“‘Lose Yourself’ is about the liberating feeling of breaking free from self-imposed constraints and exploring the realm of dreams and thoughts,” describes LA-based MANTi, the inspiration behind her new 2-track LP ‘Lose Yourself,’ which was released on December 8 via LSF21+. Born in Tehran, Mana Nabati came into contact with electronic music at a young age and instantly fell in love with the fresh soundscape and the new world that opened up for her.
A few years later, in 2016, she came to the realization that her love for it was more than just wanting to be a music enthusiast and signed up for a Production and Sound Design course at Point Blank LA, deciding to give it a go. The courage paid off, and in the meantime, MANTi has released on some of the scene’s most respected labels such as LSF21+, Marginalia, Natura Viva, Einmusika, and others.
We talked to the talented artist about her EP, which is a reflection of personal growth and the journey of this year. It has been all about not losing hope, building confidence, being consistent, and believing in her sound.
photography: courtesy press
Hey dear Mana, you are about to release your new two-track debut EP Lose Yourself (8th December) I really like both of the tracks. They have a lot of good and strong energy. You stated about it: “These tracks are a reflection of the emotions and experiences that inspired them.” What were the emotions and experiences that you were inspired by?
Both tracks are inspired by my journey as an artist over the past 2 years. The challenges of dealing with self-doubt, finding a balance between passion and profession, and dealing with rejection.
‘Lose Yourself’ is about the liberating feeling of breaking free from self-imposed constraints and exploring the realm of dreams and thoughts. On the flip side, ‘Distant, Yet Connected’ is about the emotional paradox of being physically apart yet deeply connected. To me, this EP is a reflection of personal growth and introspection.
Is it also important for you to make a certain statement with your music, like to give people something to think about in between the lines or mainly you just want people to have an amazing time dancing to your sound?
For me, music is more than just a sonic journey. Music evokes thought, sparks conversations, and creates a shared experience. So I aim to give people something to think about through my music.
“‘Lose Yourself’ is about the liberating feeling of breaking free from self-imposed constraints and exploring the realm of dreams and thoughts.”
You also have another release on the 15th December on Borders of Light. The track is called Trauma – tell us how this collaboration with the label came about and what the story behind the title and track is?
I am a big fan of Toto Chiavetta and have been wanting to release on his label for a while. So, I made 2-3 tracks inspired by him and his label and sent all 3 to him. He liked 2 of them but eventually decided to release Trauma as part of the upcoming VA compilation.
How do you usually work on new songs, like from this first inspirations to creating a piece of music.
Sometimes I have a specific idea in mind like a certain style of music I want to make or a particular sound I want to incorporate in a track which drives the process. Sometimes I just sit on my laptop and play around with different sounds until I feel I have the foundation for a track. Many times, my ideas don’t come to life for months so I move on to a new track and sometimes everything just comes together nicely in a day or 2.
Tell us a bit about how you got into music, especially into electronic music? What caused your fascination for it?
I got into electronic music at a young age, I believe I was 11 or 12 years old when I first heard it. I was blown away! It sounded so fresh and new to me; unlike anything I had heard before. I instantly fell in love.
“I also didn’t want to wake up one day and regret that I didn’t even try…”
From a passion to then choosing to pursue a more professional way there are also certain factors that influence this decision. What made you go for it?
I remember specifically as this was a turning point for me. Late December 2016, I came to the realization that I love electronic music so much that I no longer can be just a music-enthusiast. I needed to do more and do something to be involved in the scene. So, I signed up for the Music Production and Sound Design course at Point Blank LA and decided to give it a go. I knew even if it didn’t turn into something serious, I was still doing something I loved, so I had nothing to lose. I also didn’t want to wake up one day and regret that I didn’t even try…
What does success mean to you?
Success for me encompasses growth and learning. It extends beyond professional achievements and is fulfilment in personal relationships, well-being, and the pursuit of a life rich in experiences.
Who are your role models – music wise but also in life in general?
Music wise: Âme (Kristian Beyer), Mind Against, and Mira; each for different reasons. Outside of music, Malala and Nelson Mandala.
Besides music, what makes you happy?
Family, friends, traveling, and snowboarding.
“The challenges of dealing with self-doubt, finding a balance between passion and profession, and dealing with rejection.”
Originally, you are from Tehran, and you live in L.A for quite a while now. What do you miss most about Tehran (besides family and friends), and what do you like most about L.A. and what do you find most difficult?
I miss the mountains. I learned how to snowboard in Tehran and had the best time going to the mountains with my friends.
The best thing about LA is the amazing weather, laidback lifestyle, and diversity. LA has something for everyone. What I don’t like about LA is how far it is from the rest of the world and the traffic! But despite these 2 things, LA is the perfect home for me.
How would you sum up 2023 for you in a few words and what do you hope for 2024?
2023 has been all about not losing hope, building confidence, and being consistent. It has been a good year for me because I have been laser focused on making as much music I can and building my self-confidence in terms of believing in my sound.
In 2024 my goal is to release on bigger labels and get more gigs outside of the US.
Where can people see you live next?
Mid-January in San Francisco and January 20th in my hometown, Los Angeles.
Follow for more:
Mana Nabati (@mantiofc) • Instagram
www.facebook.com/mantiofficial
