Freezing Time: Our Exclusive Interview with Manse

The Swedish dance music scene has produced another huge talent in the form of Manse. The Swede has found a comfortable home amongst the Revealed Recordings family, and has produced a formidable musical résumé with tracks like “Freeze Time,” “Rising Sun,” and collaborations with Kill The Buzz (“Metric”) and Volt & State (“Falling Down”). We caught up with the rising star himself, and discussed his inspiration, tour experiences, his first ever Tomorrowland, and more in our exclusive interview. Enjoy our conversation with Manse!

Where do you find your inspiration as an artist?

First off thanks for having me!

I find inspiration in events and situations that affect me in an emotional sense… I think my music delivers a distinctly happy feeling that puts you in a good mood (except the more electro tracks, like my collaboration with Kill The Buzz, Metric, those are tailored more towards clubs and dancefloors). I usually watch drama movies; mostly movies that have a poignant or sad story, and I also get inspired when I travel to different parts of the world… and of course I get inspired by people!

Who has been your greatest mentor in your career so far?

Definitely Hardwell… he has been supporting my music for 2 years now and I am more than grateful to have his support! It’s a difficult time for up & coming Progressive House artists and you really need someone behind you with experience, but also someone who puts their faith in you as a producer. My manager is also someone who I would like to mention that’s been a huge part of my development – with his knowledge and experience in all the different aspects of the music industry, he has been someone that has helped me to focus on the right stuff, be it finishing tracks or introducing me to amazing singers, I am grateful to be working with such a top-notch team!!

Can you describe the feeling of playing the Revealed Recordings stage at Tomorrowland this summer?

To be performing at Tomorrowland on the Revealed Recordings stage was a dream come true. Even though I had an early slot, the crowd had so much energy. I couldn’t have had a better first festival experience. ☺︎

Manse onstage on the Revealed Recordings stage at Tomorrowland.

How was touring Asia alongside Thomas Newson, Joey Dale, Kill The Buzz, and Julian Calor?

The Revealed Recordings Asia Club Tour was a tour that I’ll probably never forget. Since I am the new guy in the Revealed Family and live in Sweden, it was amazing to get to know the guys even more! Friendships were developed and we had some crazy nights in the different parts of Asia with spontaneous back 2 back sets and funny moments!! The after movie will probably be out in beginning of December, where you will see all the fun we had!

Thomas Newson, Julian Calor, Kill The Buzz, Manse, and Joey Dale during the Revealed Recordings Asia club tour.

With the success of tracks like “Rising Sun” and “Falling Down” with Volt & State, do you feel pressure to make your sound fit a certain mold?

Don’t forget my first debut single ‘Freeze Time’ haha… as I wrote earlier its really difficult to stand out today in the music scene. I would describe my sound as 2012 progressive house with a 2015 twist when it comes to rhythms and mixing. I work really hard on every single track, with a lot of detail work to make them stand out, and I think you should never feel pressured when it comes down to the creative side of making music.

Who is an artist that you would like to collaborate with?

Definitely Hardwell, Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Arty, Martin Garrix, Justin Bieber and U2 just to mention a few!

What advice would you give a younger Manse about music?

Do what style YOU want to do, not what’s trendy.

Work HARD, there is always someone who is working harder than you.

Watch a lot of YouTube tutorials and read a lot of Studio magazines.

What do you do when you encounter creative block as a producer?

Luckily that hasn’t happened to me on a longer scale yet, I have too much inspiration right now, but a secret place I go where I ALWAYS get inspired, no matter what, is Åre, which is a ski resort high up north in Sweden… I always go there when its low season during summer, spring or autumn and when there are basically only locals in town.

What is your most ambitious goal for the next few years?

My most ambitious goal is to be playing on the major festivals mainstages… to get there we will work hard to show people that when they come to my show, they will experience a party they will never forget! I love to be on stage and perform and to create a connection between me and the crowd to spread my energy!

Can you tell us about any upcoming music for 2016?

Right now I am working on music for 2017 where I try to elaborate on my current sound… the music for 2016 will be my typical Manse sound (like Freeze Time, Rising Sun and the Chills Remix) on which I have been working with some amazing singers and songwriters! When it comes to collaborations I am working with Thomas Newson, Julian Calor, Joey Dale, another track with Volt & State, and also with Arston at some point since we been talking about making a collaboration for a while now… so stay tuned ☺︎