Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Mani: I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. East New York to be exact. I was surrounded by my music all of my life, my dad was a music producer, songwriter, rapper. I just remember observing what it was that he did and molding it into my own by practicing on my craft.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Mani: My first name is Kiarra Armoni so that’s where Mani came from, I added Madness to it one day out of the blue. The name basically represents two different alter egos. Mani: Singing/Sexy side. Madness: HipHop/Unfiltered side, I definitely don’t hold anything back with Madness!!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Mani: I think online music sharing is good. It’s great for exposure. Yes, I give music away for free, I feel like that’s one way people can recognize you for your craft.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Mani: Stay focused, stay humble, grind, pray.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Mani: I think as artists, we all come across a couple bumps in the road *literally* you just gotta keep going. If this happens, go harder!
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Mani: I would love to tour one day.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Mani: I gather inspiration from past experiences, people around me, and just everyday life. I usually hear a beat that I vibe with and words just come right out. Whether it’s singing or rapping depends on my mood, and what the instruments do for me.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Mani: Facebook: Mani Madness
Instagram: mani_madness_
Twitter: MANI_MADNESS
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Mani: The funny thing is I listen to all types of music, I wouldn’t find the music that I listen to embarrassing at all. It all depends on the mood I’m in.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Mani: First off, I would make sure my family is taken care of. I would most likely lock myself in the studio for months at a time. Last but not least, take some time to reflect with a beautiful vacation.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Mani: I usually record in different studios, one day I would love to own my own studio!!!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Mani: Now with social media being so effective, I usually use Instagram, Twitter, Facebook just to name a few.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Mani: Wow, it’s kind of hard to narrow it down to just one. I would have to say Biggie. Biggie was and still is a legend!!!! His music will never get old, his words will never die!!!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Mani: Working on my album. I would hope to drop a mixtape or an EP before the album is released. Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing? Artist: Something within the music field, maybe behind the scenes, producing, songwriting, directing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Mani: The first album I purchased was Usher; Confessions. I was so inspired by the music, Money well spent. Still one of my favorite albums of all time!
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Mani: My family is a great support system, they keep me on track.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Mani: Look forward to great music, look forward to something different, look forward to a breath of fresh air, look forward to Mani Madness!!!
