Deliriously Serious and Nikki Manos go back to 2020 when Nikki asked them to perform on a Halloween live steam special for Rabotat Records. From there, they collaborated on several projects. However, Nikki, Dan, and Luchador's relationship goes back years as all three come from Las Cruces, New Mexico, and went to the same high school where they were involved in music. Nikki Manos combines Cinematic Western Music with Blues Rock and electronic elements to create something unique, which he calls Techno Western. Nikki's intention is also to capture the atmosphere of the American southwest.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Nikki Manos, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Great to speak with you as well, Kamil! I first got into music by my grandpa, a musician in his own right. He used to play in wedding bands and for the Marines when he was stationed in Vietnam. He always encouraged my interest in music to keep me off the streets! Haha
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
In addition to my music career, I’m also a co-owner of Rabotat Records. It can be tricky to juggle and nurture several different artist careers, including my own. Still, I’m unfortunate enough to work from home since the start of the pandemic, which has helped me to focus on maintaining balance.
I believe in a homogenous work/personal life, but with that being said, I make sure to take time for my health and spend time with my girlfriend, who is also the other co-owner of Rabotat Records. To decompress, we love to travel, watch films, and play video games. We do the most things together, which I think helps.
Your latest song is 'Roses & Tumbleweeds'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
The process for Roses & Tumbleweeds is the start of the Nikki Manos project in general. It was one of the first songs that I wrote. I was watching a lot of spaghetti westerns at the time, and I wanted to capture a mid-70s vibe. Saturated & groovy. Dave Austin, who wrote the lyrics and co-produced the album picked this one as a starting point when we came together to track vocals and guitar. While it is one of the last tracks I’m releasing for this project, it was the song that set the tone for the album.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Life is a continual process of learning and growth. Take your time and believe in yourself while encouraging others. Creating with friends and family while experiencing life together is what it’s all about.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
That’s a tricky question because music has saved my life in many different ways. I’m not sure if I would be here without my passion and love for music. I would maybe be a teacher. I love the process of helping someone learn.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I don’t think the work is ever truly finished! Haha, like most artists, we struggle with perfection and set deadlines and try to stick to them. I try to live my career by the words of Johnny Depp in the film Ed Wood, “I know my next one will be better. “
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
I was fortunate enough to play with Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. I remember a lot of pressure playing with legends of that caliber, but how down-to-earth Willie and Kris were. After the show, I got a chance to speak with Willie, and the the thing I thought to say to him as you’re the shit; he said, “I know.” Haha
Do you have a mentor or coach?
In college, I had a mentor Stephen Webber that took me under his wing and gave me a lot of the skills that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise from my education. I’m very thankful to him for that. Since then, my mentor has been the process itself.
Who is your favourite musician?
My favorite musician is probably Miles Davis. He embodied his music and constantly reinvented himself, his community, and his art.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be releasing the whole concept album for Nikki Manos in June. The album will play like a western film. I’m currently rehearsing with a band to bring the songs to life. There are also some other projects, but they’re further down the line.