the melodies that have been in my head the whole time! What he creates is simply magical and honestly, that makes everything worth it!
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a singer/songwriter, with a sound that I like to call a fusion of Soul, Funk, & the Blues. I think what sets me apart, especially from the current style of R&B, is my incorporation of many types of instruments and that soulful, gospel-tinged vocal styling which harkens back to the ’70s, ’80s, & ’90s. Being an independent artist affords me the opportunity to create the kind of music I personally want to listen to. There’s no pressure on me to follow trends or to create the next big hit. I literally write songs organically from a really honest place and I think that’s what people connect to the most. They can literally feel my heart and soul when listening to my music.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I definitely feel that Atlanta is a great place for artists and musicians. I mean the scene is so rich and full of talented artists who are making moves and impacting the world. I love that there is room for everyone here and as long as you put in the work and produce great content, people will support you! As an artist new to the scene myself, I’ve been warmly embraced by several other artists and musicians so I would definitely say this is a great place for upcoming artists to get their start. I think Atlanta is amazing in that aspect!
Contact Info:
- Email: mannyksoul@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mannyksoul
- Twitter: @mannyksoul
Image Credit:
Cr8ive Productions, Manny K. Soul, KB Creations, André Chevalier, Jr., Cr8ive Productions, Everyday Ashton, Leslie O.
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