Articles - Interviews

Iain & Paul from supersonic chatted with Mani ahead of his forthcoming show…

supersonic: Hi Mani, how’s it going? Can’t wait for the show next week. Have you played in HK before or been to HK before?

Mani: Hi lads, yes twice, it’s a great place, I had my wedding suit made last time I was here in the year 2000 in 24 hours, so it’s been a while.

S: Wow. 10 years! What sort of reaction do you get in Asia?

M: Always amazing, Asian people very loyal and really get into it! I love coming to Asia on holiday and I’ve have been to several different countries so i'm working my way round the Far East!

S: And do you find that the crowds here are knowledgeable?

M: Are you kidding?! Probably more knowledgeable and fanatical than anyone else, especially in Japan

S: Yeah, we always get a great reaction at supersonic. So what sort of stuff are you spinning in your DJ set?

M: Everything from classic ‘Madchester’, indie, soul, funk, it just depends on how I feel! I have a monthly Mod and Northern Soul Night in Manchester called The Beat Club so you could even get a little 60s psyche and freak beat thrown in

S: We’ll check it out next we’re in Manchester. You must be busy at the moment with The Beat Club and with Factory opening...how’s that going? You have a Wednesday night residency, right?

M: Its taken off brilliantly, my 3 Wednesday nights so far have been amazing and its been packed out every night as there are 3 floors playing different music so there is something for everyone. I have got some celebrity mates covering my night while I'm away.

S: Celebrity mates…that brings me onto my next question. Tell us about Freebase [new supergroup consisting of Mani, Andy Rouke and Peter Hook]...when’s the album due out?

M: It’s almost finished thank God!  We hope to get it out asap and do a tour.

S: and are Primal Scream getting back in the studio anytime soon?

M: We are always working on things, next year will be massive…look out!

S: Any plans for an Asian tour with Freebase or the Scream?

M: I love playing live, it’s a buzz!  Would say definitely with both

S: Well you know where supersonic are when you get it sorted! What bands are floating your boat right now?

M: The new Arctic Monkeys record, I like its darker direction

S: Yeah me too, you can hear Josh Homme’s influence on it for sure. Are you still in touch with the other Roses?

M: Ian and John mostly, I speak to both regularly. Reni I see very rarely. I'm still friends with all of them.

S: And finally, the question you must get asked everyday but, do you think the Stone Roses will ever get back together?

M: I do get asked this question every day. I personally would never rule it out. Ian Brown doesn't seem up for it at all, he is happy and successful with his solo career. John squire is very successful with his art at the moment and Reni is allegedly working on new material. I'm always busy with the Scream, Freebass and DJ commitments. To know that we meant so much too many people is beautiful, the way it ended was horrible and for that reason it would be great to get together again and finish it off properly for ourselves and our legions of loyal fans. Will it ever happen? I don't know. I always said the Roses would reform the day after Manchester City win the European Champions league and we all know that isn't going to happen anytime soon ...... or ever. [Mani is a big Manchester United fan!]  I think that say's it all.

S: Cheers Mani, it’s been a pleasure.

M: see you all in Hong Kong for a serious party, all my love

Mani will be DJing at supersonic on Saturday March the 6th at Rockschool.

Where: Rockschool, 2/F The Phoenix, 21-25 Luard Road & 93 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai
When: Saturday 6th March, 10pm til 3am
Cost: $220 incl 1 free Chang beer
More info: www.supersonic-hk.com, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 9616 2075
Start Time:    Saturday, 06 March 2010 at 22:00
End Time:    Sunday, 07 March 2010 at 03:00
Location:    Rockschool
Street:    2/F, The Phoenix, 21-25 Luard Road & 93 Jaffe Road