From PlayStation to Record Label: The M. Mann Story
by EDMBoard Staff April 3, 2023
Hey there music lovers! Today, we have a super cool story to share with you. We’re chatting with M. Mann, a music producer who started his journey by making music on a PlayStation. Yep, you read that right – a PlayStation!
How did you get into the music scene? Tell me your story!
In fact, I have been interested in electronic music since my school years. When I was about 17, I took my first steps on the Music 2000 program, surprisingly, on the PlayStation console! Then, I purchased a PC and started playing MagicMusicMaker and creating music on the JeskolaBuzz tracker. I listened to, and still listen to, Trance, but I started producing Hardstyle tracks. I made HardStyle music from 2003-2010, but then lost interest in this style and production. Of course, I still listened to Trance, but I took a break from production for almost 10 years. During that time, I started a family and now have a beautiful daughter and wife. When I finally found some time for myself, I went back to production, but had to learn all over again on the new Studio One program and in the current Trance vibe, Progressive Trance. When it comes to DJing, I have never really been into it. Apart from playing at school discos, I have not had the opportunity to play for a larger audience.
Who have you collaborated with in the music industry? Any cool labels?
As I mentioned, I have been producing music for three years now. However, since last year, I have started sending each new track to various labels. Currently, I have managed to release tracks with YEISKOMP RECORDS, State Control Records, Trancer Recordings, and of course, three productions with ALVEDA Music. 🙂
Any new releases?
Of course 🙂 I have now finished my first Uplifting Trance project. This was an experiment and a theory that I wanted to test. I cannot say much at the moment. I can only confirm my assumptions depending on where I release it 😉 It is definitely something different from what I have produced before, as it was always progressive trance at 132-134 BPM. Here, it will be at 140 BPM and it is typical uplifting trance. It is a new experience for me.
What’s your studio set-up looking like?
As I mentioned, currently working with DAW: Studio One 6. As for hardware, KRK Rokit 5 monitors, Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO headphones, a Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP sound card, a Nektar Panorama P4 MIDI keyboard, and many VST plugins. 😉
Have you noticed any changes in your music preferences as time has gone by?
I think I’m still faithful to Trance. I started with Trance but at the same time, I listened to Hardstyle. That’s why I liked Sensation White and Black so much. I grew up listening to a generation of artists such as ATB, Black&Jones, Cosmic Gate, Tiesto, 4Strings, and Above&Beyond. For the last 5 years, I have mainly been listening to Progressive Trance like Costa, but of course, I also listen to everything from Armin :). However, my favorite genre is Vocal Trance. In the future, I dream of doing something like this when there is a willing person with an interesting Vocal. As an experiment, I also listen to good melodic Uplifting Trance. Besides, I like classical and film music, and I love the Piano as instrument. I will listen to good Chillout and Progressive House. The stronger climates are Hardcore and Schranz.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
River theme is my favorite. I have many hobbies but not enough time. Besides music, I enjoy drawing photorealistic portraits with a pencil, modeling, assembling scale models, building RC models, and flying drones. I am fascinated by World War II and armored weapons. I also enjoy playing turn-based tactical strategies and RPGs on the computer. When I was younger, I used to play soccer frequently. I enjoy tinkering, repairing, altering, and working with wood, which includes carpentry. That’s about it. 🙂
What’s been your biggest challenge as a music producer?
I guess I’m learning everything from scratch after a 10-year hiatus. During this time, everything has changed. At the moment, I am still learning and grasping the mysteries of mixing. I’m trying to make my next track of better quality, but unfortunately, I still miss a lot. I have the impression that making a track at a high-quality level is as difficult and complicated as the production itself.
What advice would you give to another music producer starting out in his career?
Probably, what everyone has already heard in their lives when they started their career is to practice, listen, practice, and listen a lot again. Ask questions and, most importantly, do not be discouraged by failures and critical remarks. Critical comments are more valuable and uplifting than back-slapping and insincere flattery.
https://www.facebook.com/marcin.mann.908
