Dean Manning is a talented Australian musician who has been making music for a long time With new music out. This is what he had to say about it all.
1. What inspired the song Be My Friend?
A long slow fadeout.
2. Were you happy how it has been received?
Yes. Radio, zines, blogs & playlists in a bunch of different countries have supported it.
3. How does a song start for you?
Usually a lyric, a line of two, will lead the way.
4. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Friends, news, overheard conversations, books, movies, relationships … everything is fair game.
5. Has your songwriting changed from when you were starting out?
I’ve always kept a notebook. When I write it always feels like the first time which is probably what keeps me coming back.
6. Do you think the music scene has changed from your years in bands?
In Leonardo’s Bride we used to send invitations to gigs in the post. We’d take a photo (on film) of a scene & shoot it 36 times then get a 2 for 1 print deal at the chemist. We’d write on the back and mail it to fans. Has the music scene changed since back then? Some parts have enormously.
7. Does this experience help you in the way you work as a musician?
I appreciate the organic process of nurturing things and the people who make it happen.
8. Do you have set theme for your music or does it go with the flow and changes?
It’s always changing. On the new record Sunday Mountain there’s songs about a talking parrot, fame, gambling, long drives and picnics.
9. Do you like to write with out inspiration or distractions or do you need a bit of both?
Inspiration is a gem and distractions are unavoidable. Songwriting is a way of life. There are good and bad days. You take it as it comes.
10. How important is having a plan in place for your music?
Since 2003 I’ve released 6 albums on my own label Cloudy But Fine so I’ve had to learn things. You do want people to hear the music.
