Kris Manzelli

Story

I'm Kris, I've been playing rock n' roll since 2001. Over the years I've had the privilege of playing in or with a bunch of groups. In 2008, following years of an emotionally abusive writing partnership I decided to do something just me, that's when Kristoffer Manzelli was born, followed by a backing band I jokingly named "The Gods of Rock". I probably would have changed it to something else but it amused me to see how many people were offended by the name, so it stuck. I just enjoy the whole process of it. In 2018 I completed the first phase of my home studio.

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music for me is one of the most basic outlets of human expression. For me it's always given me some kind of purpose.

What is your music dream?

Just to be able to make something worth listening to and find my audience.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I think Ozzy said it best when he said, "I don't want to change the world, I don't want the world to change me..." It's my job as an artist to entertain you. I leave my mark on this world by affecting those around me.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, it's the reason I picked up the guitar in the first place.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Warren Zevon first and foremost his music and songwriting are absolutely second to none. Then of course Nirvana was the reason I picked up guitar. I have such a schizo-taste in music, I listen to everything from Jewel to NWA.

What inspires you to make music?

Whatever really. Sometimes I'll hear a song and say, "I need to write THAT song!" When I got my American Professional Telecaster, that guitar alone cranked out the entire new album. People around me and life experiences, you know, the same thing as everyone else.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

I think artists who want to "send a message" are self-important. I'm here to entertain you, not make you feel like shit because we don't see eye to eye 24/7. The message is the song, it's just life as I see it.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Like I'm a God among children, it's ridiculous because one on one in person I'm incredibly shy and introverted. When my feet hit the stage I become the biggest dick swinging prick screaming about 10,000 brown M&M's. You either love me or hate me on stage.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

If I understand the question the musicians' reality is grim. Because of file-sharing and advances in home studio recording we have completely washed out the playing field and set the precedent that the work we create has ZERO monetary value. It doesn't matter if you have talent anymore so long as you understand theory and can program a computer. I don't want to sound like I'm all high and mighty, I'm a barely competent musician I just have a shitload of pizzazz.

What do you think of Drooble?

It seems like a more advanced ReverbNation. We'll see how it works out.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Artists on the local level who are as self-important as a neurotic international act.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I did for the longest time. Unfortunately I've had to step back because of life, marriage, house, career, kid... I still support on digital platforms but I can only make it out for really important gigs for bands I enjoy. I can't be at the bar till 2am anymore. Liver can't handle that life anymore.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Strong sense of business and professionalism and a drive to actually work.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Muelle - https://www.facebook.com/muelleband/ Suzie and the G-Tones - https://www.facebook.com/suzieandthegtones/ Paul Westbrook (Musician and Industry Professional) - https://www.apauloproductions.com/