With her December debut release, Makéda Manne is the name to remember. Get to know the French artist through her lovely stories, below.
Describe your sound in three words please!
raw, introspective and nostalgic
How did your involvement with music start?
I asked my parents to take violin lessons when I was 3 or 4, and I played until I was 18 years old. We had a piano at home so I would also teach myself to play and write songs when I was 7. Then I actually started singing in church ! I think it is one of the best way to learn music and singing.
What are your major influences in music and beyond?
My parents were listening to a lot of music when I was younger. That’s how I discovered Bob Marley, The Pink Floyd, Genesis, Sade, Billy Paul… It definitely influenced my tastes and work. On another hand, I am a big fan of mid 60s/70s rock, hip-hop, r’n’b and I am also very influenced by french “chanson” as we call it, which is basically poetic french pop music. I blend it all and mainly write about life experiences, spirituality and social justice…
What would you say was the most notable event of the past two years and why?
Well, it is not exactly breaking news but I have to mention the pandemic.. It is unbelievable how it dramatically impacted the entire world in such a short period of time. On a personal level, the whole situation helped me focus on the essentials and I would say that I am grateful for that. I learned to take better care of myself, people I love, and focus on my goals and dreams.
One of your lyrics in ‘Free Me’ says: ‘This world will never see you the same, You need to know your place’. Have you defined your place to be and if yes, how it looks?
I think my place is where I feel at peace with myself, so yes.. I have defined it when I started being ok with who I am and stopped trying to please everyone. But it is an evolving process I guess, an earthly quest.
Should we wait for a debut album in the near future?
I am currently working on an EP. It will definitely be out soon in 2021! Very excited to share 🙂
What do you like to do in your free time that doesn’t include music?
I love reading, literature was my first love. Besides, I have a passion for politics, travelling and eating haha!
Tell us something about you most people don’t know.
I ate a snail alive when I was 5.. I think I didn’t understand it was meant to be cooked and I .. Ok.. it is disgusting.
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