Manni Dee’s techno smells something like burning rubber. Since his 2013 ‘Pareidolia’ EP, the London-based producer and DJ has been turning out breakneck warehouse fillers with an ear for the unsettled. Originally from the city of Wolverhampton, Manni has slowly but surely become one of the most recognised UK techno producers. Now a repeat offender on Ali Wells fronted Perc Trax, the renowned producer initially dropped his solo debut album on the esteemed Tresor Records, and has since released a plethora of formidable techno tracks on imprints such as Amsterdam’s Leyla label and South London Analogue Material. With remix work for Daniel Avery, Louisahhh, The Horrors and Sleaford Mods under his belt, Manni continues to push the boundaries of contemporary techno. A respected and established DJ in the scene and a host of a monthly Rinse FM show, Manni has consistently blessed the dancefloors across the world and at top-tier parties such as Possession, Boiler Room and Unsound Festival to name a few.
Continuing his fine run of form, Manni returns to Ansome and Ossian’s infamous South London Analogue Material (S.L.A.M) label with his “Idolise The Ugly” EP, celebrating the label’s fourteenth vinyl release with four relentless cuts. Mastered at Glowcast Mastering by Conor Dalton, this ferocious techno record includes vocal features from DJ and producer Louisahhh, as each track ventures into the gritty punk territory. Do not sleep.
How are you? And what have you been getting up to recently?
I’m good all things considered. I’ve been keeping busy with making music and other creative projects.
From an artist’s point of view, how have you found lockdown and what keeps you motivated whilst producing?
I think being a solo music producer is probably one of the best professions that can prepare you for a lockdown. The weekdays are pretty much the same for me. It’s tough to say what keeps me motivated. Making music is such a big part of my life that it feels like nothing can stop me from doing it.
Your new record EP “Idolise The Ugly” is a great listen, can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the record and how would you describe it?
The EP was mainly written while clubs were still open, so the inspiration mainly comes from the dance floor. It’s a club focused EP, which does feel a little strange it being released now the clubs are closed.
What was the creative and production process behind the record?
I worked with a combination of software and hardware. Vocals from Louisahhh’s feature on War Cry and Snot & Salt. I love processing vocals and I knew Louisahhh’s voice would be perfect for both songs. I sent her the finished tracks, she wrote and recorded her vocals to them and sent me the vocal stems to work with.
If you had to pick a favourite track from the EP, which one would it be and why?
Snot & Salt. It’s definitely gonna be everyone else’s least favourite haha.
Can you tell us more about your relationship with South London Analogue Material?
Ansome and Ossian have always been supportive of my music, and we’ve been friends for a few years now. They give me creative freedom with what I want to do both musically and regarding artwork so I really appreciate that.
As a London-based producer, how has the capital influenced your sound and how much of an impact has the city had on the overall techno scene?
I think it has an impact when you allow it to. My first album for example was a conceptual record about London and the politics surrounding it and the U.K. in general. For the scene it’s a very impactful city. Even though a lot of artists have relocated to Berlin, there’s still a strong creative and passionate community of artists here. I have to give a shout out to Fold. They’re doing great things as a club and creative space. There aren’t many places like that in London at the moment.
What’s the plan for 2021 and do you have any further releases in store?!
There’s more music coming out this year along with other projects I’m currently working on.
“Idolise The Ugly” is out now on S.L.A.M and is available to buy from Bandcamp.
Tracklist:
1. War Cry
2. Delicious Repetitious
3. False Dawn
4. Snot & Salt
