‘The Eighth Note’ is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians.
A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.
Today’s guest is the multi-talented Myele Manzanza.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
My name is Myele Manzanza. I’m a drummer/composer/producer based in Wellington. I seem to be called a jazz musician these days but my style is pretty broad.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
At the moment I’ve been going in deep on getting ready for the Wellington Jazz Festival concerts. I’ve got some world premiere’s up my sleeve which I’m looking forward to sharing with a local crowd.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
At my Website. Aside from your local record store, Bandcamp is the spot for buying. Tidal is the spot for streaming. [Wellington Music Collection: One on CD, OnePointOne: live at the Blue Whale, Los Angeles on Vinyl].
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
Korn – Issues
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
I really really wanna do something with an orchestral type energy to it. I love how John Psathas and Gareth Farr compose, so as far as Wellington musicians I haven’t already worked with I’d love to see what we could cook up.
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
Not that I get to play there very often, but doing the Wellington Opera House a few years ago with Ross McHenry was pretty special.
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
I’ve been doing a lot more of “old-fashioned-way” composing. Sitting at a piano with manuscript and a pencil, and starting from there. Once I’ve fleshed out enough of a frame work I’ll present it to the band and we try to make something of it from there. The good thing about “jazz” per-se is that the creative effort is as much in the performance each night as it is in the “composing”, so the musicians have room to shape it into it’s own thing each time.
Where/when is your next gig?
Meow for the Wellington Jazz Festival!
7th June 7pm – Myele Manzanza Trio
8th June 7pm – Myele Manzanza and the Eclectic.
Tickets have been selling pretty well so I recommend getting your presales sorted at jazzfestival.co.nz to guarantee your spot!